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A GUIDE TO BEING A TRAVELLING CEO
Justine McLaughin of Revolution Four shares with us her experience of being a
Travelling CEO - proving that you can work anywhere in the world.
How lucky are we to live in a world where technology enables
working from any place in the world easier than ever? The last two
years has seen a rise in the ‘Digital Nomad’ - a type of person who
uses technology to earn a living and more generally, conduct their
life in a nomadic manner, travelling the world working remotely
from co working spaces, coffee shops or more importantly
somewhere that has Wi-Fi.
Not being one to follow trends, although very drawn to the life of a
Digital Nomad I now embrace the title of a Travelling CEO. Visiting
over 18 countries within the last 24 months from the Netherlands
through to Vietnam and Vegas to name just a few. A travelling CEO
represents a different mind-set from that of a nomad – such person
does not run away from anyone or anything and they use two things
to work more efficiently: Self-awareness and Technology. Being a
Travelling CEO does not mean that you must lead a huge company –
it only means that you are your own boss, you manage your job and
you know how to manage both yourself and the people you work
with to create win-win situations.
This month’s journey took me to Australia to take in the sights of
Sydney and Melbourne. The most important thing to remember as a
Travelling CEO is that you are not going on holiday! Mind-set is key
and from the moment you get to the airport until the moment you
are heading back your mind-set differs, you focus, you begin to look
at the bigger picture and find yourself with the luxury that is time,
time to understand your business journey and plan how you want to
implement the changes within it without any distractions.
Australia and especially Sydney is a pricey destination. You can join
in with the backpackers and stay in a dorm for approx. $20 a night
but as my laptop is one of my most prized possessions having my
own safe place, with my own toilet was much higher priority! For
a decent apartment with kitchenette you are looking at in excess
of $1000 a week right in the heart of Sydney and if you have the
disposable income I would strongly recommend it!
The city is a bustling hive of activity, weather this time of the year
hits peeks of 48 degrees and in some places, unbearable humidity…
but I loved it! The harbour is breathtaking, both day and night lends
itself to completely different atmospheres. There are people from all
walks of life even your Aboriginals setting up shop in Circular Quay
to show you their wares. The daytime opens a plethora of co working
spaces of which are extremely handy not only to charge your laptop,
use better Wi-Fi and to enjoy the icy cold breeze of air-con but also
proves extremely helpful when all your electrical devices turn off due
to overheating in the sun! (Best Co working space in Sydney – Fish
burners). Coffee Shops often close early approx. 3pm and Wi-Fi in
the city is one of the worst I have experienced so when you find a
location with good Wi-Fi and a great atmosphere, stay there (Opera
Bar Circular Quay). Tip: If you ask the waitress if they have Wi-Fi
anywhere and they reply with resentment, you aren’t going to be
made to feel welcome sipping on your chamomile for the rest of the
day.
I would recommend buying a phone plan to make sure you’re
never running out of data. There tends to be free Wi-Fi hotspots
everywhere but they aren’t great, so getting around with Google
Maps proves difficult. After falling head over in heels in love with
78 wirrallife.com
Sydney I had heard so many great things about Melbourne and with
the Australian Open on I embraced the hour and a half long flight
and made my way to what is known as one of the world’s greatest
cities.
Melbourne’s street art scene is one of the most vibrant and important
in the world, it showcases one of the most instagramable shopping
centres along with the world’s most attractive train station, Flinder
Street Station in Melbourne, which is very easy on the eye. The city
boasts an eclectic mix of music and apparently, the world’s greatest
coffee although I must say my search proved unsuccessful! It must be
said, Melbourne’s Wi-Fi was drastically better and there were more
co-working spaces than I ever could have hoped for (Work Club –
Melbourne, being the best) but there was just something missing…
Luckily enough I managed to make it in time to watch what could be
Andy Murray's last ever tennis game at the Australian Open 2019.
What an experience. One thing to take from Melbourne was that
they have set up their transport for tourists, the infrastructure was
outstanding and so easy to navigate. I stayed outside the city in St
Kilda, amazing beachside location, but for me, there wasn’t the same
vibe or buzz as there was in Sydney the atmosphere wasn’t there. I
think with a group of friends Melbourne would have won me over
but as a solo traveller, Sydney won my heart.
As a Travelling CEO embracing every opportunity will open
doors not only to new destinations and experiences but business
opportunities. I can honestly say I have made some incredible
connections within 3 weeks of being based in Sydney not only within
business but lifelong friends. Becoming confident travelling alone
and speaking to people allows me to experience things I probably
wouldn’t in normal circumstances and inspires me in so many ways.
I then use these experiences and implement what I have learnt or
taken from them within my business. Some of the best decisions I
have made within my career have come from conversations with
inspirational individuals in locations across the world and for that
I will be forever grateful. I wonder where my next journey will take
me…
Hidden Gems Sydney:
•
The Mercantile Rooftop Bar, The Rocks - Doesn’t look appealing
from outside but the rooftop bar has some amazing views and
the vibes buzzing.
•
Arygle Bar, The Rocks - Amazing venue, no Wi-Fi but the
courtyard connects several restaurants and a bar.
Hidden Gems Melbourne:
•
Bongo's on the Beach, St Kilda - Keep your ears open for a
group of locals who gather on the beach with their bongo's and
invite people to dance along like nobody is watching – one of
the most inspiring moments of my trip.
•
Naked for Satan, Fitzroy - With one of the best views of
Melbourne this bar is well worth a visit. Popcorn Chicken is
well worth a go!
Follow Justine’s journey on Instagram @jus_inspo or email
[email protected] with any questions about becoming
your very own Digital Nomad.