Karla Sperling // Author
Community and Background
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to the Coledale community? How did you end up here and what attracted you to this community?
In 1990, (when my twins were 2 weeks old!), I left behind a career as a Sydney human rights lawyer, to begin a new life in the Illawarra. It was my dream to regenerate the bush, so my husband and I moved to a rural property at Stockyard Mountain near Albion Park where I found a wonderful sanctuary for kangaroos, wombats, lyrebirds and many other species. I also love people and joined the welcoming Thirroul community in 2001 where I have been active in many local organisations including the Flame Tree Community Food Co-op.
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?
Inspired by rewilding in nature and reading Charles Darwin, I began writing my first book, Recivilisation, in 2008.
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?
Work-life balance for me looks like taking an hour in the morning for my Iyengar yoga routine, and another hour to walk my dog Max. Starting work later in the day allows me to prioritise my fitness and health.
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?
I have been teaching Iyengar yoga for ten years, to a small group of students in my home studio. I enjoy rewilding both my own garden and public areas with a local bushcare group.
Are there any books or podcasts you’ve found particularly inspiring or informative recently? Any recommendations for the WorkLife community?
Technofeudalism by Yanis Varoufarkas is a great book by an author who has big ideas. I am attracted to narrative non-fiction on subjects which make original contributions to knowledge.
How do you maintain boundaries between work and personal life? Any top tips?
The reason it’s taken me so long to finish my manuscript is that I keep taking years off to do other things. I love skiing. I spend as much time as possible each year in the Aussie mountains. I have also skied in France, New Zealand, Japan, Canada and the USA. I love keeping fit and healthy and the best way to do this is to ski as much as possible!
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?
My taste is quirky. I love my little fibro house 100 metres from Thirroul Beach. Everyone said to knock it down but as an owner- builder I chose to save and rebuild it using mostly recycled and second-hand building materials, including a lot of stuff I found on the street. My house has a fibro beach shack vibe, combined with an industrial aesthetic.
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 value the calm environment where I can be productive.
If you were to showcase the best of the local lifestyle to visiting friends, where would you take them and why?
My backyard. Rainforest and an edible garden with a 2 minute walk to the Beach.
Productivity and Time Management
What’s your go-to productivity hack? How do you stay organised and efficient, especially with multiple responsibilities?
I work for three hours in the middle of the day.
Benefits of WorkLife Membership
Lastly, what’s been the most valuable aspect of being a member at WorkLife for you and your work?
I really value being able to come into the private suite, and block out all distractions. Being in a designated ‘work’ space encourages me to take the initiative to work – which is difficult when you are your own boss.
