CEO and Founder, the Generous and The Grateful
In 2018 alone, on volunteer power alone Carmen and her team delivered 'home' packages to more than 300 vulnerable families and individuals, so they could get on with making their dreams come true from a safe home, boosted by the kindness shared with them.
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:
Tea on the couch with Ralphy my big white fulffball and snuggling my cute boys whether they want it or not!!
A favourite quote is:
If you can eat well sleep well and dress well, anything can seem possible.
One wellness ritual you do regularly:
Talk to my aunt and godmother - its always 40 minutes no matter how quick we think we will be, and we always discuss something wonderful. She and some special gal pals really fill my cup.
The last inspiring podcast you listened to and what makes it worth a listen:
The Guilty Feminist, to combine hilarity with challenging topics and doing good in the world, what a combo! It was the one with my darling friend Dulce Munoz and she was incredible as always.
A recommended read for personal growth:
Any Ordinary Day by Leigh Sales - a balanced, thought provoking look at human responses to tragedy and grief that makes me consider mortality, resilience, coping, and the long term effects trauma might have on people you interact with, not realising. Hmm that sounds so dark but it actually bolstered me somehow.
How do you go about self development?
Seeking out those with experience and insight in the areas I need to develop and simply asking them to share. It honours peoples' experience and talent to ask - win win!
Which business or person inspires you right now and why?
Annabelle Daniel from Women's Community Shelters - a kind of Umbrella Organisation that works together with communities where Women's shelters are needed. I really love the concept of work that can be done centrally to enable greater impact, and that processes and systems can really enable connection & empowerment.
What has been the most defining moment in your career to date?
In this, my very new third career, I would say meeting Davida and watching a wonderful partnership emerge and thrive. She is an incredible person whom I admire greatly and I feel we complement each other well and are capable of more incredible things together than solo. Such a gift.
Who has helped you progress in your career the most and what did they do to support you?
My husband Jamie has created space for me to give this whole thing a try, neither of us knowing what may come of it. Both by taking on being the lone breadwinner for the first 2 years, and also in picking up more responsibilities at home. We've discovered he is a talented cook and probably should have been in charge of dinner time all along! Also the team at Macquarie Uni Incubator who have encouraged and supported me, even when I wasn't sure I could keep going.
A fear you've had to overcome to pursue your ambitions:
Putting myself in the spotlight in order to promote our cause. I didn't realise they would have to be so linked. Although I really love the idea of doing good for goods' sake, with no need to bring attention to it, I think I'm just going to have to get used to it. I don't mind so much sharing the origin story from the perspective that I'm a pretty average white middle aged middle class woman in the burbs who saw a problem and just thought she'd give something a go and figure out the details along the way. If I can, anyone can!!!
An achievement you're most proud of:
Last week we met with Mission Australia Case workers we've been supporting clients of at a hostel in the city. To hear them tell us that by working in the way that we do, we not only bring important items right when clients need them, but make them feel really good too, boosting their morale and dignity. This was our hope, but to hear it shared so excitedly, was a real moment.
Life/career advice you wish you'd been given in your early 20s:
One of the most dangerous words to fulfilment and personal success is SHOULD. When EVER you hear yourself say or think it, catch yourself and question why? Says who? To what end?
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?
Stop thinking, and feel.
What does thriving mean to you?
Being connected at a deep level to special people in my life, but also to humanity itself, traveling, traveling, traveling, savouring moments of beauty and joy, and striving, stretching, pushing myself to new limits.
Anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Don't wait till you're ...rich...successful...older... to 'give back', contribute to something you care about now and always, it feels AWESOME.
Share kindness with vulnerable people so they know they are connected to a supportive community, to the benefit of all. The Generous and The Grateful.
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