Twenty Questions with Robbie Bryant of SBM Legal

We caught up with Senior associate at SMB Legal, Robbie Bryant, to find out about his career and what he loves the most about working in Newmarket

N. Why do you love working in Newmarket?

The location and amenities. The commute via public transport from Hobsonville Point, where I live, is relatively simple and easy. When I’m not working there’s great restaurants and shops to keep me entertained.

N. What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone who was looking at starting out in your industry?

Enjoy the journey. Take every opportunity you can. Be optimistic.

N. What would you do if you weren’t in your current role?

I’d be travelling the world, and skiing as much as I can along the way!

N. Name your top three favourite songs.

I have so many favourite songs, I cannot name just three. However, my ‘heavy rotation’ on Spotify at the moment is 80’s and 90’s Hip Hop.

N. What was your first job?

I had a paper run when I was quite young, but that didn’t last long! My first ‘proper’ job was cleaning cars at a car dealership for many years.

N. What motivates you?

Self-improvement. I really like trying to be the best version of me.

N. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

You’d be hard-pressed to convince me to leave New Zealand, but if I had to leave I’d say you’d find me in a relatively small and remote village surrounded by snowy mountains.

N.Where is your favourite place to grab a bite to eat in Newmarket?

White and Wong’s. The food and fit out is fantastic!

N. Describe Newmarket in 3 words:

Flourishing retail, hospitality and business district. Sorry, I couldn’t keep it to three!

N. What do you wish you’d known before you started your career?

Nothing really. Life is a journey; I tend to try to adapt as I learn.

N. How do you start each morning?

Slowly…very slowly. Then, a strong coffee, breakfast and walk to the ferry – I commute from Hobsonville Point to Newmarket every day.

N. What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve received?

I don’t know if this is the best advice I’ve received, but it is certainly one of my favourites at the moment: “be unashamedly yourself” – James Smith. The other that I have pinned on the wall next to my computer is: “if you don’t do it this year, you will be one year older when you do” – Warren Miller.

N. What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

There are so many places I am yet to travel to which could take the top spot. However, at the moment, it is 100% Japan. I proposed to my now fiancé in Japan last year, so it is a very special place to me. Additionally, the culture, scenery and skiing is fantastic.

N. What is Newmarket’s best kept secret?

I haven’t been yet, but Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq sounds like a gem!

N. What would you consider to be your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement is still to come.

N. Name one item that you can’t live without.

Having enough time to enjoy the outdoors.

N. It’s 10am on a Sunday morning. Where would we find you and what are you doing?

At home in Hobsonville Point. I’d most likely be watering the garden: gardening is one of my latest obsessions and given the heat we’ve been experiencing lately, I’ve been pretty vigilant with keeping our garden well-watered.

N. Who has had the greatest influence on your life and why?

Many people have had huge influences on my life. Most recently the person that has had the greatest influence on my life is James Smith of the James Smith Academy. His ‘no holds barred approach’ to life and physical and mental health is so refreshing. He’s dispelled so many myths about health and wellness that have really resonated with me. He’s a top bloke.

N. What is your greatest fear?

Boredom.

N. What do you love most about your job?

Assisting clients with reaching outcomes, whatever they may be, that they are super happy with.

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