This week over a hundred parents came to the school for kindergarten interviews for the Class of 2036. Among them was class of 2006 alumni, Sam Wood. We caught up with Sam who shared about working in the fashion industry, his memories of SPCC and what motivates him.

As the CEO and Co-Founder of Azura Fashion Group, Sam’s passion for innovation, excellence and sustainability is apparent.  Under Samuel's guidance, Azura Fashion Group has revolutionized the way fashion is curated, distributed, and sold worldwide. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies and AI tools, Samuel has transformed the company into a global force with unparalleled efficiency and innovation. Sam’s exceptional entrepreneurial skills and business acumen saw him receive the prestigious NSW Young Entrepreneur of The Year Award in Fashion for both 2021 and 2022.

I’m currently…CEO of Azura Fashion Group, a technology-driven luxury fashion company that connects suppliers, brands, and marketplaces through innovative AI tools, transforming the way fashion is curated, distributed, and sold worldwide.

I was at SPCC Newcastle from… 1999 to 2006

At school I… was actively involved in various extracurricular activities such as swim team and the Rugby League team. I enjoyed exploring my interests and pushing myself outside of the classroom.

My best memory of SPCC… was having the facilities to be able to do something new every day. Whether it was playing a range of different sports, participating in musicals and plays, or engaging in creative projects, the school provided endless opportunities for growth and exploration.

A staff member that particularly impacted me was… Mrs. Mulholland. Her passion for teaching and dedication to her students inspired me to excel academically and fostered an enjoyment for being in the classroom. She instilled in me the importance of perseverance and always encouraged me to reach for my goals.

When I left school, I wanted to… move to Sydney and start a career in sales, working my way up to owning my own company. I was driven by a desire to challenge myself, take on new opportunities, and create something meaningful.

Today I’m motivated/inspired by… my family. I have always been driven by career and financial success, but when I had a family, my priorities shifted. The love and support I receive from my wife and children have given me a strong sense of purpose and the determination to build a successful future for them.

I never dreamed I would… work in the fashion industry. It was a chance journey that allowed me to combine my passion for business, technology, and creativity.

The biggest influence in my life has been… my wife. Her unwavering belief in my abilities and her constant support have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. She challenges me to push my limits and provides a strong foundation for our family.

I’m most proud of… my recent achievements. Being awarded The Young Entrepreneur Award in NSW for the past two years in a row has been a significant validation of my hard work and dedication. It has given me a sense of purpose and the motivation to continue striving for excellence.

My greatest achievement is… my children. Running a business is one thing, but raising three kids is a completely different experience. It requires patience, resilience, and unconditional love. Seeing them grow, learn, and succeed brings me immense joy and fulfillment.

In the future, I’d like to… further expand Azura Fashion Group's global presence, establishing strategic partnerships and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize the fashion industry.

The best piece of advice I ever received is… "Measure twice, cut once." This simple phrase taught me the importance of careful planning, attention to detail, and making informed decisions. It has saved me from unnecessary mistakes and helped me achieve better outcomes.

The thing I wish I had done but never got around to is… traveling more, like backpacking around the world. While I appreciate the travel experiences I have now, I believe exploring different cultures and immersing myself in diverse environments at a younger age would have been truly transformative.

One last thing... I am grateful for the education and support I received at SPCC. It laid the foundation for my personal and professional growth, and I carry the values and lessons I learned during those formative years with me in everything I do.