Riding the Waves: Lessons from my surfing sabbatical that reshaped my approach
Recently, I made a decision that many professionals dream about but few take—stepping away from the corporate world for a sabbatical. After years of driving transformation, sustainability, and growth strategies across industries, I took time to reset. Not just a break, but a chance to gain fresh perspectives, recalibrate, figure out what was next. So, I bought a caravan, grabbed my surfboard, and set out to explore the best surf spots along the east coast from the Goldie to Gippsland.
What started as a pursuit of waves quickly turned into something more profound—a space to reflect, challenge my thinking, and redefine what I wanted to do next.
The business of surfing: Lessons beyond the break
Surfing, like business, is unpredictable. You read the conditions, anticipate the next move, and commit. Along the way, you fall, adjust, and paddle back out. Through this experience, I reflected on my personal philosophy (Be in the moment, have a crack and enjoy) and the parallels between it, the ocean and my career:
Be in the moment – Whether paddling into a wave or leading a transformation project, you have to read the conditions and make decisions in real time. Waiting for “perfect” conditions means you’ll miss the best opportunities.
Have a crack – Playing it safe rarely leads to growth. I’ve seen businesses overanalyse decisions to the point of inaction. Sometimes, the best strategy is to back yourself, take action, and learn as you go.
Enjoy – The best waves aren’t just about the ride but the experience itself. In business, too many people focus solely on outcomes. But the real reward comes from the journey, the challenges, and the people you work with.
From reflection to action: Why I started JasonZaf Advisory
By the time I returned from my trip, I knew one thing—I wasn’t done solving complex business challenges. But this time, I wanted to do it differently.
I kicked JasonZaf Advisory off to help businesses rethink ESG, business transformation, and growth—but in a way that’s practical, commercially viable, and hands-on. My experience across industries, from the structured sophistication of Europe to the raw, high-stakes environments of PNG, has shaped my approach:
✔ Keep it simple – Complexity is the enemy of execution. I am helping my clients cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.
✔ Engage the right people – No strategy succeeds in isolation. The best outcomes happen when the right stakeholders are involved from the start.
✔ Work side by side – I don’t just deliver a plan and walk away. I work with leadership teams to ensure strategies are implemented and deliver real impact.
Trip highlights: More than just business reflections
While the journey was about reflection and recalibration, it was also packed with unforgettable moments. Some of the highlights that stuck with me:
The cracking right-hand break at Bastion Point – One of those perfect surf days where everything aligned, a reminder that sometimes conditions do work in your favour if you’re patient.
Snoozing with the roos at Diamond Head – Waking up to kangaroos lounging around while i took an arvo snooze under a tree......a humbling moment, a reminder of how small we are in the grand scheme of things.
The dolphins that hung around the lineup at Treacheries all day – Sharing the surf with these guys was a reminder that being in the right place at the right time isn’t always about strategy—sometimes it’s just about showing up and enjoying the ride.
What’s Next? Join the Conversation
I’ll regularly share insights on ESG, business transformation, and growth—lessons from my own experiences, industry trends, and practical strategies to help businesses thrive.
Follow along, comment, and let’s talk. Have you taken time off to reset? What did you learn from the experience? I’d love to hear your stories.
