A word with Co-founder of Joblist Taylor Abernethy-Newman
Occupation: Co-founder of Joblist New Zealand LTD
Age: 27
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
In my late teens, I was in the passenger seat for some pretty traumatic experiences. By the time I was 20, my perspective of the world had changed a lot. I wouldn’t want to change my 20-year-old self’s journey in any way, but if I could feed back two things, the first one would be to lose the ego earlier, it’ll help you achieve great things. The second being, what you know about the universe is 0.01%, so never stop being curious.
How do you stay motivated?
The truth. Just having blind faith in the universe. It’s worked out pretty bloody well so far.
If you didn’t need money, what would you do?
I would start a gin distillery that used goats as lawnmowers. Somewhere I could also be a scuba diving instructor.
What is the secret to success?
Love joy and gangster sh*t.
Tame your ego, find the joy in everything, ignore the negative bullshit, show love and kindness to everyone and it will find its way straight back to you. Combine that with hard work and you’ve got the start of a pretty good equation.
What is your advice for people to fund their dream?
Having a great idea is a great start. But people don’t only invest in an idea, they invest in the humans behind it. The B team with the A idea will often fall short of the A team with the B idea. Surround yourself with motivated, positive people. The rest will come easily.
What is the best bit of advice, or quote, that resonates with you?
Freddie Mercury, who I believe had a beautiful perspective on the world, finishes one of Queens songs with a beautiful quote.
“Anywhere the wind blows”
What’s your favourite restaurant?
Pane e Vino in Ponsonby. The tiramisu… Santa merde.
How do you keep up to date with current affairs?
Reading articles on the internet and the newspaper in the local coffee shop.
What makes you feel alive?
Being outside of my comfort zone and living in the moment.
I have a particular affinity to the ocean. So being in and around the ocean or water pretty much instantly grounds me and makes me feel alive.