Navigating the daily hustle with Luke Vanderzeil, Community Manager at EnergyLab
Luke Vanderzeil, the Community Manager at EnergyLab, shares his journey through various fields in pursuit of tackling climate change. Starting with documentary filmmaking to sustainability education, he eventually found his place in the climate tech startup scene.
In a recent conversation, Vanderzeil delves into his typical workday, which involves a speedy bike ride, themed workdays, and fun traditions like Toastie Thursdays. He discusses his approach to maintaining work-life balance, such as unique work hours, the Pomodoro method, and an evening workout routine.
Vanderzeil's background lies in the desire to work in a field that positively impacts the planet. He initially started in documentary filmmaking, aiming to create a film focused on climate change. However, he soon realized the enormity of the task and moved towards sustainability education, leading him to the climate tech startup scene.
Currently, Vanderzeil is focused on building EnergyLab's community strategy and event calendar for the rest of 2024.
A day in Vanderzeil's life begins with a quick bike ride to the office, located in Sydney, Chippendale. He ensures the office is fully stocked and sets out his main tasks while adhering to a themed schedule. For example, Thursdays are dedicated to marketing. He updates social media, contacts ecosystem partners, and plans newsletters. Every fortnight, they have Toastie Thursdays, where he prepares toasted cheese sandwiches for the team.
Maintaining work-life balance is crucial for Vanderzeil, for which he shares some insights. He works from 10 am to 6 pm, which allows for enough sleep and time to close the office once most members have left. The Pomodoro method helps him manage his tasks and maintain focus. He advocates for eating away from the desk, taking regular breaks, and staying active with a gym routine.
Vanderzeil has made lifestyle changes in the past year, primarily moving his workouts to the evening. This adjustment improves sleep and fitness, enhancing overall work-life balance.
He recommends reading "Why We Sleep" by Matthew Walker and "How Not to Die" by Dr. Michael Greger to better understand the importance of sleep, diet, and exercise in maintaining work-life balance. Without specific recommendations from Vanderzeil, other resources for maintaining work-life balance and sustainability include "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey, "The Blue Zones" by Dan Buettner, and "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau.
In wrapping up, Vanderzeil encourages readers to accept that it's impossible to do everything perfectly all the time. Maintaining a balance comes from incorporating activities that bring relaxation and recharging into one's schedule. story-driven video games, painting, nature walks, yoga, movie nights, and other hobbies are examples Vanderzeil follows to achieve a well-rounded, sustainable lifestyle.
By embracing balance and focusing on activities that rejuvenate, Vanderzeil believes that maintaining work-life balance will naturally follow.
Science plays a significant role in Vanderzeil's work-life balance approach, as he employs the Pomodoro method, a time management strategy based on the science of productivity.
His lifestyle choices, such as evening workouts, are grounded in health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, which he believes help improve sleep and overall wellbeing.
Vanderzeil's interest in personal growth extends to education-and-self-development, recommending books like "Why We Sleep" and "How Not to Die" to provide insights on lifestyle choices that contribute to sustainable living and work-life balance.
