Matthew Boguradzki: How being intentional, working hard and applying a formula can result in a stellar career.

Matt has always had a passion for the BMW Group products and through optimism, hard work and a sprinkle of luck, defined a formula for success that guided him throughout his journey; enabling him to progress quite quickly throughout the wider group and ensure he was match fit for any opportunities that arose. 

Starting his automotive career with North Shore BMW in Sydney, Australia, Matt moved to BMW Australia in 2013, to become a sales and product trainer. It was here he met his wife Lauren, who he admits is his biggest inspiration and the catalyst for his career taking off. Matt eventually rose to lead the strategic sales function for the MINI Brand in Australia and in 2019, relocated to NYC with Lauren to take on the Vice President of Sales role for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars largest region, the Americas. 

After more than 13 years with the BMW Group, Matt has recently relocated from New York City to Laguna Beach to take on a new role as Vice President of Sales and Strategy for Virgin Galactic, the world's first commercial space line. 

I am grateful to Brett Waudby for recommending Matt as a potential guest and for introducing us. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Matt in our conversation. Listening to it, I’m sure you’ll get a sense of Matt’s energy levels and the highly intentional way he has gone about managing his career. He also shares the three ingredients that have helped him on his journey. I am delighted to be able to introduce Matt to you in this episode and look forward to hearing what resonates with you. 

Why not follow us on Instagram @careerviewmirror where you can see a directory of all our episodes and comment on those you have enjoyed? 

This episode of CAREER-VIEW MIRROR is brought to you by Aquilae.  

Aquilae's mission is to enable Fulfilling Performance in the mobility industry.  

We use our very own Fulfilling Performance paradigm to identify what steps you need to take to enable Fulfilling Performance in your business.  

We leverage our Aquilae Consulting arm for business topics and the Aquilae Academy for people topics. 

And, once we're agreed on the way forward, we work alongside you and your teams to enable Fulfilling Performance and achieve your goals. 

I explain Fulfilling Performance in more detail in Episode 60 of CAREER-VIEW MIRROR which is a short Side Mirror episode. 

If you enjoy CAREER-VIEW MIRROR, please follow us in your podcast app. 

Email: cvm@aquilae.co.uk 

Episode recorded on 14 October, 2022 

Transcript

Matthew Boguradzki: 0:00

This is about something bigger than all of us. This is about creating an environment and a community where every interaction with our brand is an opportunity to change not just themselves but the world.

Andy: 0:11

Welcome to Career-view Mirror, the automotive podcast that goes behind the scenes with key players in the industry, looking back over their careers so far, sharing insights to help you with your own journey. I'm your host, Andy follows Matthew Boguradzki listeners, Matt has always had a passion for the BMW Group products and through optimism, hard work and a sprinkle of luck, defined a formula for success that guided him throughout his journey, enabling him to progress quite quickly throughout the wider group and ensure he was match fit for any opportunities that arose. Starting his automotive career with Northshore BMW in Sydney, Australia, Matt moved to BMW Australia in 2013 to become a sales and product trainer. He was here he met his wife Lauren, who admits is his biggest inspiration and the catalyst for his career taking off. Matt eventually rose to lead the strategic sales function for the MINI brand in Australia, and in 2019 relocated to New York City, with Lauren to take on the vice president of sales role for Rolls Royce motor cars largest region, the Americas. After more than 13 years with the BMW Group Matt has recently relocated from New York City to Laguna Beach to take on a new role as Vice President of Sales and strategy for Virgin Galactic the world's first commercial space line. I'm grateful to Bret Wardby for recommending Matt as a potential guest and for introducing us. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Matt in our conversation. Listening to it, I'm sure you'll get a sense of Matt's energy levels and the highly intentional way he's gone about managing his career. He also shares the three ingredients that have helped him on his journey. I'm delighted to be able to introduce Matt to you in this episode, and I look forward to hearing what resonates with you. If you enjoy listening to my guests' stories, please could you do me a favour and click the Follow button in the app that you use to listen to your podcasts. This helps our podcast grow so that we can continue to share the wealth of experience that our guests have amassed during their careers so far.

Aquilae Academy: 2:30

This episode of Career-view Mirror is brought to you by the Aquilae Academy. At the Academy we turn individual development into a team sport. We bring together small groups of leaders from non competing organisations to form their very own academy team. We build strong connection between team members and created a great environment for sharing and learning. We introduce the team to content that can help them tackle their current challenges. And we hold them accountable to take the actions that they decide are their priorities. We say we hold our team members feet to the fire of their best intentions. We do this internationally with teams across the world. If you'd like to learn more about the academy, go to www.aquilae.co.uk.

Andy: 3:16

Hello, Matthew and welcome and where are you coming to us from today?

Matthew Boguradzki: 3:21

I'm in Laguna Beach, California, actually, so yeah, just made the move a couple weeks ago.

Andy: 3:27

That is fantastic. Welcome. Welcome. from Laguna Beach. I can tell from your accent that you weren't born in Laguna Beach. So where were you born? Where did your journey start?

Matthew Boguradzki: 3:39

So originally, Sydney, Australia, actually. So I am an Aussie, Sydney and I moved to Melbourne for most of my working career. I actually worked at BMW in in Australia, so headquartered in Mulgrave, and made the move to New York beginning of 2019. And now just moved to Laguna Beach two weeks ago. So it's from Sydney to Melbourne, Melbourne to New York, New York to California.

Andy: 4:02

Absolutely. What a glamorous list of locations you just hit us with there. And I'm looking forward to hearing what's brought you to Laguna Beach and how your first experience is so recent. You know how that's been. We've got to first of all though journey through your life before we can enjoy what's happening in the present day. You were born in Sydney and started out there. Can I ask you a little bit about your early years? I'd love to know how where might when we when you are lucky enough to be born which is such a lottery win for all of us, where did you land? What was the situation? Tell us a little bit about your family, please?

Matthew Boguradzki: 4:43

So I mean I'm definitely very lucky. I think especially now living in the US you realise just how special it is to be an Australian and how lucky we are. But my dad migrated from Poland in the in 1980 actually and he came with not very much in his pocket. He was a technician that actually at that point in time worked for Mercedes Benz and my mum was actually a teacher and they met I think it was at church back in the day. And from there, they obviously grew a bond and I came not far after. But, you know, they were definitely the Aussie battlers, i don't know if that terminology has made its way to the UK, but they didn't have very much, they definitely made as much as possible with very little. And I was given every opportunity because of it, they made a lot of sacrifices to give me so I was lucky growing up, I had the opportunity to do a lot with music, I had the opportunity to obviously go to the best schools possible that they could afford. And, you know, I did move around a little bit growing up, which I think you know, a lot of ways helped my personality kind of find its its groove when it comes to starting again, interacting with people and trying to get into different social cliques. But now, overall, a very positive start, I would say, very fortunate to be born in Australia.

Andy: 5:55

Right. So being at school, were you quite an academic student?

Matthew Boguradzki: 6:01

Yes. And no, I think I had a natural sort of talent. But it was interesting, like a lot of the time I think some of my teachers would have said, I had like, almost ADD levels of energy. And I think that it's always been something quite unique throughout my childhood. So I wouldn't say I was a highly academic, but I did very well overall, like I was fortunate enough to have a natural gift and a talent to remember, I don't know if that was the music, you know, when you have to memorise pieces, but I was very fortunate to have very good memory growing up. So whether or retain that information, it's a different point, but I could sit well enough in the tests, when I had them

Andy: 6:37

Well, I'm not an expert on music, or brain science, but I'm pretty sure I've read about the beneficial you know, or the benefits of learning music in terms of developing parts of your brain in the same way that learning a second language does the same thing. So I'm sure it didn't do you any harm at all. You're clearly naturally, naturally pretty bright individual? Did you lean towards any particular subjects? Or were you just a general all rounder?

Matthew Boguradzki: 7:02

No, I think I did in New South Wales, they've got like, an extension topic, which I think is three units or something. But I did that music level. So it's like an extended version

Andy: 7:11

were your parents musical, or are your parents musical?

