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NIC GOULD’s pathway to leadership at South-East Queensland’s Colwell Conveyancing has been unconventional, remarkable, rewarding and courageous.
He has always pushed himself, both mentally and physically.
A 10-year career in the Australian military that included two tours of Afghanistan, and a slew of educational qualifications – Back of Law, Graduate Certificate of Intelligence, Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice – speaks to his resolve to test the limits.
How has Nic’s upbringing shaped his values? And how does his mindset influence his business decisions?
Although a long way from the battlelines now, as Australians remember the contribution of all military personnel on November 11, the former soldier offers precious insights.
“I joined the army as a 19-year-old at the time when Australia was engaged in numerous conflicts and peace keeping operations around the world. There was sense of adventure,” he said.
“I later transitioned to a career in law. I had left the army on a Friday and started as full time student on the Monday. The culture shock was real.
“I finished my degree after working at KPMG as a management consultant and having worked at the Australian embassy in Jakarta for nearly two years.”
When he returned to Australia, Nic took an unplanned step to acquire a practice, David Colwell Lawyers, and wanted to do things differently. He said the change was “scary”.
“It was also very exciting,” he said. “I knew that to grow and achieve something bigger, I needed to take a risk and back myself.
“I knew I was young, I had done the work and I knew the opportunity existed and I just needed to do it.
“It had its moments. I chose the acquisition path for growth which has its own challenges.
“I was nowhere near ready, and it was like drinking from a fire hose at times. I had to overcome behavioural and cultural issues and a resistance to change. Not only did I learn a lot, but I built a team that are still together and that is what I am most grateful for.”
Asked if he would do anything differently if he had his time over again, he’s clear that he wouldn’t change a thing.
“I made a lot of mistakes. Did I learn from them? Absolutely.”
What lessons has he taken from this process?
“Your network is your value,” he said. “Invest in great relationships and invest in building your network. Not only do they become your friends, but I was amazed at how many challenges we all shared.
“Advice I would give anyone contemplating change: Just do it! Back yourself and give it a go. At the end of the day, no one can take your birthday off you and the sun will come up the next day.”