It’s my favourite time in my blog schedule when I shine a light on my incredible clients by way of my The Proust Questionnaire feature. Today we have fabulous Debbie Wood. Debbie works with organisations to capture their stories visually while also being the recipient of my ongoing and borderline inappropriate fangirl tendencies.
The Proust Questionnaire by Debbie Wood
What’s your idea of perfect happiness?
A swim in the ocean where the water is at least 29 degrees and the waves aren’t dumpy. Years ago when my eldest was about 10 we were on the Sunshine Coast at Mooloolaba beach and I had borrowed one of the boys’ boogie boards. I don’t think I’d ever actually caught a wave on a boogie board before (an extraordinary fact for someone who grew up on the Gold Coast). Anyway. After a few failed attempts I finally did it! I caught a really good wave! And there in that moment of salty joy, I hear “Hey mum!” beside me and realise my kid was also riding in on the same really good wave. I think about that moment a lot. It was bloody excellent. It was perfect happiness.
What is your greatest extravagance?
When I’m working in a different city I always fly in the day before. I like to take myself out for a really nice meal and sit in a restaurant with my Kindle and a glass of wine. Oh, and shoes.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
I say “Yeah, nah, yeah…” a lot when I just mean Yes. I also say fuck a lot.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I think I peaked in 1989. I was the third speaker on a debate team that came runner-up in NSW.
Since then I’ve managed to make 2 healthy humans who are pretty nice (so far). That’s a pretty great achievement… but still, that runner-up trophy…
What is your most treasured possession and why?
Can I say my dog? Because I said it. My dog. He is a very good boy and I think apart from the food in his bowl twice a day I would be his most treasured possession too.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Probably my chattiness. I do love to just start a conversation with a stranger. My end game always is getting a laugh. One of my favourite things is making people laugh. Luckily it happens often because I am VERY FUNNY.
Who is your hero of fiction?
Ooh, I’m going for fiction that I’ve read more recently here. Elizabeth from Thursday Murder Club series. She’s almost 80 and ex-MI6 – I love how clever she is (and how no one expects a little old lady to be solving crimes!)
Who are your heroes in real life?
Probably the women I know in business who are making it work for them on their terms. Like you, Holly! But especially that Fi Mims. My goodness, she just goes from strength to strength in what she offers other women in business and she just does everything with such aplomb.
What is your motto?
Work hard. Be nice.
What is your story? aka your name, bio and biz details including the best place to find you.
I’m Debbie Wood. I’m the boss of me at www.debbiewood.com.au I’m a Graphic Recorder – which is the coolest gig in the world. I capture people’s stories (discussions, keynotes, panels, comedy, interpretive dances, beatbox showdowns) live and for all to see with beautiful visuals at conferences, workshops and events. (You can see what that looks like over on my website!)
I love shining the spotlight on some of my clients and colleagues. If you’d like to know more about my work or would like the full 35 questions from the Questionnaire, please shoot me an email or give me a buzz, and I’ll respond in a jiffy.