Diving South Australia executive officer Rick Shrowder, formerly Norwood Football Club’s football operations manager, reflects on the good things in life that have helped him get to where he is today.

Describe the best day or moment of your life.

This is a great question and I’ve appreciated that it has forced me to do a bit of reflecting. Significant milestones that come to mind are the birth of the boys and my wedding. With all the business of life and the challenges we get thrown, I try hard to seek pockets of joy in each day. I’ve had thousands of “pockets of joy” over the years, many of them fleeting moments like sitting in the shallows of the beach on a hot evening while watching the sunset with a beer, seeing the smiling faces of a group of kids in rural India learning how to kick an Aussie Rules footy, listening to the kookaburras in the backyard, feeling the buzz of being run off your feet at a busy event, experiencing flow when coming up with new ideas. Loads of moments that I look back on that make me grateful for all that I am and all that I have been blessed with.

Describe the best meal you’ve ever eaten.

Any meal where there is good company and laughter is usually pretty good, however, I do love a big steak, medium rare with Diane sauce accompanied by a glass of red. If I’m treating myself at a restaurant, then it will usually be my go-to. One meal that hits the mark every time though is my mum’s peanut satay sauce over barbecue-cooked chicken skewers. Winner!

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

Too many instrumental people in my life that have influenced me to be able to focus on just one piece of advice. I do like to keep a couple of quotes in mind. “Keep moving forward” is part of a quote from Walt Disney when describing one of his philosophies for continuously seeking new ways to improve through curiosity. He also snuck it into a great movie Meet the Robinsons! I also try to remember the simple notion that we have been created with two ears and one mouth … for good reason.

What is the best photograph you have?

This photo has so much in it that represents things I love. Playing sport and having good times with the kids, relaxing at the beach, appreciating nature and creating memories and the concept of pockets of joy in life.

What are the best qualities of your favourite person?

I love to laugh. I love to reflect. I love to be challenged. I love to be complimented. I love to be cared for. I love to have fun. I have (and have had) many family, friends and colleagues in my life that have the qualities to make me feel the above and for that and to them I am very thankful.

Best 5 songs on your Spotify playlist?

I do love my music and have eclectic taste.
Cherry Cherry by Neil Diamond
Without You by Avicii
The Pretender by Foo Fighters
Yesterday’s News by Fleetwood Mac
Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except For Me And My Monkey by The Beatles.

Best-ever purchase?

When I was 12 years old I bought a cross for a necklace with money I was given for my confirmation. I wore that for many, many years until it became irreparable. I will also add to that the flight I purchased to go solo travelling to the UK in 1999. The turn that my life took, the opportunities that I created, the parts of the world that I have seen as a result … pretty special and so much to be grateful for.

This story originally appeared in the January 2024 issue of SALIFE.