Your Say: What Success Means To You
Nicola Liew
Architectural Graduate
I’d name my autobiography…
If I ever wrote an autobiography, I’d probably name it something like Content To Watch The Sun Set. I’d like the title to reflect my desire to appreciate and enjoy the simple, beautiful aspects of our life on this planet. The title would also communicate my commitment to living life to the fullest and the satisfaction this brings as our time on this planet draws to a close.
To me success means…
Living out my passions and not compromising one for the other. Success is enhancing the lives of others through thoughtful design, while equally keeping my bucket full of family, friends and surf. There is no better way to start the day than out on the water watching the sun come up between sets.
Creativity requires fluid thinking, it requires you to be open and adaptable, it requires space and time. There are similarities between surfing and design and curating a life that allows me to pursue these passions, surrounded by those I love, is my definition of success.
Best advice I’ve been given…
Trust your gut. I think I’m quite an intuitive person and I’ve always believed if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Favourite book:
Recently, I finished reading a surfing autobiography, titled Barbarian Days.
The author is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who has spent his life developing his career… while on the side being completely obsessed with surfing and surf exploration from the 70s through to recently. I appreciated the notion that even arbitrary or somewhat meaningless things (i.e. playing in the sea on a surfboard) can lead to rich life experience and perspective on personal “success.”
The women who inspire me:
My mum, Dawn Liew. Mum has taught me a great deal about how to be a successful woman in business. In 1997 she founded an accounting practice which has achieved industry awarded excellence. She has built a strong professional reputation, a successful business and a close-knit family. She has shown me you really can have it all.
The gender stereotype I can’t stand:
The belief that an alpha male sensibility is a more competent personality in a professional environment. As a designer, having the sensitivity to understand and recognise the needs of your clients is a strength. I make a conscious effort to recognise and celebrate femininity at work, as this brings its own set of valuable skills.
I advocate for change by…
Striving for excellence. If you achieve great results for both your clients and the business, you earn the ability to contribute to the creation of new work practices and processes and to create the work environment that you desire.
The change I want to see in the next 12 months is…
Workplaces not only embracing more flexible working arrangements, but creating a preference for such as an industry standard.
