It’s my favourite time in my blog schedule, when I shine a light on my incredible clients by way of my The Proust Questionnaire feature. Today we have Brian Klindworth. Brian is a career coach who helps people live life by design- their design.
The Proust Questionnaire by Brian Klindworth
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
The warm inner glow having been deeply heard and accepted by a loved one accompanied by the soundtrack of friends and family laughing, pausing briefly to indulge in the centered if slightly fatigued feeling post exercise whilst sitting in front of a plate of burnt ends with a side of coleslaw and a pint of cold beer. Oh yes take me there now.
What is your greatest extravagance?
My personal and business membership, and personal membership for my son, with the Hawthorn Football Club would be my greatest extravagance. My head can’t justify the expense and my heart keeps writing the cheque. Go Hawks! I even bribe my son with M&Ms which has him watching for every goal the Hawks kick so he can have more chocolate.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
In frustration – C’mon
In excitement or anticipation – Giddy Up
My son would say….. I love you, I love hanging out with you and you’ll always be good enough for me.
Clients… Does that make sense?
Me. Good, Bad, right or wrong. Lazy lazy language there is always something else more valuable to share.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Playing some part in raising a happy well adjusted 5 year old. Even multiple divorces can have a silver lining.
A very very close second is the way I have integrated my work and life so they complement one another so every day can be my ideal day.
Where would you most like to live?
Parkdale Victoria. I love it here. I have heard it called postcode 400 because everything you want is within 400 metres. Beach, cafes, parks, train, schools etc
I have lived in 17 cities across three countries and there are lots of places I would love to visit and Parkdale is the first place I have felt I want to stay.
(Yarra Glen, Croydon, Iowa City-USA, Glen Iris, Lake City-USA, Ivanhoe, Cottesloe-WA, Clayton, London-UK, Wheelers Hill, Melbourne, South Melbourne, Middle Park, Elsternwick, Glen Huntly, Highett, Parkdale.)
What is your most treasured possession?
I don’t think of myself as treasuring possessions although I am sentimental. So I have select items from all stages of my life from my baby blanket, a 30+ year old Christmas stocking, handmade quilt, photo albums, hand written letters, school tops, footy jumpers etc.
If I was in a house fire it would be the people and my dog that would be my highest priorities.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My smile. My year 9 school report card even noted I smiled too much in class. I was counselled by my high-school volleyball coach of the benefit of sharing my joy with my team and not through the net at the opposition. I can recall being complemented on my smile at all ages.
Who is your hero of fiction?
Thor as played by Chris Hemsworth. I love the swagger, playfulness, strength, charm, sense of duty, control of thunder, his hammer.
or
Captain America. My son loves him and buys me Captain America merchandise most birthdays and Christmases. I guess I feel connected to my son when enjoying Captain America’s adventures. I was also lovingly mocked as Captain America by my son’s mother due to my ‘American’ looks and always positive attitude. The latter lead to some pretty powerful personal insights.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My late Grandpa Ronald Klindworth – super power unconditional love and acceptance.
Brad Aisbett – relentless pursuit of excellence at work, at home and his physical wellbeing.
Pete Lustig – incredible wisdom and love often leading to valuable personal insight.
Peppa my dog – Unconditional love and moments of pure joy through the challenging transition of married life to separated co-parenting.
My parents Darold and Andrea – Inspiring much of my growth, always welcoming me in their home, their willingness and effort to love me.
What is your motto?
What is the gift I am not seeing?
The only constant is change.
Everything is on the way not in the way.
Find out more about Brian and his incredible work here.
I love shining the spotlight on some of my clients and colleagues. If you’d like to know more about my work, or would like the full 35 questions from the Questionnaire, please shoot me an email or give me a buzz, and I’ll respond in a jiffy.