'My profession was actually as an opera singer. I was singing professionally until I was about 60 – that was 30 years ago. I’ve only been doing ballet classes since Tina (professional ballet dancer and choreographer Tina Yong) started running it at ReCreation Health Club Trackside in Hampton a few years ago. Tina said to me, “You... Continue Reading →
Quiz: were you born in the right generation?
Ever feel like you’re a throwback to a different generation, or perhaps even born ahead of your time? Associate Professor Andrew Singleton, a sociologist with Deakin’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences, says characterising different generations can be tricky – for every ‘rule’ there’s someone who won’t fit the mould. Deakin University's this website. Take... Continue Reading →
How to be a manager (and lead your mates)
Who’d want to be a manager? After all, dealing with difficult people, solving disputes and taking on more responsibility comes with the territory. But being promoted to a managerial position is one of the best ways to climb the career ladder, and get a fatter pay cheque to boot. So if you’ve recently shifted into... Continue Reading →
How to make friends as an adult
Let’s be frank: no one likes to admit they could do with a few more amigos. But sometimes – perhaps you’re extremely unlikeable (I jest!) – you may find your social calendar a little lacking. Maybe you’ve moved to a new postcode, city or country, or have suddenly realised all your friends are up to... Continue Reading →
I’m an Airbnb host and I’m falling out of love with Airbnb
COMMENT I’ve started to wonder whether Airbnb has become, well, too “mainstream”. Do people no longer respect the trust that underpins the whole deal? Is it OK to smoke in a no-smoking apartment, to leave rubbish all over the place? Domain, Fairfax Media. Full story here
The Australian couple restoring an 18th century French chateau
When Perth couple Karina and Craig Waters hired a car and headed on a scenic drive towards the Pyrenees, they weren’t seriously expecting to buy an 18th century, 96-room chateau. After all, what business would an Australian taxation accountant and a neurological surgeon have in pouring their blood, sweat and savings into a French historical... Continue Reading →
Grant Trebilco’s Fluro Friday movement: How surfing saved my life
If you spot Grant Trebilco out in the waves – ripping it up in a pair of bright yellow leggings, perhaps a floral shirt, and a face slathered in pink zinc – you'd assume the surfer is one of the most carefree blokes getting around. But paddle closer, and the 36-year-old may share some darker stories. Like... Continue Reading →
‘My biggest mistake’: Entrepreneurs reveal where they went wrong
By definition, entrepreneurs are rule-breakers who thrive on testing the limits. But with the potential for great success and acclaim comes the potential for their businesses to go right off the rails – at least temporarily. MySmallBusiness, The Age. Full story here
The rise of Airbnb’s sidekick start-ups
It’s no secret that Airbnb is booming, with 70,000 listings in Australia alone – double that of last year. But while its founders are laughing all the way to the bank, Airbnb’s success is also paying dividends for the many businesses that have sprung up around it. ShortPress. Full story here
On board Australia’s newest cruise ship
Without getting too salty, losing your 'virginity' (cruise virginity that is) is apparently quite the big deal. Indeed, it's clear there are two types of people on any cruise. Those who have, and those who have not sailed the high seas. Those who know the difference between a boat and a ship, for example. Or... Continue Reading →