And that’s a wrap 2023! Christmas with IR Department

 

As we near the end of 2023, the team at the IR Department thanks you for another great year. We've had the celebratory dinner with obligatory party hats and corny jokes. We've also reflected on 'the year that was' and each team member has provided one fact or lesson learnt, along with a book/podcast or tv series that we recommend.

We hope you have a very Merry Christmas – from the IR Department Team!

Read on for our team tips:

Jane Lowe, Founder and Managing Director

What was one interesting fact or lesson you learnt from 2023?

“In 2023, I learnt that I really love to run. I also learnt that being too gung-ho about HIIT running can result in the need to slow down again and recondition! This was a valuable lesson - take time to warm up before giving it your all. It hasn't put me off running and I hope to do a lot of it over the holidays along my favourite coastal routes.“

What is your favourite book/podcast (or tv series) recommendation for the year

“I read a book called “Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin. It was about gamers and gaming, but also about love and disability and life’s challenges. It was sad and deep, but also happy and uplifting in many places.

I’ll add a special mention to the Imperfects podcast. It covers some harrowing ground, but I love how the Imperfects crew are so respectful of their guests and approach difficult topics with empathy and humour. I’ll be listening to some eps whilst running.”

Cherie Hartley, Communications Director

What was one interesting fact or lesson you learnt from 2023?

“In 2023 I learned that womens' sport can be as powerful, if not more powerful, than mens' sport... and I was reminded that there is nothing like sport to unite us as a country. The Matildas captivated the country and for the first time, many major brands and companies started to realise the marketability of women’s sport, and it’s about time!”

What is your favourite book/podcast (or tv series) recommendation for the year

“Unfortunately I have the same book sitting on my bedside table that was there at the start of the year so I can’t provide any reading recommendations, but I can highly recommend the imperfects podcast which explores different topics that shed light on how imperfect we all are. On the TV, I was obsessed with the Beckham documentary series (along with the rest of Australia)… I loved the little insights into their family as well as learning about what David Beckham went through in his career, and how incredibly resilient and determined he was.”

Ilona Marchetta, Account Director / ESG Practice Lead

What was one interesting fact or lesson you learnt from 2023?

A great lesson I learned (and am still learning) is that just because something might seem difficult and complex, it doesn’t mean that it is – it just means you haven’t understood it yet. Instead of saying “that’s too hard”, I learnt the value in eating the metaphorical elephant one bite at a time.

What is your favourite book/podcast (or tv series) recommendation for the year

“Psycho-Cybernetics, written in the 1960s by plastic surgeon Maxwell Maltz, is the original self-help book upon which most of today’s gurus seemed to have built their ideas on. The premise is that self-perception is the biggest driver of one’s outcomes, and if you can change your subconscious beliefs about yourself, you’ll change your reality.”

Phillipa (Pip) Thorn, Senior Account Manager

What was one interesting fact or lesson you learnt from 2023?

“Remember to not let the business of life take over the all-important fact that (to me) family and friends are the most important element. Inevitably, some of them may not be around as long as you’d like, so take the time to enjoy their company or make them something you know will make them smile. This will make your heart smile too!”

What is your favourite book/podcast (or tv series) recommendation for the year

“I was late to the party reading “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus, but it was a book that I thoroughly enjoyed and could not put down. At a time where STEM is encouraged amongst female students and they are encouraged to grow up to be independent and equal to men, this was a stark reminder of how far society has come, while also featuring a fascinating story featuring personalities on the spectrum, love and inequality. I suggest reading first then watching the series on Apple TV.”

Anna Cvijetic, Account Manager

What was one interesting fact or lesson you learnt from 2023?

“How so much change can happen in one year, and all the growth that comes with it. To celebrate the great wins that come, but to also slow down sometimes and see what lessons need to be learnt at the right time.”

What is your favourite book/podcast (or tv series) recommendation for the year

“I loved ‘The Night Agent’ on Netflix – such a thriller and I binge watched the whole thing over a weekend!”

Jack McLintock, Corporate Media Relations Manager

What was one interesting fact or lesson you learnt from 2023?

“For me, 2023 was a powerful reminder of what collectivism can achieve. When people come together, in a structured way or naturally through events and circumstances, incredible things can happen. The continued global rise in the importance of social, climate, and economic justice as more and more people feel their impacts is a great example of this.”

What is your favourite book/podcast (or tv series) recommendation for the year

“Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1, is my pick of the year. Just four short episodes, but it tells an incredible story of how a team that was quite literally bought for a single pound stormed to unprecedented success. A great reminder of what determination and drive can achieve.”

George Kopsiaftis, IR Specialist

What was one interesting fact or lesson you learnt from 2023?

“Outside of reading finance related material, I wasn’t reading any literature this year. My lesson is that audio books have become a great means of relaxing and escaping.”  

What is your favourite book/podcast (or tv series) recommendation for the year

“I really enjoyed watching “Only Murders in The Building” a comedy produced and starring Steve Martin, Martin short and Selena Gomez, who are neighbours in a New York building complex that start a podcast to solve a murder in the building. Seasons 2 and 3 involve additional murders in the building.”

Christine Ashton, Bookkeeper

What was one interesting fact or lesson you learnt from 2023?

“2023 reinforced for me something I already knew, ‘Live life to the fullest, every single day!’ - so easy to forget in the rush and hubbub of daily life.”  

What is your favourite book/podcast (or tv series) recommendation for the year

“My go-to, every morning, is The Briefing, a 20 minute daily news podcast giving the latest headlines, in the first 10 minutes, followed by a 10 minute discussion/interview on a current topic.  It is hosted by Tom Tilley and a rotating list of co-hosts and is probably targeted largely at 30 somethings.  I love the quick update on what is in the news and the language/context it provides me for generating dinner table discussions with my kids, who are in their 20s.”