This one goes out to all the dreamers at 40,000 feet!

There is something undeniably magical about being high above the clouds, suspended in a cocoon of comfort and luxury. For Ryan Buckland, a founding member of a one hundred million dollar equity fund and the marketing mind behind Creative Dreams Agency, being first class is more than just a seat upgrade. It’s a world of dreamers and believers, where ambition thrives amidst pyjamas and nostalgia-laden cartoons.

Ryan recounts his first first-class flight with a reverence that borders on awe. “I remember flying Emirates from Singapore to Melbourne, and it wasn’t just the luxury—it was the energy of the people around me. Here we were, grown adults, watching films like Willy Wonka and The Little Mermaid. It was as though we’d all tapped into this unspoken belief that anything is possible.” 

It was a defining moment for Ryan—a realisation that the wealth and success these passengers exuded were not merely financial but deeply rooted in their mindset.

“They were dreamers,” Ryan says. “People who give themselves permission to think differently. That’s why they succeed.”

THE YIN AND THE YANG

Ryan’s journey to the front of the plane was neither linear nor smooth. Born into a turbulent upbringing, he witnessed firsthand the struggles of his single mother, who worked tirelessly to provide a roof over their heads. “At one point, my mum was staying in a women’s refuge beneath what is now a five-star hotel,” Ryan reflects. “Years later, I stayed in a luxury suite in that building. It was poetic—going from one extreme to another.”

This duality shaped Ryan’s outlook on life and business. “I’ve lived in extremes—darkness and light, trauma and empowerment. It’s taught me resilience and the importance of grounding myself in something beyond money.” For Ryan, wealth isn’t about bank balances but about freedom—freedom to create, inspire, and leave a lasting impact.

 

 

 

IT’S MORE THAN A SEAT

To the untrained eye, first-class might seem like an unnecessary indulgence—a perk for the wealthy with little practical value. But Ryan Buckland sees it as something much more profound. “Flying first class isn’t just about comfort. It’s about surrounding yourself with a certain energy,” he explains. 

Ryan isn’t simply talking about plush seats or gourmet meals; he’s referring to an atmosphere charged with ambition and curiosity, a space where conversations are punctuated by bold ideas and quiet confidence. It’s a reminder that the journey is as much about who you travel with as where you’re going.

This childlike curiosity, Ryan believes, is what sets these individuals apart. It’s a quality that inspires innovation, fuels resilience, and fosters a sense of connection to something larger than oneself. 

“They watch cartoons, dream big, and approach life with a childlike wonder,” he says. In their company, Ryan finds validation for his own ethos: that success is about more than material gains. It’s about how you think, the people you surround yourself with, and the dreams you allow yourself to pursue—at any altitude.

It has an impact on you. Go spend some time with individuals who dare to dream… and see what happens!

 

 

 

THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF SUCCESS

For Ryan, financial success is deeply intertwined with spiritual fulfillment. “Money, when aligned with purpose, can be a powerful expression of meaning,” he says. “It’s not about greed or accumulation; it’s about using resources to drive meaningful change.”

Ryan speaks of the schools he’s helped build in Cambodia, the programmes he’s supported in Botswana, and the opportunities he’s created for others through his business. “Success isn’t just about what you achieve; it’s about the ripple effect you create. It’s knowing that your work has made someone’s life better.”

This philosophy extends to his work with Creative Dreams Agency, where storytelling takes centre stage. “Marketing isn’t just about selling a product—it’s about connecting emotionally with people. It’s about telling stories that resonate and inspire action.”

THE JOY OF MAKING MONEY

Ryan’s answer is refreshingly simple when asked what excites him most about making money. “Freedom,” he says with a genuine smile. “The ability to invest in people, projects, and experiences that truly enrich life.” For Ryan, the thrill isn’t in chasing numbers or the fleeting sense of wealth; it’s in the doors they open and the opportunities they provide.

“Most people think they need millions to be happy, to have that ultimate sense of freedom,” he continues. “But I’ve learned that true freedom often requires far less than they imagine. It’s not about building empires or chasing status; it’s about finding your ‘level one’ and ‘level two.’ Survival is level one—getting by and securing the essentials. But level two, that’s the life you truly want.”

For Ryan, the joy of making money lies not in hoarding it but in using it as a tool for a deeper, more meaningful existence. His story is a testament to the power of creating the freedom to live authentically, shaping a life that isn’t just about financial gain but about enriching the lives of others and himself.

THE LESSONS OF FIRST CLASS

So, what can the rest of us learn from the dreamers at 40,000 feet? Ryan believes it starts with permitting yourself to dream. 

“The people in first class aren’t necessarily the richest, but they think differently. They embrace opportunities, take risks, and surround themselves with inspiration.” He adds, “Whether it’s flying first class or watching a childhood film, it’s about connecting with that part of you that dares to dream.”

Ryan continues, “It’s about recognizing that success isn’t just a destination, but a mindset—a way of approaching life with confidence and curiosity.” He emphasizes, “When you allow yourself to dream big, you open up possibilities that others might never even consider.”

 

 

A LIFE WELL LIVED

Ryan Buckland’s story is one of contrasts—of hardship and triumph, struggle and success. Yet, through it all, he remains grounded in the values instilled by his mother: resilience, humility, and a desire to make a difference.

“I’ll never stop dreaming,” he says with quiet conviction. “Life is too short to play small.”

As the conversation ends, one can’t help but feel inspired by Ryan’s perspective. Success, it seems, isn’t about where you sit on the plane. It’s about the dreams you carry with you and the courage to chase them—whether in pyjamas, a business suit, or anything in between.

“Success isn’t just about what you achieve, but about the difference you make along the way,” he says. “It’s about showing up for the people who matter and leaving a positive mark, no matter how big or small.”