Matthew Boguradzki: 7:15

I mean, the short answer is no, I think my mum enjoys singing and everything there. But from a musical that neither of them play. I think it was growing up. I think my mum saw that brain science understanding of building the formative years to be really focused, I was very fortunate because my mum, obviously being a teacher had a much more understanding around what those early days should look like to create success later. And obviously, I'm not I haven't got kids yet, but it definitely plays on my mind of how I would definitely treat my children. I think that earlier days where you can do as much as possible, like my mom got me involved with so many things. But by the time you start to develop your memory properly, you've already got so many skill sets, I think it's the same as learning a language or a second language at home. So I was very lucky overall, but the music definitely helped shape, not just my performance skills, but my natural ability to be in front of people and be on the spot. You know, if there was something we had to play music somewhere. So I think a lot of my skill set now that I utilise that, consider my best strengths, I think definitely came from that musical background very early in my life.

Andy: 8:20

Right. So I'm picking up this sense that there's a family there's a couple of parents here who are really committed to giving you the best possible opportunity, as you said, you know, trying to create for you perhaps what they didn't have themselves. Yeah,

Matthew Boguradzki: 8:37

exactly. And I think, you know, when it was coming to a time where, you know, obviously wanting to realise what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, I was at one stage thinking I'd love to go to the conservatory of music, you know, would just be something I loved. It was passionate. I played piano since I was very little. And my mom sort of said to me, Well, look, you know, the very least if you really want to make it potentially start thinking about something that will give you a stronger foundation, you know, why don't you think of like accounting, maybe law. And in that discussion piece, I remember thinking to myself if I don't really want to be either of those things. But if you think about the police and the SWAT, right, the police or your everyday managers, making sure the town is safe. And when they've got a problem they call a highly trained professional, sort of like an accountant. And in this case not a manager, but a SWAT level here, they kinda come through. So I thought you know what, maybe that is the best way to do it. So I ended up working as a cadetship programme with an accounting firm in the city. And from there did accounting, basically studied at night.

Andy: 9:34

I'm going to jump in and say can we just slow down a little bit? Did you have brothers and sisters or do you have brothers and sisters?

Matthew Boguradzki: 9:42

So I have two younger brothers, one of them suddenly passed away roughly 10 years ago. So my youngest brother and I Yeah, look, it's something which, you know, I've come to terms with it was a hard moment for our family but it was one of the one of the turning points in my life, I think where it helped me reset and have that focus needed sometimes those near death experiences, they say are the most important, but when you have, you know, close death in your family, it also is a very humbling experience, but also puts a lot into perspective. And I think it was around that time in 2012, where I was working actually in a dealership at the time. So I am maybe I'm jumping around but after studying accounting, I was at a weird point where it was weird I was going home and I really loved the BMW product wanted to buy one want to be involved with it. My dad worked for them in my formative years. And I actually had my own place at the time. And I moved from Castle Hill, to Artarmon and in Artarmon there was a new dealership that just popped open and was right near and I was driving home every day. And I thought just I'm gonna go for it. And I think at that stage, it was very much a an exciting opportunity that came out of nowhere. I ended up just walking in and started working in the dealership just in the absolute lowest of low roles. But it was something where I looked around I had this passion I had this, this this natural effervescence like of excitement around the product itself. And I just thought I can do something here. And I think if you think about the used car salesman or the new car salesman, it's got a very negative connotation. And I think when I was growing up, there was elements of that negative connotation with you've got the gift of the gab, you know, the teachers that that thought I had ADD, it was this just ah, you're just a talker or you know, you can't close so there was an element of, I think drive that gave me quite a unique I don't know, for me, it was something that really helped me rise above everyone else. I think there was a natural passion for the product and love for the product, which was authentic came through, there was a natural drive to want to prove all the naysayers wrong, you know, and I think in a lot of cases, I was also I feeling like not educated in that space. But being in having an accounting background and degree really did help me stand out across the board because it wasn't just I want to sell this product because I want to build a career with this company. And there was nothing else I want to do work for BMW.

Andy: 11:58

Right? Yeah, I'm sure that the dealership when you turned up were you know realised they got quite a find here someone with your background already. You mentioned the naysayers, who what's this all about? Who was saying you weren't gonna make it?

Matthew Boguradzki: 12:15

No, I think it was more like it's it's like anything I think, you know, for those listening, if your kid came up to you and said, I want to go work in automotive mom or dad, you know, there'd be this maybe reconsider. And it's not a not necessarily a negative, but it's the realities of the mind. I think in the world now, especially the salesmen as such is not seen in a positive light. I think always still. And I think in some cases, even though it's evolving, a lot of people think it's, you know, the the dodgy used car deals that will kind of be thrown at you and bamboozle you and stuff so I think it was more. Are you sure that's the right direction? Are you sure that's what you want to do, it's not necessarily about anything else but yeah, I call it the naysayer.

Andy: 12:54

Yeah, no, I understand now. So it wasn't people saying you couldn't do it. It was more do you really want to do that is that you could do better than that. I get it. Yeah. And the whole gift of the gab. I hate the gift of the gab phrase. I think it totally misunderstands what sales is all about. It's not about talking. It's about listening. It's listening. So that infuriates me when people say, oh, yeah, be a good salesman, he's got the gift of the gab. Right? So I'm still going to obsess about this piano. So it was mum was saying mum was saying, Okay, we're gonna get you every opportunity. So you played the piano, it turned out to be better than average at it and loved it to the extent that you considered maybe taking it further, then you got a little bit of guidance, which I can understand you've got all this support, and it's wonderful. But you've also got a bit of realism coming through from your folks that hang on a minute, we we're all about you. But we want you to get yourself something that we're going to feel comfortable you're going to get some security from and so perhaps something a little bit more mainstream than concert pianist would be, would be helpful. So that's the direction you went in, did the accounting piece driving past the BMW dealership though every day and thinking, Oh, God as a real pull to that, and then talking people into you making a quite a yeah, for your quality of education and calibre of individual, interesting choice to go in there. But knowing that you were going there for to be part of the business and to grow a career in that industry, if you like not to just remain at the entry level.

Matthew Boguradzki: 14:29

Exactly. And I think, you know, in that timeframe, when I was lucky enough to work in multiple roles, I think I was very fortunate at the beginning to work, the business was owned by two different directors, one of them kind of had more of a focus on aftersales, one of them working in the sales front. And I was very fortunate to be able to work very closely with both of them and learn different aspects of the business. So I got a very well rounded understanding of how a dealership would be run, that even the IT landscape and how that would be set up. And then working throughout that I then say saw an opportunity with MINI where the dealership was starting up with it in a way that had some success in the past. But it was an opportunity to also look at a business as a whole. And within that I got to fall in love with the MINI brand. You know, I really couldn't tell you how much I just connected with me it was the same level of fun. So you had the BMW sales guys downstairs and I was kind of a one man show with MINI upstairs. And I was able for my personality to really just come out like it was there was unapologetic it was changing up the sales process being as fun as possible making this interaction for the car buying process as engaging as possible. So that was able to when I started then doing BMW training where I would go down to Mulgrave and get to sit in the class and learn significantly, not just how to tailor my approach, but also exactly what we said before, it's actually the listening component. And all of a sudden, my mind, my whole world just completely opened up. And at that point, I was like, I have to I have to be part of this world. And I met Kevin Pascoe at the time who was one of the probably the most inspiring first trainers, if you think about Welcome to BMW as a concept for someone that loves the brand loves the product to have someone like him come in and start a session where you just walk away, not just brand tattooed, but inspired. I said to him, I don't know how I'm gonna make it happen, Kevin, but I have to be part of his and if there's opportunities, please let me know. And 2013 that happened. Obviously, I followed him up a little bit. And there was an opportunity that opened up and he said, Matt, might be the right time, are you willing to move to Melbourne and it was that simple. I packed up everything I went down. And that's where actually on my first day I met my wife, she actually worked at BMW, she did my orientation in HR the first day. So in a lot of ways, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made to make that jump. And I owe a lot of that to Kevin,

Andy: 16:51

You owe that onboarding a lot don't you, can I just have a whole life please? Yeah, thank you. Look what I love about that is you're obviously so much in the right place when you found MINI and the ability for you to be yourself and to think I can be 100% me because this brand is such a good fit with who I am, all I have to do is just like keep turning up the volume on on me or fill myself out. And it's going to work. But that's because you've followed a little bit your heart. Initially, when driving past that you stopped driving past that BMW dealer and drove in. And so you caused that you got yourself on that trajectory. And you fought a little bit because that trajectory perhaps wasn't the one that your parents wanted for you or that you were being lined up for. So you had to sort of persuade them a little bit that this was going to work and fantastic that you you found such a good fit with MINI. Have we skipped over? It feels like we're going really, really quick Matt, have we skipped over any other significant sort of moments? How long were you in the dealership for?

