Murray – Sprout Daily

What’s your favourite place on the Northern Beaches?
Anywhere in the water.

Is there something about you that would surprise people?
I’m actually from the Gold Coast moved to Sydney in 2003.

What’s something everyone should do at least once?
If you’re a surfer a boat trip in Mentawai because it’s so indulgent in this great part of the world because you are indulging your love of surfing. It’s beautiful.

It’s Sunday afternoon, where do we find you?
On a rock somewhere between Delwood Beach and Manly Cove.

If you were down to your last $50 what would you spend it on?
Not entirely sure but there would definitely be coffee involved…

Business

How did Sprout Daily happen?  How long have you been operating?
I didn’t actually start Sprout, my friend Barnaby did back in 2008. I started working with him in that first year casually and I got more involved over the years and in 2012 I took over the business.

Best business experience?
Attending an Eddy Adams Workshop in Upstate New York. It was an intense 3 days mentoring workshop with some of the best photographers in the world, attendance via selection. (Eddy Adams is a famous photographer)

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Probably working for one of the surf brands. I started out working for universities and moved to Sydney from the Gold Coast to work for Macquarie Uni. I liked the job but hated the commute.

Best part of your job or most enjoyable part of your job?
Being up and in nature so early in the day and seeing the colours of the day change.

Most stressful part of your job?
Administration that goes with the job.

Weirdest thing that has ever happened at work?
A solitary dolphin on the beach at Queenscliff swimming with the surfers which swam around for more than 2 hours. It would go over to greet new surfers as they entered the water.

What’s the best part of working on the Northern Beaches? Why’d you chose to work here?
Its’ a beautiful place with great beaches, water and scenery and most importantly no commuting.

Personal

What would you rate 10/10?
Diavola pizza from deVita Pizza.

What is the best advice you’ve received?
A friend recently gave me a good tip on how to clean my camera using candle wax.

hat’s the best thing that’s happened to you this week?
Being up early this morning for a great sunrise.

Greatest strength?
Happy demeanour.

Greatest weakness?
Hanging around and talking too much. I need to better with my own time management.

Does anything scare you?
Big waves. Anything over triple overhead can be very scary.

Which virtue do you most admire in people?
Contentment. It’s too easy to want for more these days but the people I really admire know what they want, work hard for it and know the virtues of what they have.

What’s your most treasured possession?
That’s a hard one, I try not to get too attached to anything really.  But, I have a favourite coffee cup I drink my stove-top espresso out of each morning. Oh, and life with a van is pretty great.  It’s old but I love it so I guess my van is treasured.

What’s your idea of absolute happiness?
Simplifying life so you can give attention to the most important things in life. Which two famous people would you choose to be stuck in a lift with? Anthony Robins and Mick Fanning

What travel experiences is on your bucket list?
Iceland.  Love to spend some time exploring the landscape and witnessing the aurora borealis.. maybe even go surfing!

How do you switch off? 
Surfing.  Best disconnect I’ve found and it’s accessible everyday!

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Coffee and Chocolate. Sugar and Caffeine

Who’s your personal hero?
Probably Bob Hawke right now.  I’m reading Wednesday with Bob right now and the way he relates to people and the interest he has in the world is pretty inspiring.

If you were an animal, what would you be?
Human.

How would you like to be remembered?
For being kind, open and generous to friends and strangers.

What’s the last question you would like us to ask you?
How do I sign up to get the Sprout Daily emails?