Phil Duthie - the last 40 years

Occupation/s? Tell us what you have been doing

My current role is General Manager of GHD's Australian operations. GHD is a global engineering, environmental, architectural, project management and business advisory firm owned by its employees.

What would you tell your 1977 self if you could send them a message now?

Look beyond your family context to understand and value others contribution and perspective on life. Also have the courage to push yourself to step beyond your own comfort zone.

What would you like to share about the last 40 years?

After High School I completed my HSC at Don College and then a Civil Engineering Degree at University of Tasmania. During my University days in Hobart I met and married my wife Carol. We have had 3 children and my eldest daughter has just had her first child and our first grandchild. Carol completed her Theology degree at Melbourne University and leads an Allied Health team in community palliative care. I worked as an engineer in the oil industry with Exxon, local and state government and with a construction contractor before becoming a consulting engineer. Our experience as a family includes living and working in Melbourne, Sydney and Hobart in Australia, Dhaka in Bangladesh, Abu Dhabi in the UAE and London in the UK. We currently live in Melbourne. I enjoy traveling with Carol - particularly to see wildlife in natural settings like Africa, Nepal and Canada (polar bears being a highlight). In Melbourne during winter I become a rabid Carlton supporter and year round enjoy early morning exercise in the park which is Carlton's home base. In recent years my interest in fitness has lead to me having the goal of running 10kms in less minutes than my age, which helps me look forward to my birthday each year!

What are you proudest of about your life? What have been your greatest achievements?

I am extremely proud of my three children who coincidentally have each pursued interests that I had as a young person growing up - namely politics, flying and the law. My eldest girl is a Human Resources Manager and is married to a Minister in the current Federal Government. My son is an airline pilot who has just announced his engagement to his long term girlfriend who is also a pilot. My youngest daughter is a lawyer and has also followed in my footsteps as a passionate supporter of the AFL team Carlton. My greatest achievement has been marrying a wonderful woman whose wisdom, insight and investment in relationships has been a foundation of a life rich with experience.

Any regrets?

No