15 Minutes with the Boss

Damien Nicks: Getting your work-life balance right, starting a business and why the next 10 years are crucial

18 snips
Apr 28, 2025
In this conversation with Damien Nicks, the CEO of AGL and a seasoned energy-leader, listeners dive into the art of work-life balance. Damien shares his disciplined morning routine and discusses the vital lessons learned from his startup experiences in the US. He emphasizes the importance of making mistakes and adapting leadership styles for diverse teams. Damien also tackles the urgent challenges of transitioning Australia’s power system while ensuring affordability amidst rising living costs, highlighting why regular downtime is crucial for effective decision-making.
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ADVICE

Own The First Hour

  • Get to your desk early and use the first hour for focused thinking, free of emails and calls.
  • Use that time to set priorities for the day and avoid reactive decision-making.
ANECDOTE

US Startup That Broadened His Horizons

  • Damien moved his young family to the US to join a startup and learned how to build a business from scratch.
  • He stepped outside his comfort zone, made mistakes, and rapidly corrected course while leading people and culture.
INSIGHT

Shape Culture To Local Needs

  • Culture must be adapted to local needs rather than imposed from elsewhere.
  • Shaping culture to meet local people's needs is crucial for organisational success.
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