NewsBite

Work hacks

Yesterday

Cicada boss Sally Ann Williams.

A top CEO reveals what you shouldn’t do in a job interview

Cicada Innovations chief Sally-Ann Williams discusses tips when trying to advance your career, and the thing she does every morning to make better decisions.

  • Sally Patten and Martin Peralta

This Month

Paul Scurrah.

The mantra that keeps this CEO ahead of the game

Former Virgin CEO Paul Scurrah reveals how he avoids distractions, what he has learnt from the collapse of two airlines and why he doesn’t eat until midday.

  • Sally Patten and Martin Peralta

October

This top accountant doesn’t eat in airport lounges, with one exception

Tony Schiffmann, chief executive partner at accounting firm BDO, reveals why he schedules all his meetings in the morning, why he doesn’t lunch, and the airport lounge he likes to eat in.

  • Sally Patten

August

How this CEO wins back clients his business has lost

Advertising boss Michael Rebelo is a big believer in being magnanimous when he loses a deal or a client.

  • Sally Patten and Lap Phan

July

The six tips that stuck with 2024’s BOSS Young Executives

There’s no single route to the top. But a few good habits will help you on your way.

  • Sally Patten
Advertisement

Why this top lawyer has a nanny

For KWM chief executive partner Renae Lattey, having home help means that she gets time to herself, as well as time to devote to her family and job. 

  • Ciara Seccombe and Lap Phan
Joy Krige at Vans Cafe in Cottesloe, Perth. Krige likes to exercise in the morning, which she says is her time.

What this CEO eats depends how bad the last meeting was

Joy Krige, CEO of Cranecorp Australia in Perth, grazes from her snack drawer during the day, rather than eat a formal breakfast or lunch.

  • Sally Patten

June

Top CEO reveals the biggest mistakes he ever made

Koda Capital CEO Paul Heath says among the worst errors he has made is failing to realise how difficult change can be for staff.

  • Ciara Seccombe and Lap Phan

April

Setting yourself a goal to lose weight may not work.

The four steps that change your behaviour - and achieve goals

Rather than setting goals, we are better off finding cues to trigger new habits.

  • Amantha Imber
Dale Connor eats breakfast at The Grounds of the City in Sydney’s CBD.

Why this CEO packs five days’ worth of work into four days

Lendlease Australia chief executive Dale Connor lives in Brisbane but spends his workweek in the property company’s Sydney office.

  • Sally Patten

March

Why this CEO is happy to admit he is ‘not particularly smart’

Intrepid Travel chief James Thornton says he did “OK” at school and isn’t that smart. But he was CEO by the age of 35.

  • Sally Patten and Lap Phan

February

Karl Morris at Avenue on George in Sydney’s CBD.

Meet the CEO who doesn’t do Friday drinks

Karl Morris, CEO of stockbroking firm Ord Minnett and chairman of National Rugby League team Brisbane Broncos, is trying out intermittent fasting. But he is “no disciple”.

  • Updated
  • Sally Patten

January

Woolworths young executive Andrew Cooper at Bloodhound Espresso in Darlinghurst, Sydney on December 19, 2023.

Why this Woolworths executive no longer brings a laptop to meetings

In our Summer Breakfast with the BOSS series, Andrew Cooper, head of transformation at Woolworths Metro, says ditching his laptop for an old-fashioned paper notebook has helped him become more productive in meetings.

  • Updated
  • Lois Maskiell
Emma Wright, chief people officer at WorkCover Queensland, at Three Geese Espresso in Brisbane’s CBD.

Why this executive says Sundays are the most important day

WorkCover Queensland chief people officer and BOSS Young Executive Emma Wright reveals what an MBA taught her about time management.

  • Tess Bennett
Cynthia Scott

Nine CEOs reveal their favourite productivity hacks

Removing social media apps, reducing the length of meetings, listening to podcasts at faster speeds, and ChatGPT are among the tools chief executives use to get more out of their day.

  • Updated
  • Sally Patten and Euan Black
Advertisement
David Donnoli, associate director of operations in Australia and New Zealand for Swisse Wellness, says intermittent fasting has given him a razor-like focus.

Why this executive fasts for 17 hours a day

Swisse Wellness operations director and BOSS Young Executive David Donnoli says intermittent fasting gave him a razor-like focus that took him back to his 20s.

  • Euan Black
Jessica Hallett, head of digital strategy, partnerships and innovation at Westpac, has breakfast at Barton Milk Bar in Melbourne’s east.

Why Wednesday afternoons are a meeting-free zone for this exec

Westpac digital strategy head and BOSS Young Executive Jessica Hallett says Wednesday afternoons are her time to read and carry out tasks to empower her team.

  • Euan Black

October 2023

Why this CEO avoids email and shuns morning routines

Living with a bit of chaos breeds creativity, says Sarah Derry, CEO of Accor in the Pacific.

  • Updated
  • Sally Patten and Euan Black

My boss is a workaholic. How can I keep up without ruining my life?

Workplace expert Michelle Gibbings says the answer lies in open and honest communication. And clarifying your boss’ expectations is a good place to start.

  • Euan Black

September 2023

Watching workplace suck-ups can be excruciating.

How to survive the workplace: timeless tips from a Roman emperor

Ancient concepts of stoicism from Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” still offer insights into navigating the pitfalls of modern office politics.

  • Annie Lawson

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/topic/work-hacks-1nng