They say life begins at the edge of your comfort zone. For me, that meant swapping tax returns for taste tests and chasing a life filled with food, travel, and culture. That’s how I began my journey to becoming the “Australian Food Guy.”
A Life Beyond Spreadsheets
For over 20 years, I worked in corporate finance. Picture endless spreadsheets, tax returns, and making shareholders wealthier. Riveting stuff, right?
The thing is, deep down, I always knew I wanted more. I’d traveled to over 35 countries, soaking up the flavors and cultures of places like Vietnam, Canada, and India. And every trip made me dream of a life where I could combine my love of food, travel, and storytelling.
Eventually, the dream became too big to ignore. So, I did something terrifying—I left the corporate world behind. No more boardrooms or balance sheets. Just me, a big idea, and a whole lot of nerves.
Taking the Leap: Talking Through the Fear
Now, I’ve got to be honest—taking the leap wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. You see, I’ve had a lifelong stutter, and for a long time, it made me hold back. I was scared of failing, scared of being judged, and honestly, scared of just putting myself out there.
But here’s the thing: my stutter also taught me resilience. It showed me how to face challenges head-on and that consistent effort (even when it’s scary) pays off. So, I took the leap—and it’s been a wild ride ever since.
The Great Australian Food Experience is Born
When I launched The Great Australian Food Experience, my goal was simple: share Australia’s unique native ingredients and flavors with as many people as possible—and become the go-to Australian Food Guy while doing it.
Let’s be real—Australian food doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. But our native ingredients, like finger lime, wattleseed, and kangaroo, are as bold and diverse as the country itself. I wanted to celebrate that and give people a chance to taste Australia in a way they’d never forget.
The Highs and Lows of Starting Fresh
Starting this business hasn’t been easy. Convincing tour operators to take a chance on me without a track record? Tough. Learning the ropes of running a business while juggling logistics and building credibility? Even tougher.
But the wins make it all worthwhile. Like hearing someone say, “This was the highlight of my trip,” or watching them light up as they taste Davidson plum for the first time. Those moments remind me why I took the leap in the first place.
Why This Matters to You
Maybe you’re reading this because you love food, travel, or exploring the world in a different way. Or maybe you’re feeling stuck in your job or life, wondering if it’s too late to chase that dream you’ve been sitting on.
Well, here’s what I’ve learned: it’s never too late. Yes, it’s scary. And yes, there’s a chance you might stumble. But stepping out of your comfort zone is where the magic happens. Whether it’s starting a new career, becoming the Australian Food Guy, or just trying kangaroo salami for the first time, those little leaps can lead to big adventures.
Explore Sydney the Delicious Way
If you’re visiting Sydney, there’s so much more to experience than just the usual sights. Why not explore the flavors of Australia too? That’s what The Great Australian Food Experience is all about—taking you on a tasting journey through native ingredients, paired with stories that connect you to this beautiful country.
Let’s Make Life Flavorful
So here’s the deal: if there’s something you’ve been dreaming of, take a chance on it. Start small, go slow, but don’t hold back forever. Life’s way too short to wonder what if?
And if you’re ever in Sydney, come join me—the Australian Food Guy—for a food tour. I’d love to share the amazing tastes of Australia with you and show you why this country—and its food—is so special.
Ready to try something new? Let’s do it together.