Think 5 Years Ahead in Your Career

I’m turning 50 in a few days, so perhaps I can proffer a small tip to my much younger colleagues in the industry.

When I interview people, I’m always on the look out for people who act and present five years older than their current age.

Why? Because it tells me they’re ambitious and they’re prepared to back themselves.

If you’re 20 something, bite off more than you can chew and chew like hell. Put your hand up to take on assignments and roles that would normally be given to far more experienced executives.

Then roll up your sleeves. It’s amazing how much you can learn in 18 months if you have a scorching sense of urgency – more than the ‘less ambitious’ learn in an entire career.

A hack I used to achieve this effect was to brainwash myself into thinking I was 5-years older than I was. So at 25, I thought myself 30; and at 30 I thought myself 35. That made me put my hand up a lot more.

At the age of 27, while I was still at Macquarie, I put my hand up to make the pitch to the Queensland Premier’s office on a multi-billion dollar toll road privatisation. I didn’t win the deal but it helped secure the self belief that ultimately led to EG Funds and Willow.

When it comes to your career, never let anyone tell you that you have lots of time. You’re always running out of time.