INSIDER MAGAZINE: State Buildings GM Byron Wright reveals what drives him to succeed

What’s been the best financial advice you’ve ever been given? I was given two pieces of advice when I was young. The first was to make every business decision as if it was your money and the second was to invest in property. Both have served me well. How do you manage a work-life balance? It is very easy to be consumed by work, the best advice I can give to manage work-life balance is to find great people aligned to your values, invest in training, empower them to make decisions and find five hours of “me time” each week. What’s something that others have underestimated about you? My floral arrangement ability. What drives you to succeed? I read a quote from William Shakespeare while at Aquinas College many years ago: “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” I have applied this my entire life and it is what drives me to succeed. Favourite holiday destination? This is a hard question as I have been extremely blessed to have travelled to some amazing destinations. If I had to choose one it would be a trip to Scotland in 2015, where I was fortunate to play golf with my father in-law at the St Andrews Old Course three weeks prior to The 144th Open. The grandstands were all erected and it was such an amazing experience at the home of golf. Chocolate or cheese? I love cheese but I am a sucker for chocolate. Read any good books lately? Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. I have read this book three times and am in awe of how his drive and passion for excellence revolutionised six industries. If you were to invite three dinner guests, alive or dead, who would they be? The first guest would be my Pop, he died before I was born, but he shaped my future through my grandmother and father’s stories and upbringing. The second would be Tiger Woods, I am a golf fanatic and would love to pick his golfing brain. The last guest would be Steve Jobs as I am the biggest Apple fan. What are you binge watching right now? Billions on Stan, such a good show! What was the last band you paid to see? U2 at Optus Stadium. I’m really looking forward to seeing international performers back in Perth. Childhood hero? Kieren Perkins in the 1994 Commonwealth Games was arguably some of the greatest individual swimming of all time. I had my eyes set on the 2000 Olympics but it was taken away in 1997 by a severe knee injury playing 1st IX hockey for Aquinas. Who would play you in the movie of your life story? Basil Fawlty (John Cleese), I think he is the only guy that would get a hotelier’s life.

INSIDER MAGAZINE: State Buildings GM Byron Wright reveals what drives him to succeed

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