Matthew Boguradzki: 18:07

So about just under four years in total?

Andy: 18:10

Okay, did you stand out amongst your peers?

Matthew Boguradzki: 18:14

I definitely did. And I think you know, there was a lot of changes happening at the time. So I started at the point where the dealer was owned by headquarters and then sold to a private owner. So there was a lot that was happening throughout to get set up to obviously, then build out the processes, there was a complete overhaul on levels, there was several different locations that they tried to consolidate throughout. So I was not just involved because I was excited. I also came on board wanting to make as much of an impact. So it would be anywhere and everything that needed support. I was happy to be helping

Andy: 18:46

great stuff for listeners to hear the amount of proactivity on your part fueled by excitement and genuine interest, but the amount of proactivity to get involved and understand as much of the picture as possible.

Matthew Boguradzki: 18:59

I think it definitely again, I think that's my biggest advice to anybody, I think there's definitely going to be something and they always say passion is what fuels you. It's when you have the tough days, it's going to be the one that helped you show up. And for me I'm fairly confident in the formula being reputation network and an element of luck. You know, reputation is your brand. You know, what you're being known for the question you just asked me is did you stand out? Well, my brand was the guy that was super energetic, very enthusiastic, happy to help all the time. Nice guy. And just that was what people thought about me. It wasn't anything to do with about processes. It wasn't anything to do with even my work ethic. They just was the hardworking, great, happy guy happy to help. And I think that when you think about reputation, is something that not just helps connect people, but when they're looking for certain personalities, every job I've ever been offered has always been exactly what they're looking for. And I think that's what's been very fortunate for me, you know, again, lucky in a lot of ways, but that networking component is the second piece where if you've got the right people around you, and you've got the right people guiding you. When you pair that with what your reputation is, it then opens up more networks. And again, that's the luck piece where you've got to be a little bit right place right time. It's there is I'm very, again, fortunate. And I think you've got to be grateful about the opportunities are given that you can create your own luck in many ways. But if you don't get those first two pieces done, you've got nothing.

Andy: 20:21

It sounds like, yeah, the bigger your network is, the more chance you have to get lucky. I love the idea, when did you start being intentional about your brand and considering calling it your brand?

Matthew Boguradzki: 20:32

I think it was more when you realise when you invest your time, and you give a lot. I mean, I give a lot. I think there's a lot of heartache with that, when you don't get back what you're hoping to receive. And I think in a lot of cases, it wasn't until I came to the US and not realising what my brand was. But I realised that I was unique in many ways. And it's not that I attached myself to a brand, but working for brands like BMW Mini and Rolls Royce, you align with the values in a lot of cases, you know, for me working for BMW now, was working for 14 years, as a concept, you are, there are a lot of alignments with what they represent. And I think then when you start to shape yourself around it, you truly have those moments that test you, you then bring in your value. So it's not that it's the brand perception, but perception is in so many ways, nine tenths of the law. So for me, it was more around, I have more confidence in who I am, as a person, I know my my worth a lot more. But in a lot of cases, just like a brand, you have to make sure you work on that perception piece. Otherwise, you've got nothing. So it's not that I'm, it's interesting to pull that out. It's not that I draw comparison, like my brand. But, you know, if we think yourself as a brand, it does change the perception a bit of what you do on a daily basis. Because again, it's about what do you want people to go away with? And how does your actions potentially live up to what you're truly brand stands for, or what you stand for?

Andy: 21:54

Yeah, I pulled it out because I really like it. And I think it's a very useful tool for helping people to make some decisions about how they're going to behave, and to just give them a little bit of extra motivation on the days when maybe they're not feeling like being on brand. So I like that, and I'm getting this sense of a bright, energetic young person who had a very clear idea of a lot of ambition, I'm gonna use that word ambition, but I'm gonna let you sort of talk about that. And ambition certainly to, to progress and to learn a lot and to go far within an organisation. And very intentional about the things that you did. And I can imagine, right, maybe at the beginning, you were naturally happy and energetic. You hadn't coined the phrase, my brand is happy and energetic, and hard working at that point, or you said actually was more about happy and, you know, bright and brings energy, which reminds me of the guy who introduced us, actually, Brett Wardby, funnily enough, who used to just put smiles on the faces of everybody when he walked into the office. And, you know, I'm sure you'll relate to that as well. So I'm seeing that a lot of intentionality about what you want to do. Ambition, was there ambition? There was what was driving the curiosity to do these things and sort of the desire to give more, do more, be more?

Matthew Boguradzki: 23:26

You know, that it's an interesting question, because I think, you know, especially going into my new role, and you do reflect a little bit more on what drives you and those components. The short answer at the beginning was, BMW for me was when I was growing up, for example, I mean, especially in Australia, you have a very, I mean, coming to America to the middle class mentality when you really realise in Australia that it's not that there's you don't dream as big. But if you think about it tax is significant, and you have a safety net underneath, so you have this by default, middle class mindset, where US you take away the the stealing, but you also don't have the safety net. Welcome to the free market. So I think in Australia growing up, I was not necessarily couldn't dream as big, but I just in what I was surrounding by having lots of different moves growing up, I didn't have something which I see as my start, like where I want it to go towards. And I think the automotive world wasn't something I ever really considered because, you know, my mom was always study, study, go get a degree, make sure you're focusing on University and really start working in professional life. So I've never looked at it in that direction. But it was also something that was quite unique. You know, I had access, my dad would bring out these really amazing cars, I would see them I would love them. But I couldn't really translate or talk to anybody about that. So I think it was more when I moved into the BMW network. All of a sudden, I was on my own path, my own race. I had no one surrounding me every other job I had. There was competition. There was people next to me doing the exact same roles. I'm quite competitive naturally, but being on my own path all of a sudden it was it sometime When you're in the first place, you know, it's harder to being in the back when you're chasing someone, but I was just on my own path. So all of a sudden it was, I want to make sure I can get as far as possible. And the analogy I like to think of is, like flying a plane for the first time and seeing how high you can go. And you just get to that point, you can keep going higher, and eventually, you're gonna have to land, fix the plane up and then go again. But at that point, in my career, I was I had made some significant height, and I was like, I want to go higher. It was It wasn't necessarily anything to do with the motivation as to why it was just simply, I'm really high right now. Let's see how much higher I can go. I don't know if that makes any sense.

Andy: 25:36

Yeah, so it was the, the joy of flying, if you like, and, yeah, the competitive spirit, some of my listeners are gonna want to know, because you competitive did you play sport?

Matthew Boguradzki: 25:48

No. Growing up, I didn't really. I think music was probably more my thing. And I played a little bit of sport growing up all throughout, like, obviously at schools, rugby and a couple other bits, which I enjoyed. But my mom was always super scared something would happen to my fingers, especially playing piano. So we tend to avoid that. But I think the competitive level, I don't know where it comes from completely. I mean, I'm quite fortunate, like, Where does my energy come from? It's not something I can necessarily define as easily. But I lean into it. And I just enjoy the excitement of competition, or sorry about winning either. But sometimes it's just being in a situation where you're giving your all and you're invested completely and you with people that are pushing you to be better. That's for me, yeah, the inspiration.

