News & Press — 10 Lessons In 10 Years | Chatting With Brand & Marketing Director, Sarah Anne

As we approach Alchemy Construct’s 10-year anniversary early next year, we took the opportunity to sit down with our co-founder and Brand & Marketing Director, Sarah Anne to get her perspective on some of the things that she has learned in the almost 10 years that Alchemy has been in business.

After moving to Australia from Scotland over 15 years ago with her partner Jamie, they’ve spent the majority of that time building Alchemy from the ground up.

In reflecting on the journey, Sarah Anne shared with us the 10 most important lessons she has learned since the inception of Alchemy Construct, lessons that have shaped not only the business but also their approach to life and leadership.⁠

1

Lose the ego – I’ve learned that letting go of ego is where the real growth happens. When you’re freed from it, you’re driven by passion, not pride. Ego traps us in concerns about reputation, image, and how we’re perceived by the world. Letting go of that is incredibly liberating. Ego is a blocker—it wastes time, causes unnecessary issues and arguments, makes us take offense, and hinders positive energy. Everything we do to diminish ego improves our lives tenfold. Ego resists feedback and the idea of self-improvement, but we can always improve. Passion and determination matter far more than ego. Every effort we make to shed ego benefits us immensely. I truly believe that’s where success lies, and for all of us, it’s a constant work in progress.

2

It’s never too late – We started over at 35. We left the UK at 29, with good jobs, a home, and a typical trajectory ahead. Many people told us we were crazy to try, but I’ve realised that it’s often our own limiting thoughts that hold us back. The things you want are possible when you fully commit to them. In fact, maturity, age, and experience often make those achievements more enjoyable and help you sweat the small stuff less. There are no real limits to when you can pursue things in life—only the ones society imposes. Don’t let the opinions of others hold you back. We faced quite a bit of negativity when starting Alchemy, but remember: people’s views are simply a reflection of their own experiences, not yours.

3

The world owes you nothing – This is perhaps the best piece of advice that my mother ever gave me when I was just 15, in the true spirit of not allowing us to become victims. I remember thinking, in typical teenage fashion, that it seemed harsh. However, I now realise it’s the single best piece of advice I’ve ever received. Getting trapped in a victim mentality is a recipe for disaster. When I struggled with a debilitating chemical brain injury in my 20s, this advice kept me going. Although it was an unfortunate and horrible experience, it helped me accept it as part of my life without feeling angry or bitter. This mindset has also been immensely beneficial in work and business. When we understand that no one is coming to save us and that we are only entitled to safety, love and freedom, we come to appreciate anything extra we receive beyond those essentials.

4

When they go low, never meet them there—always go high – Business presents everything: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Through it all, I remember hearing Michelle Obama’s advice, which has always stuck with me. Never meet someone who has disappointed you or behaved poorly at their level. Always uphold your values and remain respectful. In the end, everything comes to light. Kindness and good values cannot be destroyed or erased; good, kind energy endures.

5

You must like people— Running a business requires a genuine appreciation for others. If you don’t, it’s not the right path for you. To truly care about people, their lives, and their success, you need to enjoy interacting with others. Starting a business solely for material gain is not the right motivation. The real value of business lies in the joy of providing opportunities for others, seeing them succeed and offering a product or service that people can be proud of.

6

How is your relationship with ‘no’? Make it a positive one – ‘No’ can be a crippling word and it holds power. However, in the world of work, overcoming ‘no’ and not accepting it is where entrepreneurs truly shine. Navigating past ‘no’ and maintaining unwavering belief in your goals is what ultimately leads to success.

7

Show up— Just showing up when you want to curl back under the duvet is crucial. I’ve realised that discipline, no matter the situation, is key. Every day, getting up, showering, and facing the day is essential. When we look at how people achieve success, this is a fundamental part of it. Not everyone feels amazing or is celebrating every day, but they are showing up!

8

Admire your partner— Business partnerships are just like friendships and marriages. To sustain them, admiring your partner is key. If any characteristic of your partner is not worthy of your admiration, it can make the partnership very difficult. When you support and genuinely want your partner to succeed, that’s when great things can happen.

9

Hustle hard— In the beginning, I thought that meeting employees exactly where they were and constantly fixing everything, whether in life or work, was key. I soon realised that this approach was wrong. It wasn’t how I had managed myself in the media and my career. I had to hustle hard, be determined, and rely on self-determination. No one comes to save us. Organisations can offer a great culture, support, kindness, opportunities, and recognise potential, but meeting in the middle is where the real progress happens. Drive your own career. Aside from our parents, partners, and friends, who will always be our champions, you must take charge of your own career. Ask questions, seek opportunities, and demonstrate your capabilities—you are in the driver’s seat and ultimately in control. I remember one of our senior staff telling us that in his 20s and 30s, he used to ask his bosses not what he was doing right (he already knew that), but for their constant feedback on self-improvement and where he could succeed. This approach, paired with losing the ego, is extremely healthy.

10

Lean on those who love you— Business is not for the faint-hearted. Learning not to take things personally is crucial, as everyone approaches life from their own perspective and experiences. Lean on those who love you the most. Maintaining connections with those who love you, flaws and all, is vital for our mental health. Their support sustains us and enables us to achieve great things. Remember that everyone is ultimately striving for the same goals: good friendships, positive life experiences, and being valued in both life and work. Recognising that we are all on this shared trajectory highlights our common humanity as the key to it all.

We couldn’t help it, we had to sneak one more in! 

11

No amount of talent can compensate for a poor attitude – A bad attitude and negativity can permeate everything around it and diminishes the capabilities of everyone in  its presence. Statistics show that individuals with a bad attitude can reduce the productivity of those around them by up to 40%. Regardless of their talent, if someone has a poor attitude and a sense of entitlement, it’s best for them to take their attitude elsewhere.