If Matt had it his way, everyone would travel. Originally from Warwickshire, UK, Matt has traveled to some incredible places and has witnessed firsthand the positive effects that traveling has on people–especially entrepreneurs. After studying business and property at the University of Bristol, he qualified as a chartered surveyor. Known by his friends and family as the person with a million and one business ideas floating around his head, it only made sense that he would eventually start a business. Fast forward to 2018: Max founded Based Coworking, a startup offering coworking retreats in unique international locations. In his spare time, he produces music and enjoys surfing and exercise.
What are you working on right now?
The last four months, I have been traveling around East Asia, setting up Based Coworking. Simply put, Based Coworking is a business that provides amazing international coworking retreats but we are a little different in that we focus on supporting business and lifestyle develop. It’s essentially a personal and professional travel-enriched incubation program. I will be in Bali at the end of January for a month setting up the Bali retreat, which I am really excited about.
What is your current desktop wallpaper? And why?
Rather sadly, it is just the Based Coworking logo, but I have loads of new pictures of spectacular landscapes from my travels so perhaps I will replace it.
Which book has shaped your life or changed the way you think the most?
If I had to choose just one book out of so many that have inspired me, I would probably choose The One Thing by Gary Keller. It’s a great book which not only teaches you how to best manage your time but also has some very wise and inspirational messages that influence you to live a more optimal life, which aligns very well with our philosophy at Based.
What is one thing you do to get motivated?
Usually listen to podcasts or read. I very much believe we are a product of our environment and in this day and age, we can be surrounded by inspirational people anytime we want through the wonders of technology!
What made you smile today?
I am back home in the UK for Christmas surrounded by family and dogs so I’m feeling very smiley currently!
What is your favorite coworking space and why?
Punspace Chiangmai Coworking
This is a hard question, as I have been all over the world inspecting coworking spaces and they are all great in different ways. But if I had to choose just one space, it would probably be Punspace in Chiang Mai, Thailand, mainly because it is in a great location and does fantastic flat white coffees.
What is something you think everyone should try at least once in their life? Or name one skill you think everyone should have or learn?
Definitely traveling! I honestly think traveling should be mandatory. It forces you to see the world through a different lens which enriches your life, broadens horizons and provides much needed clarity in this busy world.
What is one skill or hobby you’ve been meaning to learn but haven’t had time for?
Kite Boarding
Kite boarding. I have surfed for many years but never kite boarded. I am thinking about launching a Based retreat in a popular kite boarding destination. Watch this space!
List 3 simple things in life that make you really happy:
1. Travel
2. Entrepreneurship
3. Exercise
What is the best thing that you have done, just because you were told you can’t?
Start my own business 🙂
If you had the opportunity to spend a week or month in another country to be your office of the week/month, where would you go?
Bali – It is paradise island with outstanding natural beauty and a vibrant entrepreneurial community and great coworking spaces.
Ulun Danu Temple on the shore of Lake Brataan in Bali in Indonesia
Biggest item on your bucket list at the moment?
Travel Central and South America. I hope to expand our retreats to that region in 2019 so hopefully I will get to tick this one of the list.
As a digital nomad/entrepreneur: if you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you have and why?
Laptop, so I can work and stay connected to the outside world; mosquito spray, because if I don’t I will be eaten alive by the blighters–my blood is like honey to them; and my surfboard, so I can surf every day.
Tell me something you have never told anyone else.
I’m pretty open with most people so there is not much I haven’t shared, but I haven’t told that many people that I plan to eventually write a book about living a more optimal life with the aim to help young adults suffering from depression, which is a huge problem in the UK currently!
What was your first job? Has it shaped where you are today?
My first job was a dishwasher at a local pub. Absolute save labour for pennies, but it was a good kick in the ass to instill drive and ambition.
Any advice for your previous boss?
Great question! Probably to sort your anger issues out because it makes your employees scared to ask your advice, which is a terrible method to develop your staff and make them want to work well for you.
What’s your favorite part about coworking?
The innovative, energetic and multi-disciplinary environment it creates. Furthermore, the fact that there are so many in awesome locations. We are entering the age of global remote working.
What is your go to pump up song?
At the moment ‘Sail by Awolination‘ I tend to lean towards high tempo energetic songs, as I produce electronic music and they match my hyperactive personality 🙂
Anything else you would like to add?
Just want to say thank you for showing interest in Based Coworking. We are a young start-up with grand ambitions so we really appreciate everyone’s support.