Andy: 26:33

Thank you. Thank you for explaining that a little bit. And I can see how your mom was, she wants everything for you. And she's also got this idea that the way you do that is a little bit. It's not the American model of no safety net, and fly as high as you like it's create a foundation for yourself, make some choices that have got a better than average chance of seeing you, okay, make some sensible choices if you like. So you've got that now, but you love flying. So you've, you've been able to build on that foundation, you've got a safety net, in terms of the qualifications, the background, the experience you've got, but now you're flying your flying. And we'll find out how fly how high you're actually flying as we go through quite literally. But I love the analogy there. So that's it. That's what it's coming across to me is you've got a really you've had a really good start. And but you had all this ambition or love of just seeing how far can I get? How far can I get? So you then went to Mulgrave on mini training programme thinks I thought I really want to be part of this. You told Kevin Pascoe, if any openings come up, please let me know. And he did. And in 2013, I think you said it was you, you started there. And not only did you have a great first day, but you met, you're the girl who was going to become your wife.

Matthew Boguradzki: 28:04

It was an amazing event. I think, you know, if you ever talked to Kevin about it, that conversation, I remember when we were in a training session, and one of the salespeople actually asked him how I got there. And my response was follow up, you know, like, you got to follow up. And Kevin actually stopped. He's like, Well, you got to be able to do the work first. Right. And I think there is that amazing level within with Kevin where, I think, again, coming back to reputation, he saw something in me, he also knew of that reputation checked with a few people, of course, they would have had positive things to say. And then again, good luck, the opportunity had to open up. And we were actually very fortunate, I never realised what an opportunity it was, at the time, that the concept of BMW Group doing what they call retail HR, which was bringing HR elements into the retail world, how does it look to recruit, retain and develop the best people? So for me, if you think about my points around trying and what motivated me at the beginning, to really change the perception of the sales team and think how that role could evolve to be more relevant today's day and age. This project, which I just was an opportunity that came up, happened to be the platform that set me on a pathway in the group that was incredible. And obviously, I gave everything and I wanted to be the same thing at the dealership, I was everywhere I could be, supported anybody that needed it, and was known to try and change the little bit of training mentality because beforehand it was, you know, a separate building at Mulgrave, it was a people kind of when they were when they needed to and it wasn't necessarily about how can training be front of mind for all the functions. And what Kevin was trying to do was change that. So being in the sales function, I was able to integrate quite well. I really got into launches, which for me is like a drug. you're launching a car be excited about the new product being part of the tech, like I was on another level of excitement so pairing that with my job being training excited the sales teams to sell this product. I was in my element like it was like I can't even describe The excitement around it, especially being a techie guy that just loves being by the product. But then I also got to launch with MINI. So I was very fortunate within this time to really find my groove. But then what really set us apart was, from a budget point, we couldn't launch every car. So we started thinking how do we bring launches in. So we started looking at webinars. And I met these really cool guys that were kind of in between roles, wanting to potentially kind of outsource themselves and think what's next. So guys, why don't you come on board and maybe potentially help us create digital video content and webinar content, ad hoc, this was 2014 2015, when it was very quite new. And we started doing some really cool beats where we had the entire network joined for a morning meeting where we had the two series coupe first time launched, we had a video content we created we had a poll and all of a sudden just experimenting with something just from a budget point of view, use the sedan, but also to try and bring that excitement or product that is going to be in the dealership the next week, and launched digitally. And it was one of the best test cases. And then all of a sudden it got all of this excitement around the world because so many BMW subsidiaries, were actually looking to do exactly this. So then we started getting people reaching out saying, Hey, by the way, heard you did the webinar? Or how did it go? What was the feedback? So again, I went took that mentality, gave as much as possible went above and beyond to help anyone that needed it. And it started to help create, again, like more of the global network, within BMW. So the intent wasn't to, to network and be nice for the sake of it, it was sharing genuinely an excitement of something that was quite cool. And going that extra mile for people that potentially I had no clue who they were. But knowing it would help accelerate the overall vision of trying to make this actually accessible and make this work for everybody. So for me, I think that was a huge turning point, where I started having more confidence in what we're doing, you know. At the beginning is not an impostor syndrome. But in sales, it's not like there's a degree for it. So there's a skill set. So people have experience, some people have, again, you could be 20 years working, never really test yourself, you could have five years, but when you push it every single day, there's a very different mentality, how do you translate on paper. So being around some of the most amazing coaches and amazing minds, you really can't help but reflect on all the things you need to change about yourself. And I think that's also quite a deep thing where you all a sudden have to now really to show up, have to battle through some demons where you have to realise I wish I did that differently. Or maybe I could have done that differently. And again, in sales, it's there's 100 different ways to get the destination, you have to kind of pick the right route that works best. And I love the line, you've got to collect dots to connect dots, right? So this, the more dots you can lay out, the better your vision or the better way you'll go forward. But in this role, it was the first time where I realised huge skill gap in so many ways I need to lift, there was an opportunity where I had a now a bit of a network where people were watching quite closely what we were doing. And all of a sudden, it was at this weird point where, again, there was a project role. So it was coming up to kind of an end date. So will I be extended? Will I not so naturally and started thinking, Well, what else could I do? If I'm in this company, I don't want to leave, I've built this all up. So at the time, there was an opportunity that opened up for the product communications are now you said for a guy Australia, that gets the travel to all the launches globally, like wherever they are in the coolest spots, you get to now inspire the press and how this perception of our brand is perceived and how the entire product range is communicated overall. I was like, I'd be in for that sign me up. So I actually interviewed for that role. And in that time, Daniel Odman, who was the head of sales, he's now actually running the BMW Melbourne store. He came in and just tapped me on the shoulder and said, Matt, look, there is this amazing opportunity to me as an area manager, I don't know if you've ever considered it. But look, see the product comes roll really good for you can see with that, what's next after that. And it was this weird moment where I looked at MINI and I'm like, well hang on, I love the brand. And I remember being able to beat me and I'm okay, this is kind of cool. And I never really considered that function as a whole. Because it is a little bit, the pressure is on your shoulders, you've got to deliver your numbers every month. And that's you know, it's a different capacity. It's nowhere near as glamorous as the product comms manager where you get to be everywhere launch the products and everything else. But I ended up having a conversation with the general manager at the time Tony Cisco. And we hit it off really well. And it was one of those moments where I'm like this is this is the right path. I didn't feel like I knew what the next steps exactly would look like. But there was just this idea now that this was the pathway I had to go on. It just had more opportunity afterwards. And from there when I jumped in, I was very lucky to have great I mean one of the best teams possible like it was a small close knit family. On every function. We had this amazing dynamic That, again allowed us to do really cool things. And in BMW Group, I always like to draw comparison. But MINI and Rolls Royce are kind of like the startups within the company, you know, there's a little bit more flexibility list or intake, less process, because it is a smaller business at one way. But in a lot of other cases, you can be a little bit more entrepreneurial than you would be on the BMW side. So picking up where we left off on the BMW end, on video content, digital networking, I was able to really hone in on that, especially in my regions, because now I had dealer access. And I was coming from a different level where I had an amazing dealer network, I looked after Victoria, Tasmania, Adelaide and Western Australia. So I had such a diverse mix of different teams. And we were able to start really on a granular level, thinking outside the box, you know, video content was a big one for us. If you think about how we communicate digitally, in this world, I mean, it's so accessible yet, we're still thinking about the sales processes, step one, step two, step three, and following the road to sale. But if you think about our video content comes in on board, being able to showcase the car, create excitement, bring in what they're looking for, at the comfort of their own home, we were able to do some really cool things which drove results. And then from there, again, the network level came, the person above me the national sales function got an opportunity to go to New Zealand. And that opportunity opened up for me to step into his role. So from area manager within 18 months to the national sales manager role, and in that capacity, was able to build even more onto that global network.

