Why Balmain agent Matt Hayson says meditation 'completely shifted' who he is as a person

As a child, Balmain agent Matthew Hayson lived next to the zoo in Mosman, and had the kind of childhood adventures most boys dream about, including trying to break into the monkey cages and finding a flock of flamingos in his garden.

He would also hang out at his grandfather’s restaurant, Jonah’s. Nowadays, thanks to meditation and surfing, Matt is a lot less wild and a lot more successful. The Cobden & Hayson agent is married with three children, a dog and two cats.

How was it living next door to the zoo?

The zoo had the closest shop, so, if we wanted an ice-cream, that’s where we’d go. Then we’d catch the skyway, eat our ice-cream and look at the view. One morning, a bunch of pink flamingos escaped and landed in our garden. The zookeepers came over and couldn’t catch them, it was hysterical watching them running around in our yard.

Why real estate?

My grandfather and uncle had a rich history in Sydney property, especially in the 1980s. They developed Darling Harbour, M Central, Skygarden.

Hayson’s grandfather and uncle were instrumental in the development of Darling Harbour. Photo: James Brickwood

Where did you get your start?

At Asset Realty in Neutral Bay. I was the gopher, running here and there, exchanging contracts. Then I worked in property management in Newtown. But I knew I wasn’t going anywhere, so I had an interview in a Balmain pub with Danny Cobden. He said, mate, you seem like a pretty good guy, start Monday.

So, I came to Balmain 23 years ago and been here ever since. In 2003 I became a partner, and in 2005, we became Cobden & Hayson.

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Hayson started out selling in Neutral Bay. Photo: Supplied

What makes a great agent?

That ability to meet people and immediately connect with them, no matter who they are, or what their background is. It’s innate, not something they can teach you on a real estate course.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

When I was 18, my grandfather (who owned Jonah’s in Whale Beach) died suddenly. He was the person I idolised the most. I went on a downward spiral until I was 25. I suffered from a lot of depression and anxiety and not really knowing who I was.

What helped you get through it?

Meditation. In fact, meditation has completely shifted who I am as a person. If I’m about to go into a listing presentation, or do something I know is going to be challenging, it wouldn’t be uncommon for me to sit in the car for five minutes and just meditate. At one time, I had poor sleeping habits and a high level of anxiety. Through mediation I sleep extremely well now.

Hayson says if he weren’t in real estate, he would like to be a chef. Photo: Jessica Hromas

How did you learn to meditate?

I have a meditation coach, who is also a professional surf coach and worked with Mick Fanning. We do kelee meditation, it’s only a five-minute practice, and you do it twice a day. For the modern person, it’s quite efficient.

What would you be doing if you weren’t in real estate?

I’d love to be a chef. I love cooking. My heritage is part Italian and part Lebanese. I usually stick to rustic Italian style, and keep it really simple.

Hayson says more families are happy to live in a two-bedder near the CBD in suburbs like Balmain. Photo: Supplied

Has Balmain changed since you started working here?

Completely, it’s really a family area now. There was a time when if you had a child or two, you’d move out of Balmain. But a lot of people got fed up of commuting and decided to stay here: let’s live in a smaller house and be closer to the city. They are happy with three kids in a two-bedroom terrace.