Peter Pigott // Community of Practice Coordinator at Landcare NSW
Peter Pigott, Community of Practice Coordinator at Landcare NSW and Co-design / Participatory Practice Host
Community and Background:
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to the Berry community? How did you end up here and what attracted you to this community?
Berry has been home for 19 years now. A move from Cambodia of all places was motivated by proximity to grandparents for a new arrival and anywhere but the busyness of Sydney. The rest flowed from that: family, surfing, some good and meaningful work, friends, and a community.
Business and Entrepreneurship:
Tell us about your work. How and when did you decide to start it, and what motivated you to take the plunge into entrepreneurship or remote work?
My day job is with Landcare NSW, a not-for-profit membership based peak body for landcare in NSW. Landcare is as diverse as the communities across NSW. The work of Landcare is coming together to care for land, water, biodiversity, community and growing our food and fibre in ways that take the natural environment and our future into account. I have worked in paid roles supporting Landcare groups and volunteers for nearly 20 years. Through this time I have pursued learning and practice in participatory leadership, with a big chunk of this done through the Art of Hosting and Harvesting Conversations That Matter. I have dived deep into the work of rites of passage programs, leadership training and generally helping groups to work well together. I see a big part of my work in the world as helping others to work well together in complexity, in ways that are generative, build relationships and create what Meg Wheatley calls ‘Islands of Sanity’…
I also spent some time working in disaster recovery/resilience following the 2019-20 fires and found another home for my skills and capability. I stay connected to this world by co-hosting a national community of practice for disaster recovery and resilience workers called the Possibility Lab.
What does work-life balance look like for you? How do you manage the demands of work while ensuring time for family and personal life?
My work with Landcare NSW meets a number of needs for me – an income, a purpose, a community and the opportunity to be connecting with fabulous people across NSW and Australia. Various ‘projects’ at home and in the community invite attention too and offer a range of harvests. A transition from parenting a teenager to parenting a young adult brings its own dynamics. Balance looks like different things on different days. I’m still trying to work that one out!
In your industry, what recent disruptions or transitions have had the most significant impact on your business?
Government funding cycles are definitely the most impactful – enabling and disruptive. Climate induced disasters are impactful too. Our market system does not adequately account for the need for healthy ecosystems and food and fibre production that is sustainable and regenerative. Government investment (and a ton of volunteer effort) is needed to meet this market failure. A huge amount of effort is diverted to re-applying for funding to continue the good work of Landcare.
Personal Life:
Outside of work, what are your hobbies and passions? How do you like to spend your time when you’re not focused on business or family?
Surfing, walking the dog and touch footy keep the body going. Men’s work, rites of passage and generally getting involved in meaningful community projects keeps my heart full.
How do you maintain boundaries between work and personal life? Any top tips?
I think I have paid attention to this over many years and developed practices that help me. I am not one to keep strict boundaries and like to go with where the energy takes me. I probably spend a fair bit of time supporting my capacity to ‘host myself’ (stay grounded and present) so that I can show up as well as possible for others and as needed.
Design and Lifestyle:
What is your taste like? Do you have a favourite item of furniture or object in your home? Anything that has special significance or tells a story about you?
There are a couple of pieces of wooden furniture that we brought back from Cambodia with us. They remind me of that time and place. The other one is Nepali/Tibetan carpets – memories of places and times of life where I have lived in or visited Nepal.
What do you like/appreciate about the design at WorkLife? Any favourite touches or things that make you feel at home when you are at work?
I love the design and the facilities (how good is a coffee machine). The whole place oozes generosity, which of course is curated by the amazing team that Kate has assembled to bring this to life.
If you were to showcase the best of the local lifestyle to visiting friends, where would you take them and why?
So much. I often try to get to Fitzroy Falls to contrast the beach. And places like Ben’s Walk and The Grotto in Nowra are a great way to experience some of what the Shoalhaven River has to offer. And Bundanon! So many good events and exhibitions to visit.
Productivity and Time Management:
What’s your go-to productivity hack? How do you stay organised and efficient, especially with multiple responsibilities?
Hmmm…work in progress… Trying to put as many things in a calendar as possible.
Benefits of WorkLife Membership:
Lastly, what’s been the most valuable aspect of being a member at WorkLife for you and your work?
I mostly work from home, with some travel thrown in. Coming to WorkLife a few days a month has become an important part of my rhythm – some time out of the house and connecting with others who are also busy working. And a place to escape to when the house is not a good work environment!
You can connect with Peter on Linkedin, and we highly recommend checking out Landcare and The Art Of Hosting