Andy: 36:36

I'm just thinking there's because people are interested, they want to know, well, how do you get the next job, how to get the next job. And what I'm thinking what I'm hearing is, you actually you did great work, you you bought everything 100% At least but you weren't afraid to change or and you weren't afraid to change things you weren't the you weren't there to hold the reins or, or you know, take over the controls of the plane and fly it, fly it straight and flat till the next guy came along or girl came along, you wanted to change that you wanted to do new stuff. And you did that and it went well. And you shared it as much as you could with all that enthusiasm and spirit with other people in the business and external, you know, around, you know, outside of your market. But certainly, you got noticed for that. And then it sounds like when the opportunities. Yes, you are applying for things but then people would tap you on the shoulder and give you a little bit that really helpful guidance that that is a nice job. And yes, you would fit in it. And I can see the attraction of it. What are you gonna do after that, though, maybe look at this one, because this has got a longer path after it. So it all makes sense. I mean, the success you're having all makes sense because of the way you describe how you've approached the things that you've done. That's that's all I'm taking from from listening to this. Can you just remind me of your I can't remember what you call it now. It was like your philosophy or your your processes? Three, three steps. reputation was in there

Matthew Boguradzki: 38:10

Yeah, so network and luck.

Andy: 38:13

Reputation network and luck. Yeah, very good. Okay, so where, let's see, where have we got up to, you've got the you're now National Sales Manager for MINI, in Australia, and able to you in that wonderful position, as you get a little bit more responsibility. And you can do more, you can take your ideas and the things that have worked for you at a level and you can spread them out now nationally. And that's what you have no fear of doing and a lot of energy to do. And and how did that work out for you.

Matthew Boguradzki: 38:49

You know, it was interesting at the time where when we went through a transition of leadership. So my boss, Tony Cisco so at the time, he went and joined the BMW marketing team. And Brett Wardby was actually coming on board. So the guy that introduced us and there was this weird turning point where it was like, for me, my goals were in a dealership, I was able to sell MINI and then I went into the special vehicles to the BMW seven series eight Series M product. I thought that would be a perfect transition. If I'm going to be in sales to do the same headquarters, you know, I'd have working in MINI sales then working to potentially a special role. Amazing. And I was interestingly in discussion with Daniel, Mike Daniel, this is your recommended for MINI, great decision now when I can't work with you. And it was this weird turning point when Brett joined. I mean, you said it yourself. He's energy is infectious. He's an incredible leader. I had a few moments with him where I was just like I have to work with this guy. And I remember calling Daniel saying really sorry, but I'm going to stick with MINI, I think in this transition especially like we to keep the momentum going, we can't lose two people in that function and plus Brett's such a nice guy So it was an interesting moment where I decided to stay. And, you know, Brett, as a leader, you know, he created an amazing culture. So he really kept that family value that made us very unique. He probably brought it to even more of a, an engaging level. And he used to work for as an area manager for me, right. So he worked with a global team. And that's how we had a kind of an existing relationship already. But his boss and our boss, so the president of the region as a whole, he went to Rolls Royce. And he became the global sales and marketing director, and a little bit of reputation, a little bit of network and a little bit of luck. I got a phone call from Brett. And he says, I think Henrik wants you for the US. And I said, What do you mean mate? Like, what do you mean? And he's like, Well, you've got a role is the head of sales, or the VP of Sales for Rolls Royce motor cars, Americas, I don't even know what Americas is. And there's two continents. It's so it's north and south. It's Canada. I've never been to the US like what he's like, Well, I said to the right guy for the job. So don't let me down. And it was one of those conversations where I just I remember vividly putting the phone down and saying to my wife this could be an opportunity. And yeah, obviously incredibly grateful for Brett obviously backing me but it was interesting, that call where, again, you weren't talking impostor syndrome, like, you know, when there's so much to learn. You just you can't help but be flooded by it. But at the same time, like, not scared is the wrong word. But you are very aware of what is going to need to step up. But you also have no idea what you're going to have to sharpen to be able to have success.

Andy: 41:43

You don't know what you don't know.

Matthew Boguradzki: 41:44

Yeah, exactly right.

Andy: 41:46

It's just wonderful, really wonderful to hear the train of events and the supportive, how supportive leaders have helped you and the idea that a leader comes in like Brett, and actually causes you to pause and think no, I'm going to stay, I want to see what it's going to be like here under this guy. And that's the power of leaders to attract and retain good people the power of good leaders to do that. So I'm really glad you mentioned that. I'm going to go back now because your were you married then by this time when you got the offer to go to the US?

Matthew Boguradzki: 42:22

Yes, I was. So at the beginning of 2018. Yes.

Andy: 42:26

Okay, so let's go back to that first day. Because I always like to do a little bit of personal stuff, a bit of romance if possible. So that first day when you when you met the girl who became your wife, what happened there? Tell us a bit about that. And then then we'll come back

Matthew Boguradzki: 42:42

So I didn't think anything of the interaction I was you know, didn't really wasn't like love at first sight or anything. I mean, she didn't know our engagement piece at the beginning. Depending on who you ask the story, if you ask her, she'll tell you a different one. But, you know, a few months in I think she was in a relationship at the time, I think there was breakup, but it was coming around to Oktoberfest and Oktoberfest Is everything you would hope it would be in a German company. Now there's lots of beer, there's meat, there's the pretzels. And everyone's a bit dressed up. And you know, in this point, my wife in HR was trying to get some excitable people to try and create some engagement to keep things going. And it was an arm wrestling competition, as she said, hey, you know, you in and so I went in and I was very much the my first person I was I was going up against was quite a skinny, small, or someone to say just for this purpose of this boy, right? Like a little kid. So I was able to very much easily beat him. But I let him down gently, you know, had a bit of fun with it created some energy. And I don't know if that was the catalyst. But then she reached out to me and was like, hey, you know what's going on. And as a sales guy would have an opportunity comes in, you've got to make sure you close it. And so I you know, had this conversation with her like, why don't we have dinner, and we went from there. And went and picked her up and gave her the sales treatment. As I said, they say you could tell the calibre of a sales guy by the quality of his partner. And I'm definitely batting above my average. I'm very proud of myself on that one. But I think my life changed when, when I obviously met her in every way possible. You know, I think it was very early on after my my brother had passed, meeting her and just having this this instant connection where we on every level just got each other. I would say the good line is if you look after yourself first, everything falls into line. I think having that support at home for the first time at a level I could never comprehend and connection, I think really helped me and I was right at the beginning of my BMW career like this was the end of 2013. I was with her and from there. I mean, my career has not just took off but it was exponential.

Andy: 44:48

That's wonderful. If your wife listens to nothing else, then it'd be good. If she listened to that a little bit and I hadn't heard that thing about you can judge the quality of a salesperson by his partner. That makes me stellar. absolutely stellar. Yeah, so that I love that one. And then when it came to leaving Australia to go to the US was this a difficult conversation at home or was a really straightforward one

Matthew Boguradzki: 45:20

There was an interesting point where I was talking to my wife about potential opportunities with BMW overall. And she said to me, the only way I'd move is to an English speaking country, and that was where we kind of left it. So as soon as it opened up, I mean, this is New York City, this is Americas, this is Rolls Royce. Like, there wasn't much to discuss there was like 100%, like, it's, you can't even dream of these opportunities. Even by growing up, this would never have even been a remote possibility. Again, that's the middle class Australian mindset a little bit, but I would never have comprehended it. I knew that job existed and was available. And I remember when it posted people like wait, what like, that's the most baller thing I've ever heard head of sales, Rolls Royce, Americans like what? And I think a lot of cases, you know, the, the discussion was easy, but I just couldn't comprehend it at the time, I still for a long time, in the role didn't even quite comprehend where I was like, and it was such a quick transition like it happened. I think I got the acceptance in the beginning of December. And you know, at the end of January, I'd started like it was boom, boom, move everything over and start. So I didn't really have to think, just jumped straight in as you have to when you have those kind of opportunities thrown at you

Andy: 46:34

And you're very honestly shared that you were nervous about it, that there was you recognise there's going to be a gap. I need to step up here. And I don't even know what it is. I don't even know where I'm going to have to step up. But also there was a I love that baller. I love that expression. There's no way you're gonna turn it down. No way you're gonna turn it down. And did your wife stay with BMW?

