Day in the Life: Edward Gurry

Banner artwork by ACC

5:00 am

I have long been proud of the fact I rarely make use of an alarm clock. A loud buzzing noise isn’t exactly the way I like to start my mornings. Thankfully on this occasion it works, and the cold winter morning sunlight wakes me up. Immediately, my brain starts to tick. I wonder what I have missed overnight. My phone is never beside my bed (another peeve), so I head off to get my phone and look through the morning’s news, together with my emails.

6:00 am

I begin getting ready for work. Although I don’t like to admit it, it no longer includes a cold ending to my shower (à la Wim Hof) — a short phase that peaked in summer when the temperature of the tap water was a little more appealing. Breakfast follows.

7:00 am

I start my commute. A lovely short drive that winds along the surf coast with clear views of kunanyi (Mount Wellington) — on this occasion a snow-dusted peak.

7:30 am

I arrive at my desk, pausing for a quick good morning (and check-in) with colleagues. I feel this is not only the right thing to do but a useful tool in creating happier work relations with my co-workers. Not to mention a great way to keep an ear out as to the happenings of the business. I then open a few emails that had been flagged.

8:00 am

I am approached by a colleague seeking some urgent advice, ahead of a meeting with a member of the executive team. The client was running through a few hypotheticals on possible termination of a service provider. Adaptability was important with the problem not being strictly a legal issue. My commercial hat went on and a solution that considered the commercial sensitivity was provided. These instructions were informal and started with the classic “What do you think?” Thankfully the door of the Hobart Airport legal team is always open, and we operate in a very collaborative manner. I really enjoy seeing the direct impact that my work has, and this was no exception.

9:00 am

I turn my attention to drafting a complex sublease where the client has requested a few unique clauses. I apply my creativity and ponder over the correct wording required to reflect my client’s instructions.

10:00 am

I speak to a group of cadets from the Australian Air Force. I discuss my role and journey, encouraging them to join the aviation sector, particularly Hobart Airport. The airport’s relationship with the Air Force is vital given we are Australia’s Antarctic gateway, so it was exciting to see the next crop of talent. These opportunities assist greatly in my pursuit for job satisfaction.

11:00 am

A contractual interpretation question is hurled my way. I consider the parties’ intentions and think objectively. 

12:00 pm

A client emails me seeking advice on a billing issue that involves our commercial and finance teams. Thankfully a hallway conversation days earlier had tipped me off about this. Advice was again provided with a reminder of the commercial sensitivity on the matter. I left feeling less like a handbrake and more like a pedal.

12.30 pm

Lunch was eaten at my desk. I was keen to finalize an exciting partnership agreement with a professional sporting team.

1:30 pm

I jump into reviewing an external party’s feedback on a commercial contract. The hustle and bustle of contract negotiations always excites me.

2:30 pm

I step away from my desk and head for a walk to the terminal with my supervisor. A mix of work and personal topics are discussed. It is an exciting place to walk around with a runway (AU$130 million) and terminal expansion (AU$200 million) now underway. A safety hazard is spotted in the Arrivals Hall and reported. I consider it a productive “boots on the ground” walk that nicely breaks up my day.

3:00 pm

My corporate fire fighter mode kicks in and I spot a legal risk in a staff wide email. Advice is provided to the relevant executive. This is followed by an email exchange with an external contact at Reconciliation Tasmania. I always enjoy tapping into community work where possible.

4:00 pm

A conversation with our electromechanical controller assets manager results in a job to review one of our standard agreement documents. Another example of the importance of keeping an ear out in the office. I consult my supervisor on the best way forward and we work through a strategy.

6:00 pm

Back home, a quick refresh and I head off for a workout. This is followed by a game of fridge roulette as to what is on the dinner menu. Dinner is served and I wind down and take one last look at my work emails. It keeps my mind at ease, giving me the chance to consider and plan the next day.