GOAT TALES #15
Michelle Grey, Creative, Marketing, Programming & Events Executive and Entrepreneur
22 NOVEMBER 2024, WRITTEN BY JACKIE BARON
The Teenage Perspective: Living with a teenager can be like riding a roller coaster in the dark. What's one challenge you've faced while living with your teen son, and how did you turn it into a positive experience?
Oh man, living with my teenage son has definitely been like riding a roller coaster in the dark - full of twists, turns, and unexpected drops! One of the biggest challenges was his resistance to studying; it felt like I was trying to pull a stubborn mule uphill while he’d rather be conquering his latest video game. But after countless rounds of gentle nagging and strategic bribes, something amazing happened. He started to find his focus and actually set some goals for himself, realising there’s more to life than just levelling up in games. Now, he’s got passions beyond the screen, and it’s been incredible to see him evolve into a much more driven and inspired person - turns out, sometimes you just have to navigate the chaos to find the easter egg (I never thought I'd be one to using gaming metaphors!).
Admirable Traits: Teenagers often teach us more about life than we realise. What's one thing you admire most about your teen son, or what have you learned from him that's been surprisingly profound?
One thing I admire most about my teen son is his unwavering authenticity and willingness to express himself, regardless of societal expectations. He has a remarkable ability to embrace his individuality, which reminds me of the importance of staying true to oneself amidst external pressures. Watching him navigate challenges with resilience and optimism has taught me the value of perspective—how a positive attitude can transform difficult situations into opportunities for growth. His fearlessness in pursuing his passions has inspired me to embrace my own interests more boldly, reminding me that life is too short to hold back.
Shared Passions: What's an activity or hobby you love doing together with your teen son that brings out the 'cool' in both of you, Neon Goat style?
I really love hitting the slopes with my son on our ski and snowboarding trips! There’s nothing quite like the thrill of racing down the mountains together, sharing a few laughs (and maybe a tumble or two) while taking in the stunning winter scenery. Each trip feels like a mini adventure, whether we’re tackling new trails or just relaxing by the fire after a long day. These outings not only fuel our love for the outdoors but also bring us closer together as we enjoy all the excitement of snow sports.
If you could step into a time machine and visit your teenage self, what cheeky piece of advice would you give yourself about navigating the future, especially knowing what you do now about business and life?
If I could step into a time machine and visit my teenage self, I would cheekily advise, "Don’t sweat the small stuff - embrace failures as your best teachers and trust that every misstep is just a stepping stone to something greater." I’d also say, "Remember to network; the connections you build now will open doors later, so be bold in reaching out and asking questions." Finally, I’d add, "Invest in your passions, but don’t forget to have fun—life’s too short to take everything so seriously!"
Navigating the Teen Terrain: Teens are known for their mood swings and monosyllabic responses. What's your secret to getting your teen son to open up and engage in meaningful conversations, especially about life and your business?
Ah, the classic teenage mood swing—it's like trying to crack a safe while your son responds with nothing more than grunts and eye rolls! My secret weapon? A well-timed stash of candy and a dash of bribery. I’ve learned that if I bring out sugar and some self-deprecating personal stories during our “serious talks,” suddenly he’s more interested in discussing life, school, and even his romantic pursuits. It’s like the sugar acts as a magical key that unlocks his thoughts, transforming our chats from one-word answers to an actual 2 sided discussion.
Michelle Grey is a Creative, Marketing, Programming & Events Executive and Entrepreneur that specialises in both building brands from the ground up and transforming and revolutionising legacy brands. For over 15 years, she has shaped some of the most innovative cultural companies and institutions - from global hospitality brands such as NeueHouse and Soho House to The New York Times largest consumer-facing live platform, and Absolut’s global online art gallery. Most recently she co-founded Arts-Matter, a Sydney-based cultural programming platform and creative agency, and is also the co-founder of Culture Vault, a Web3 creative agency and curated digital art platform.
GOAT TALES #15: MICHELLE GREY
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