How Do You Keep Up With Current Affairs?

Ryan Newton

Occupation: General Manager at Culture – The Social-Led Agency
Age: 34

What’s your morning routine? 
I’m a morning person, so I’m up at 5am and on my laptop. I clear the emails and knock out a few big tasks, then it’s straight into getting my one year old ready at 6.45am.

What are the top three things on your bucket list? 
Compete at the Hawaii Ironman. Get to 50 mararthons. Learn to play an instrument.

What advice would you give your 20 year-old self? 
Work hard to get the foundations right, but don’t take it all too seriously – make the most of being young.

How do you stay motivated? 
Goal setting is really important to me – both short and long term. I’m also driven by the desire to be able to give my son the best opportunities in life.

If you didn’t need money, what would you do? 
Move to France and travel around Europe.

What is the secret to success? 
I’m not sure I’d say that I’m a success yet, but for me, the most important things are working your ass off, staying persistent and knowing that details matter.

What is the worst mistake you’ve made and how did you fix it?
I’ve often gone too long between sporting events and fallen off the horse. I now know I always need to set the next goal for motivation.

What is your advice for people to fund their dream?
Figure out where you want to go and what it’ll take to get there, then go for it. Sometimes it’ll mean sacrifices.

What is the best bit of advice, or quote, that resonates with you? 
Fail fast, fix fast, learn fast.

What’s your favourite restaurant? 
Can’t go past White + Wong’s in the Viaduct.

How do you keep up to date with current affairs?
I spend a lot of time on social media with my work, so I get a lot of information through there. Also news apps and podcasts like The Daily.

What is the secret of living a longer, more successful life? 
Balance! And surround yourself with people you enjoy being with.

What makes you feel alive?
Seeing my son having a great time, learning and smiling. Spending time with friends and family. Seeing hard work pay off.