Hello from the Edge of the World! (Edition 3)
Hey Friends!
Welcome to Edition 3! It's great to be here with you as the network continues to build momentum.
As I share my week and ideas, I'm also really keen to hear yours. Our network's motto is "always connected," and we're here for each other. I'm genuinely looking forward to co-creating loads of amazing ideas and concepts with you all.
For years, I've had this idea of a global wellbeing network bubbling away. My previous HR network with ChapmanCG, which grew to 150k leaders, totally inspired me to do it again. Creating a powerful network that goes way beyond HR and delves deep into wellbeing – that's where my passion lies!
And wellbeing is such a fascinating area for me personally. From taking up running as a kid and becoming a successful ultra-marathoner, right through to being an all-round fitness enthusiast, I've always been captivated by wellbeing.
When I set up my companies, I designed them virtually so I could live a good lifestyle but still do my absolute best work. It also meant my running pursuits could take me to remote parts of the world, yet I could still stay connected. I felt like I was really pushing boundaries – it felt futuristic. It's amazing to see myself doing things now that I dreamt up 20 years ago!
My own journey of finding high performance, both for myself and my employees, through what I've learned are 'conscious life practices', got me thinking completely differently about companies. I started calling it the 'Wellbeing Age'. In the Wellbeing Age, companies are built by 'well leaders' – people who put their own wellbeing first as they develop ideas, and then naturally spread that feeling throughout their teams. Their key partner or 'shepherd' should ideally be a 'Custodian of Wellbeing', maybe even their second hire. These roles would become known as the Chief Wellbeing Officer. And that's the vision I want to build an audience around – to find, grow, and develop incredible wellbeing talent!
So, if you're wondering what this is all about, it's the start of that journey. And starting it in New Zealand is key, because this is where I've found my optimal wellbeing.
Often, I thought about not doing this, worried it would just consume me. But I've truly made peace with it, seeing how perfectly it fits with how I want to live. Building a wellbeing search firm, surrounded by a network focused on wellbeing talent, feels like a brilliant challenge. Doing it from scratch, carefully connecting with people who have great energy – it's like cultivating a special vibe or culture.
Alot of my learnings in life and business came from what I call 'Life 1' – a period of building lots of companies and getting loads done. 'Life 2', my focus now, is all about simplification and flow. And I'm using this focus to unlock and build this new idea.
Parihoa has been a major source of inspiration. This incredible property is actually what first drew me to NZ. I was born in Australia, then moved to Singapore in my mid-20s. I bought Parihoa in 2013, after getting connected to NZ through some friends. Buying a farm with zero experience definitely threw me in at the deep end! Thankfully, I could run ChapmanCG remotely, and Parihoa/NZ gave me the much needed escape from my busy global life.
Some years back, I also bought an absolutely exquisite piece of land – a peninsula outside Wanaka – which I've named "Edge of the World". On this 300+ acre site, I have two homes: Synchronicity (now finished) and Telepathy (which should be finished late this year).
I'm now selling Parihoa so I can focus purely on Edge of the World. Finding the right successor has been quite a journey! It's a global campaign, and we've just moved into the second phase with an updated strategy because I really want to simplify. I'm confident the right buyer is just around the corner. And until then, I want to properly enjoy Parihoa... especially with my friends and this network.
And that's how the retreat idea came about. Begum and I (Begum is one of my closest friends) decided to put together a 'Best of Parihoa' Wellbeing Retreat. This would be 7 days/6 nights enjoying the luxury of Parihoa combined with an amazing wellbeing programme. Lots of our friends are incredibly talented in wellbeing – experts covering everything from meditation, yoga, sound journeys, sauna and ice baths, DJing, journaling, hiking, and much more! As you can imagine, it would be a really unique and unforgettable experience, and we'd throw everything at it to make it incredible for everyone who came.
However, we've now decided to approach this differently. Instead, we're going to start a waiting list for anyone interested in potentially coming to NZ for a retreat. We'll share more details about the retreats and how we might be able to host you here. Once we have enough people on the list, we can share different concepts and dates. That way, we can build a solid group of interested people. If you're keen, contact us here and we'll add you to the list!
And if anyone is coming to NZ, you're most welcome to visit or even stay at Parihoa or Edge of the World. I genuinely love having guests, particularly people connected through friends.
Thanks for reading. There's loads more I could ramble on about, but that's plenty for now!
Incidentally, the reflection below came to me recently. I'll try and share more things like this in future editions.
The Power of Saying 'NO'
I’ve learned a valuable lesson in life: saying no. In our fast-paced world, we’re bombarded with endless possibilities and opportunities. It’s easy to get caught up in the fear of missing out (FOMO) and say yes to everything that comes our way. But here’s the thing: we can’t do everything. We have to prioritise and make choices that align with our values and goals.
Over the past few years, I’ve been on a journey of self-discovery and learning to say no. It wasn’t always easy, but I’ve realised that it’s crucial for my wellbeing and happiness. I’ve learned to be mindful of my choices and avoid making impulsive decisions. Instead, I take my time to consider the potential consequences and make decisions that feel right for me.
One of the biggest benefits of saying no is that it allows me to create more space for spontaneity and synchronicity in my life. I’ve found that unexpected opportunities often arise when I’m open to new experiences and embrace the flow of life. I’ve also learned to keep a journal of my thoughts and feelings, and I’ve found this helps me to stay grounded and make informed decisions.
So, here are some tips for saying no:
1. Be careful about what you say yes or maybe to; if you’re unsure, it’s best to say no.
2. Be mindful of your decision-making process and avoid making impulsive choices.
3. Don’t be afraid to say no and miss out on something. It’s simply an act in the grand scheme of life. You weren’t meant to be a part of that particular experience, and there will be another one.
I hope these tips help you to say no and live a more fulfilling life. Remember, it’s okay to prioritise your own needs and desires.
Matt 💗
P.S. Friends, I thought you might enjoy this beautiful video of Parihoa, which really captures its summer beauty. A big thank you to Eduardo for shooting this and I really enjoyed narrating it!