Matthew Boguradzki: 47:00

No she'd already left by that stage. So she, she also has had an amazing career on it. I mean, her trajectory was quite impressive. But she transitioned to JB Hi Fi. I think in 20, was 2017. And then from there, she had an amazing career as well. So she ended up moving with me, obviously. And it wasn't easy initially to get the job because of I mean, we moved right in the Trump era of America first. So it was a very bureaucratic process to get the visa, right. So she had a visa with my job. But to get working rights was a seven, eight month process. So for the first eight months, she made a massive sacrifice where she basically sat at home and I think she learnt to scrapbook she learnt all these new hobbies. But like, basically, I was travelling all around the US having the greatest time ever. And she was kind of stuck at home wanting to work able to work gave up an amazing role to join. But that's I think, the success story where after that she ended up getting a job at Wework. And Wework, right people watch the documentary. And if you haven't, we think it's what We Crashed. It's an amazing show, got Anne Hathaway in it, cut a long story short, she started right at the point where it started to crash. So all the networks started to disperse and she then had an incredible career. So in New York as a whole, she's now you know, in an amazing job, amazing at everything else. So now we've got this as a collective. I'm even stronger because she's super strong. And like, I now look to her for advice and support, because she's now at an experience level in a completely different world has multiple industries, multiple roles, and now multiple markets. And her job in HR is people strategy and thinking about things and growing our team. So I now I'm fortunate to have such an amazing resource at home. And I'm actually leaning into her more than I ever thought I would. So just as it turns out, like just a really amazing living the American dream story.

Andy: 48:54

I think we should actually be doing a Netflix show not a not a podcast with, this is amazing. I am familiar with WeWork story. I was working on a project with another company that Softbank Vision Fund had invested in at the same time as Wework so we knew exactly what was going on. So you found yourself once you got to the US into this role, VP of Sales for Rolls Royce motor cars Americas region, you knew you had to step up? Where did where did you discover you had to step up? Or did you find actually, I didn't have to do it? It was less than you thought What did you find?

Matthew Boguradzki: 49:37

boss that I've met, I mean he was I mean I've always even talked to having great mentors this this current boss Martin Fritsches was one of the most impressive people I've ever worked with or for you know, his pace that he would work was insane like I remember thinking I would never take red eyes, I would never take these early morning flights. In a few weeks. Even with him, I was switching flights around taking red eyes here being five cities in two days and being absolutely everywhere. And even if it was flying for a few hours for a one hour meeting, that impact that it would make, and coming to the US initially, the culture is very different to Australia where it's a lot more hustle. When I say hustle a lot of Australians that hustle but the two week vacation mentality is real in the US, you know, these guys are just boom boom boom go and they travel a lot more because there's so much more travel to. In Australia, you fly to Perth, that's the biggest flight, but that's New York to LA, you can be in Miami for breakfast Chicago for dinner mentality, like there is just an insane amount of of things you can do. And so he's his approach was to really maximise everything, you know, with our clients, they're ultra high net worth individuals, they have very high expectations. So the authenticity and making that option actually available to them by being there is something which they truly value. And so all of a sudden, I started changing my working style dramatically, you know, I was most efficient on the plane, but I had a few hours to work through. I was all of a sudden now a lot tired and more, I guess not on my game as much like to give a big meeting, you get a good night's sleep. Or if you're running from five different spots to get through it all, you know, you have to be able to show up. And I think you know, we touched on the brand beginning. For me that's element of where I had to really become sharper and who I was because when I had to show up, I had to really lean on. And I had to be able to have the mental almost capacity to be able to rise above the the negative thoughts, the anxiety that what happens when you're tired, and you're really, really almost overworked, because you're pushing so hard. And I think I learned a lot from him around mindfulness and balance, which I think was a huge focus point that I've never really given consideration to when I was working in Australia. But I was able to actually go to my flight and they sent me an email basically saying congratulations, you know, you've taken 100 flights this year, it was October, I started in January. And I had that realisation of just like wow, like I've accomplished so much. But God, I don't know if I can sustain this. And then the pandemic happened. And in the pandemic, you know, when you think about automotive, we have cars coming in and in the US having a lease market, which means when cars coming off lease cars coming back, and when the pandemic hit, it was all of a sudden, I had cars coming from both sides. And I have felt this pressure like what the hell are we going to do? How are we going to get through this, I have nearly $600 million worth of inventory on both. They're just sitting there waiting to be something to be done with it. And at this point in time I've looked at him and how he was and how he played it through and it changed my managerial style completely. You know, his approach, it was really about the people, the team and we met regularly morning and night with a team and we changed up so many different details to really ensure that we will pandemic proof but also throughout that we also were able to get to a point where with more structure, more managerial oversight and more support throughout the organisation. We built out a team that was just exactly that same family we're talking about in Australia like this, this something that was deeper. So for me the learnings that came from that wasn't necessarily what happened to step up? It was I had no idea how to keep up with the pace. And I think that was the difference. So it wasn't necessarily sharpening my skill sets. But that happened with a pandemic. And I realised there's a lot I need to do differently. But as did everyone, it was for me, how do I keep up with the pace, show up with a consistent level of branding, no matter how tired no matter what's going on, and every situation be able to perform at that level? And I failed dramatically if you like,

Andy: 53:48

okay, no, so few things I want to do. Matt, please, one, I love to call out good leaders. So give me the name again, you did mention it, but just say really clearly who this guy was who was so good.

Matthew Boguradzki: 54:00

He's Martin Fritsches. So he was initially he came from Brazil. So he's a German Argentinian. He worked for 10 years with BMW in Brazil. And now he's the president and CEO Rolls Royce motor cars America's

Andy: 54:15

right. So love to call out good leadership. So some of the stuff was around structure and creating that really good team in the US. But what else did you learn? How did you get that? You mentioned the mindfulness, the balance? Is there anything you can share with us that you started to do that helped you to be able to show up how you want it to show up and needed to show up in spite of the intense pressure?

Matthew Boguradzki: 54:39

You know, candidly, for the audience, I mean, I haven't solved it by any means. I think it's a work in progress. The other great line is it's kind of like bathing, it doesn't last, that's why they suggest you do it daily and I think mindfulness and motivation mindset is exactly that. It is consistency. And when I'm doing this travel, that's always when I struggle, so you know in the planning moments I think we can do this, I can jam pack this, I can adjust there and I can do so much. And then you kind of get home on the for Friday at the weekend and you're crashing and you're almost dead. So I think what I'm realising is finding that balance, where yes, I can still be highly energetic and push through and do more than what others could do. But I have to be allocating some of that budget for myself, I think that's the biggest portion. So I think it's not something that is ever complete. But I think gym for me is obviously one of the most important like, you know, if I don't go to the gym, and another one is actually recently, I've got into is saunas, I can't tell you how much I love it. But if you go to gym session, and then have saunas for 15 to 20 minutes, that's that natural detox, and you already got the natural endorphins. But walking out after being in a sauna for a bit sweating it out you just feel significantly better and clearer. And another thing that I'm trying to do is also, as an emotional guy, not make decisions, you know, in that stress moment, just for the sake of making the decision to get it done. Sometimes it's also about pausing a little bit more, waiting for that sense of clarity and perspective before kind of committing. And I'm still not doing very well with that so. You know, it's an ongoing, ongoing thing. But I think the other point is awareness. If anyone wants my advice on anything that requires change. If you want to make it, you've got to be self aware, you have to be in elements of looking inwards, but also being honest, and not necessarily challenging yourself. But, you know, hold yourself accountable to whatever it is, whether it be to your values, your goals, but that in itself is probably the biggest mindfulness advice. Again, it's such a simple one. But be real.

