SHETHRIVES Co-Founders
Amy and Belinda have a significant combined experience from working in the corporate world, studying the science of behaviour, and performing in global leadership and executive coaching roles. As working mothers, they have experienced the challenge of managing a career, whilst in parallel nurturing a family. They've navigated the ups-and-downs of career re-entry following a break to raise children and then joined forces to create SheThrives; an organisation to increase women’s workforce participation, economic independence and personal fulfilment through education, inspiration, coaching and connectedness.
The ‘Answers to Thriving' is an interview series that takes a look at the women who have created a life of self-success. We uncover key moments, lessons and habits that have influenced the life they lead today.
You can’t start the day without:
Amy: Sleepy morning cuddles with my boys (then coffee...)
Belinda: Squeezing my 3 sons.
A favourite quote is:
Amy: "In a world where you can be anything, be kind."
Belinda: "Life Shrinks or Expands in Proportion to One's Courage." Anais Nin
One wellness ritual you do regularly:
Amy: The cheeky mid afternoon nap on the weekend Belinda: Meditation - it has become a life-changing practice for me.
The last podcast that inspired you?
Amy: ’Secrets to understanding our sons’ (an interview by Janet Lansbury with Maggie Dent). Maggie is my go-to when it comes to navigating my parenting questions on raising our boys and I always find a quick listen to her or a read of one of her books so reassuring!
Belinda: Gah! I haven't listened to a podcast since September... thanks for the reminder!
A recommended read for personal growth:
Amy: 'Legacy' by James Kerr. Amazing leadership inspiration for turning purpose into practice.
Belinda: 'Buddhism for Mothers' by Sarah Napthali. A friend gifted this to me and I have since shared it with several others.
How do you go about self development?
Amy: Constantly force myself to step outside my comfort zone. And, I ask my kids for feedback (they are brutal!). Belinda: For me, self-development opportunities are everywhere. I grow through my work, formal study, the experience of raising my kids and through my relationships...
Which business or person inspires you right now and why?
Amy: I love what Jo Horgan has created in Mecca. An Aussie female entrepreneur success story of vision, persistence and focus.
Belinda: I have huge admiration for Jacinda Adern. Her grace and commitment to honestly, openness and kindness is such a breath of fresh air in politics.
What has been the most defining moment in your career to date?
Amy: Throwing myself into a project where I had no real experience in the field, winging it with confidence until I realised it had led me to the role of my dreams. Belinda: Too many moments to choose only one. Landing my first "real job" out of university, leaving the corporate world to start my own business in 2007, going back to university after 20 years, sitting on a NFP Board, starting the Plastic Free Manly movement, becoming a mother and most recently, co-creating SheThrives. Each event has further defined who I am and who I am becoming (wow, a bit deep?)
Who’s helped you progress the most in your career and what do they do to support you?
Amy: My husband. Unwavering support of my dreams and passions and constant compromise to enable us both to juggle our careers whilst raising our boys. He is the personification of teamwork.
Belinda: My Dad. He's often the first person I call when I am perplexed and even though his advice is often not what I want to hear, he always introduces new perspectives to my thinking.
A fear you've had to overcome to pursue your ambitions:
Amy: Missing out on tucking my boys in some nights!
Belinda: Fear of failing. As a recovering perfectionist, this is an ongoing project :)
An achievement you're most proud of:
Amy: Launching SheThrives. Belinda: Taking out first place at high jump at my school in Year 3. I still don't know how I did it.
Life/career advice you wish you'd been given in your early 20s:
Amy: Speak up. Don’t ever be afraid to share your views and put your point forward - what you have to say is GOOD and people want to hear it! Belinda: He's not the one. (Actually I was given this advice on a few occasions, I chose not to take it!)
For women who want to make a positive change in their life but don't know where to start, what advice would you give them?
Amy: Start small, be kind to yourself and find a cheer squad of a close friend, partner or family member to support your journey.
Belinda: You're more capable than you can even imagine. When you think about what it would be like to achieve the positive change you're dreaming of, what would be one (even small) action you could take today that could bring you a little closer? If you did that thing, what is another (possible small) thing you could do tomorrow?
What does thriving mean to you?
Amy: Feeling a good energy, being in some form of control and having an optimistic outlook more often than not.
Belinda: Thriving to me means feeling loved, energised and positive more often than not, it is knowing that what I do matters, it is a sense of fulfilment and contribution at the end of the day and also feeling equipped to handle what lies ahead.
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Thrivhers mission is to inspire as many women as possible to take action on their ambitions. We'd be so grateful if you could help join us on this quest and share it via your preferred social media channel.
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