The Long Game with David Meagher, Editor of Gourmet Traveler

In this episode of Skale Up, Australian luxury business experts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with David Meagher, journalist, editor, author, and one of Australia’s most respected voices in luxury media. Currently Editor of Gourmet Traveler, David spent over 15 years as Editor of Wish magazine at The Australian and is the author of four books, including his 2023 bestselling memoir, Secrets and Lies.From learning to read a luxury advertiser’s long game to redesigning a 60-year-old institution without losing its soul, David shares what patience, focus, and staying the course really looks like over a career in media.INSIDE THE EPISODE* David’s career journey spanning across multiple industries, yet always maintained a common thread* Redesigning Gourmet Traveler without alienating a fiercely loyal readership* How reader feedback shaped a new section in the magazine* Why luxury brands “play a fairly long game” — and the patience required to win them as partners* Balance in business: Two rules of thumb to protect personal time* What it takes to write a book alongside a demanding full-time career and David’s biggest advice for those who dream of becoming an author* What David learned in 18 months at The Local Project that 15 years at Wish couldn’t teach him* The moment after leaving a long career and the moments after that…WHY LISTEN?If you’re a founder, leader, or working in media, luxury, publishing, or creative industries, this episode is a masterclass in playing the long game with integrity. David’s insights on patience, focus, and building lasting relationships with partners and audiences offer rare, hard-won perspective — whether you’re scaling a title, a business, or a creative career.CONNECT WITH US* Instagram: @skale_australia* LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/skale-australia* Email: [email protected]* Website: www.skaleaustralia.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit skaleaustralia.substack.com/subscribe