Andy: 56:43

No awareness, very big part of it. Self awareness is the number one thing when you're starting out on your journey, your career journey is know about yourself, how you're going to show up to other people, what the effect of other people is going to have to you or the effect of other events, how you're going to respond to those all really valuable ideas. Insights. Thanks very much, Matt. So it sounds like you're in a really good place. You had a fantastic boss in Rolls Royce, you got a really big job. Very stressful during that the pandemic, how did it come out? How did you come out of the

Matthew Boguradzki: 57:19

I think in many ways, we were very pandemic? fortunate. I draw that comparison to startups in the past, you know, like, I think, everywhere in my career, we were very lucky in so many cases. But going into pandemic, we were already doing a few of these things trying to future proof our business. So going into it, we simple thing like Microsoft Teams, we incorporated that when it just came out, we were the pilot for BMW of North America, because there was such a cool concept about connecting people in collaboration. So going into the pandemic, we were already kind of a step ahead, which I think gave the team a little bit more motivation to say actually, this is maybe we should jump on this. Then as we went through all of that, we were very lucky in the US that it kind of opened up a lot earlier than the rest of the world. So we decided to events well and truly early. So again, if you think about that network, that positivity or optimism, all of a sudden, we were presenting to the rest of the world saying, Hey, guys, even with all of the crap going around, you look what you can do. And we were again, lucky to so many ways, but we were fully remote for nearly 18 months, it came up to, you know, an entire when we were then still travelling still being places and the results were coming through. We went from last place in so many ways on the in the US team as far as global initiatives and even results to almost leading the way on so many key projects. And again, a lot of that was having the right people. But I think the combination of working together throughout, when we got to that point of almost a pandemic had finished which I don't know if we can consider the pandemic finished still, but at the kind of mid 2022 mark, we were really the team was firing on another level. And I think that kind of helped us once the world went back to normal pressure started to come back. We were already in a place that we were performing. So I was lucky enough to be able to start taking a step back where beforehand I had to be across every topic because again, resource was lean, process wasn't as defined, I had to be significantly more in the operational detail. And after the pandemic, the team had been built up to a point where I could actually start taking a step back, supporting the team in a unique way but also, from a development point, start investing back into their next steps and what they were looking for. And we had a few changes from the positive level where people started to go throughout the BMW back into the ecosystem. Some people left for bigger and brighter things. And it was kind of this weird End of an Era point where I also started having discussions with BMW for what they call validation which is the next step in the whole BMW career. So it was a really cool moment for me where I was reflecting naturally on what my next step could look like. What we had built, what I wanted to do next. And they asked me what were those jobs that I was kind of interested in. And at that time, I was living in Manhattan on the Upper West Side. And again, as an Australian guy, being able to go to Central Park every morning, and if you didn't know, six to 9am, in Central Park is actually off leash dog hours. So you can take your dog off leash, walk around most beautiful space in the world, like I was literally living the dream. And to be at this point, where am I'm like I want to stay Manhattan, BMW was

Andy: 1:00:29

I'm going off you actually, I was enjoying this, but I'm starting to go off you a bit now. Nothing personal

Matthew Boguradzki: 1:00:37

There was a lot of luck, but even with the pandemic, you know, there was this point where next steps it was the presidency or something which I'd always aspired to be my boss next. And I think that was something which I had my head set on like it was that would have been the ultimate presidency, or you're on a board level for being interviewed in North America. It was for me, all I wanted. And then I got this random email. Absolutely random. And I always thought it was just someone trying to get a couple of cars that said, Hey, I heard some good things. If you're interested, there's a new industry emerging. Virgin Galactic to be precise. Let me know if you're keen. And I thought to myself, hang on, like, silly, you know, this, surely this doesn't just happen like that. And I said to my wife, I think this is could be something real. I don't know what it is. And I checked the company that the guy worked for, and I wasn't really sure. So I responded with a gift for you sparked my interest. Virgin Galactic is exciting, like, who isn't excited by space? Alright, let's let's chat. And I had the first call with this, this is headhunter, and we got along really well. He was an amazing, I mean, Graham Hutchinson's his name. And I would say, as far as recruitment, I've never had a better experience than someone not just selling the dream, but getting the super excited about everything. And then in sales, the better listeners, but tailoring everything that I did to this particular moment, this guide nails, right, so I was sold. And this was three, four months before I'd even even thought about changing. And at that point, I remember speaking to Martin and saying, far out, I don't know what to do, but this role's come up. And I think that's the difference having somebody like mine in my corner, that was not just giving me feedback and support, thinking about my best interests, but also guiding me through it and kind of have given me that my era, this is the opportunity you need to go for when sit in the purpose of what's your next step. Once you're in the discussion of trying to work out how to navigate the next complicated core few steps. It was just one of those great moments for me where, yeah, not only did I get that next step opportunity, but I had the support from Martin to just really jump for it and go for it.

Andy: 1:02:45

Fantastic. So he was treating you first and foremost as a human being, and looking at your needs. Yeah, incredible. So please, for my benefit for the benefit of my listeners, Matt, tell us what you're doing now.

Matthew Boguradzki: 1:03:01

So I very fortunate, I'm the VP of sales and strategy for Virgin Galactic. And a lot of my role now is focused on this commercialization of the business unit as we prepare for spaceflight. So we're launching our first flights in q2 of next year. So we're now getting ready. So I think the big point now is, as we scale the thought process here is how does this scale? And what does that look like? We currently think it's 630 people in the history of humanity have ever seen Earth from space. And we are building out this global organisation to build out almost a spaceport that look at flying every day of the year. And we can fly roughly six people per flight. So when you do the math, we're talking close to more than 2000 people every single year to fly with Virgin Galactic. So it's the most exciting opportunity because we are a blank page. And I think in a lot of cases, we need to think where the events we need to be what kind of strategy we need to apply to actually build out this organisation. How do we also look at which markets are the most important if we think about the different markets here, we have huge opportunity in the US. But then there's also a whole research arm on the business that looks at how we build out and what things do in microgravity and what happens to a plant in microgravity when it's growing what happens to foods so the research space is also massive for us. And I think as we start to build out, I'm now on a journey to learn a hell of a lot because I realised quite quickly that I'm very passionate about space, but I don't know a hell of a lot about it. So at the moment, I'm in the learning phase and trying to gauge and I was fortunate enough to spend some time at the international astronaut Congress a few weeks ago in Paris where you know I got, understandably there around deep space exploration what's actually happening what the world is kind of working towards the Artemis accord. I'm not sure how much you're familiar but the idea of doing a lot more with the moon you is just a fascinating topic. But if you think about placing one of our telescopes, onto the moon, what that would do for the world and how that would open up even more understanding of the beyond, it's fascinating space. And the most important piece, I think around Virgin Galactic, it's the it's the community element. I think if you're joining up with Virgin Galactic you're not just buying a ticket to space, you're joining a community of pioneers that are ultimately going to experience what we call the Overview Effect, which is seeing in its absolute glory, a fragile, borderless, and just in the inky black of space, if you see the planet, you know, I was very fortunate to listen to some astronauts talking about this. But that transformative effect that imprints on you, I think, for those that have kids, I'm assuming it's the same as that. But when you're looking at that space, the thought process of what do you do next? So for me, this is the first company that I've had a sense more of just purpose, but this is about something bigger than all of us. This is about creating an environment, and a community where every interaction with our brand is an opportunity to change, not just themselves, but the world. You know, if you think about going to space, if I said you're flying in two years, what do you want to be doing to make sure that mindfulness, you're not sitting up in space thinking, Wait, did I leave the iron on? Did I do something different? You know, how do you ensure that you're in the physical space, you know, so all of a sudden, I'm now responsible to build out create a team, a culture, a mindset, that empowers our community to be able to have these like minded connections to not just change the world before this makes fibre change themselves. So that when they come back in printed with this overview effect,

Andy: 1:06:39

this transformational effect of the overview that they come and do some good. They come and do some good or they get some, they carry that transformation on through the rest of their life somehow,

Matthew Boguradzki: 1:06:53

right? I believe this entity is living the dream, you know, I don't know how I don't know. Again, luck, it's network it's reputation that and good luck, it's the simple formula, but you have to stop and pinch yourself.

