How does it work being the boss of your wife?
That’s not how I would describe it [laughs]. We were at uni together and then we joined the firm together. We have a pretty good understanding of what’s work, what’s home, and keep the barriers pretty clear.
my wife [Belinda Thompson] is in litigation, I was an M&A lawyer back in the day.
Do you do any other exercise?
I’m nowhere near as fit as I would like. I do try to fit in exercise most morning, injury permitting.
I’m an old man, I’ve got an achilles problem at the moment I can’t shake. So, I’m mixing up my routine a bit to try, as my physio says, to do a bit of load management.
I’m also often meeting people out in the suburbs. It might be a run or walk around the Tan or meeting clients out in the suburbs for a coffee or walk while people are working from home.
Richard Spurio, managing partner at Allens, with staff from the firm’s running club. (2nd from left in white cap). Supplied
If you are doing something alone, it’s a great way to think through issues and sometimes a solution might come to you while you’re running around the Tan.
But getting involved in a group exercise with people can be a great way to switch off and practice a bit of mindfulness, ’cause you got your mind focused on something else.
Do you have a personal trainer?
Once a week, my wife and I try to make an early morning, outdoor personal training session. But it’s pretty cold at the moment in Melbourne. On a Saturday morning, there’s a group of guys that we have been kicking the footy with for 25 years.
We have been doing it for many years at Gosch’s Paddock, but at the moment we are at Victoria Park because Gosch’s Paddock is being re-seeded.
Who do you follow in the footy?
I follow Carlton. I don’t mind wearing my Carlton jumper around Victoria Park. I’m not involved with the club in any way other than as a supporter, but they have certainly given me a bit more joy this year.
What’s your coffee?
Short macchiato. I try and make sure I don’t go beyond three. We have a coffee machine at home, but that’s for weekends. Usually, I grab one on the way in. I grab one mid-morning when I usually grab someone to go for a walking meeting, then usually grab one after lunch.
Richard Spurio: “Engaging with people, talking to them, to understand what’s happening with their work or environment is a really good way to keep the pulse on how the firm is going.” Sam Mooy