Andy: 1:07:08

It's It's incredible, incredible story. And we we describe ourselves as as the podcast that talks to senior leaders and rising stars in the mobility industry, Virgin Galactic, we are at the extremes of the mobility industry. And incredible I wish you all the very best with that. You say it's luck, the day you drove into that BMW dealership, you decided to turn into that BMW dealership instead of driving past that was one sort of sliding door moment, there's clearly can be traced back through all these other links that have happened, you know, you wouldn't be where you are today, if you hadn't been at Rolls Royce America's probably and got spotted there and you wouldn't be there if it hadn't been for your experience with BMW and dare we even say Brett Wardby putting a word for you into get that role. And now you're living the dream in Laguna Beach and selling space travel and transformation, personal transformation to people. So what haven't I asked you that I should have asked you that would unleash another nugget or story?

Matthew Boguradzki: 1:08:24

That's that's basically everything. I think the the exciting portion I think moving roles and everything there. I think now, you know, we talked about impostor syndrome, I think maybe you might need to finish on would be the advice for anyone in automotive that is thinking about jumping ship. It's or looking at another industry. That is one of the most daunting experiences, I think, you know, when they made the call of what does the next steps look like? You know, I started to network. And you know, those conversations aren't easy. But I was lucky. My wife had a fairly diverse network in New York City and I just reached out to them and asked questions and found out a little bit around what pathways could look like. And I had advice that you got to think of the midterm don't think of just the next job, maybe take a sidestep and then from the sidestep, you can then build into something else, create your own network within that new industry, depending on what you want to do. You know, taking that sidestep will help you go further. And I remember initially struggling with that, you know, especially when you've had such a positive trajectory and having it then stop and look at my current function, you know, I don't want to peek now and what could be next? I think it's the element of being patient. In all the cases as tough as it is. Think looking outside is one thing but also looking within and being match fit for that day when it comes. If you think about being match fit the opportunity of a lifetime could open up tomorrow. If you're in the wrong headspace you may not see it. If you're not really good for it, you might fail when you start you know, I think if you take the mentality that there is hope and there is optimism, I love the definition of optimism, different positivity that today can be shit but tomorrow will be amazing and I think that mentality on Just being able to pull yourself out, think of yourself consistently as a brand where, you know, what are people going to say when the opportunity comes? Should I hire this guy. You know Brett was my guy and he said, Matt's positive, energetic, exactly what you're looking for. And he will do a great job. And I think the line Brett used was even when it's, you know, things are terrible, Matt makes things go right. And there was this element where that's what he was wanting. So that conversation that support that you need isn't absolutely the most important piece. But it's the one that you can mostly manipulate and control yourself. If you just give out not necessarily wanting to give back, just hope that you can make the difference. Sometimes, that's all it comes down to. And it's hard to see the bigger picture, it's sometimes hard to see the wood from the from the forest floor. But I think it's about making sure that whatever opportunities that you'll get given your match fit for them, and that's a daily battle, and that's the one thing you can work on. And the more that you focus on that, the better you feel. So even when it's feeling like you're lost, it's daunting, it feels like you can't make that jump. I'm hoping to be living proof, I need a way to get some more sales under my belt and actually still perform, but at the very least, that's what's going to drive me to show up tomorrow. And the day after, no matter how hard it gets

Andy: 1:11:11

you it's inspiring. People listening to this, yes, you are living the dream, and you had some fantastic roles. But I think it's also very clear that those are outputs. And those outputs have come about because of the inputs that you've put in. And you've put in a hell of a lot of input, in a formula if you like, you talked about the the reputation network and luck you, you've got a formula. And you've really just repeated it every day, every opportunity to show up and bring energy and try new things and share the learnings I can see you've done that day after day after day. And the outcome, the luck that you've had, if you like the outcomes are a result of what you've put in. So I might sit here people might sit here and think well it's alright for him, isn't it with his, you know, career trajectory. But there's also well hang on a minute, you've also exposed to us the methodology that you used. How is your mum feeling about this trajectory? Now? Is she okay with you not being an accountant anymore?

Matthew Boguradzki: 1:12:24

Yeah, I think she's super, I mean, pride is an understatement. You know, if you ever meet my mom, she'll probably ask you to google me and tell you all about it. It's it's amazing how much she's there is a sense of almost love for it or because I think for so long. She made those sacrifices and to see it pay off. I think it's obviously massive. You know, I mentioned my younger brother, which is something horrific. So in her head at least it's one success.

Andy: 1:12:50

Oh, yeah,

Matthew Boguradzki: 1:12:51

I think it's, I think the biggest portion where, and again, it could all be gone tomorrow, I think is the other portion. I think that's also something that's quite the harsh reality of the US, they call it at will employment. You can lose your job tomorrow. So I definitely want to I don't I don't tend to promote out too much. But I'm very lucky that my mom, I think it's not something which she needs to actively put out. But it's her proud. She's cried, and I don't need to communicate it out. We don't talk about it often, all the time. But yeah, I think there is a sense of definitely a sense of pride

Andy: 1:13:24

you've paid her back, you've paid her back. And you've also given me an idea. Maybe we have Career-view Mirror the mums edition. And we get the mums on giving their view of, anyway that's just me being silly. Look I've had a wonderful, wonderful time. It's been great to meet you. We hadn't spoken before. I'm grateful to Brett for introducing, as I'm grateful for you to coming on and sharing your story, Matt. It's an absolute blast and a really exciting one. And I wish you all the best with Virgin Galactic. I mean fantastic. And you're obviously going to just keep doing you keep going to keep showing up and bringing that energy and infectious enthusiasm and doing great work. So I'm sure you're going to continue flying really high. And I love that analogy. You know, how high can I fly? Well, now you're going into into space. It's perfect. So thank you so much.

Matthew Boguradzki: 1:14:22

Thanks for having me.

Andy: 1:14:27

You've been listening to Career-view Mirror with me, Andy follows. I hope you found some helpful points to reflect on in Matt's story that can help you with your own career journey, or that of those who lead parent or mentor. You are unique. And during my conversation with Matt, you'll have picked up on topics that resonate with you. A few things that stood out for me. Were Matt's obvious high levels of energy. He had a good start with a happy family background. The intentionality he has demonstrated in managing his career, whether it was pulling into the BMW dealership, or telling Kevin Pascoe that he wanted to be part of the organisation, his paradigm that the key ingredients for his career success have been his reputation, network and luck. So build the first two and pay attention for the third, the desire to see how far he could fly, and how that motivated him. His seemingly natural ability to lead transformational change, for example, introducing effective digital product launches, which solved a problem that was affecting the whole business. The fact that he was blessed with some good leaders along the way, and an incredibly talented and supportive wife, the fact that he's a guy who's clearly living the dream, and that he manages to remain humble and excited by that. I particularly appreciate that it's clear to see the considerable inputs that he has been putting in on a daily basis and the quality of those inputs is evidenced by the support he's engendered in his leaders. And it's those inputs that have resulted in the output or the career that he's enjoying now. He's done very well so far and listening to him talk it's clear why he's done well. To me, it's like an exam question. It says, Please show you're working out. We publish these episodes to celebrate my guests careers, listen to their stories and learn from their experiences. And I'm genuinely interested in what resonated with you. Thank you to all of you for sharing your feedback. Thanks also to Hannah and Julia, who is part of the Career-view Mirror team here at Aquilae, work so hard to deliver these episodes to you. This episode of Career-view Mirror is brought to you by Aquilae. Aquilae's mission is to enable Fulfilling Performance in the mobility industry. We use our very own Fulfilling Performance paradigm to identify what steps you need to take to enable Fulfilling Performance in your business. We leverage our Aquilae Consulting arm for business topics and the Aquilae Academy for people. And once were agreed on the way forward, we work alongside you and your teams to enable Fulfilling Performance and achieve your goals. Thanks for listening