Founder of Organise.Curate.Design., Public speaker on intention, performance and diversity, Member of UN Women Australia and Project Gen Z – Dare to Dream Entrepreneur
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:
A cup of tea, my incredible husband makes me a cup of tea every morning which I usually enjoy in bed before getting up and starting my day.
A favourite quote is:
‘What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have’ Oprah Winfrey.
One wellness ritual you do regularly:
I’m incredibly intentional with how I use my time, as it’s one of my most valuables assets. My wellness ritual is how I make decisions on items that take up time. If something is going to take up my time, I rate it out of 10, removing the number 7. If it’s a 6 or under it’s a no, and if it’s an 8 or more, it’s a hell yes! Life is too short to be wasting time on mediocre things.
The last inspiring podcast you listened to and what makes it worth a listen:
I’m a huge fan of NPR’s How I Built This. All of their episodes are incredibly inspiring and I find that not only do I learn so much from the business owners they interview but it reminds me that there is no such thing as an overnight success, to be patient and to keep working hard.
A recommended read for personal growth:
I recently read Michelle Obama’s Becoming. It is an insight on growth and development and the hard work it takes to be successful. To have this insight into her life and to be reminded that we all have a role to play in having a positive impact on the world was an inspiration for my own personal growth.
How do you go about self-development?
I’m an active learner, so I am continuously looking for ways to self-develop. This may be through audio books, podcasts and online publications. Or by attending short courses on key subject matter. I also attend group and one on one coaching in areas of business and personal development to ensure I have a balance and that not everything is focused on just ‘business’.
Which business or person inspires you right now?
Kemi Nekvapil is someone I turn to for inspiration. She is a Melbourne based Coach, Speaker and Author and an advocate for diversity and promoting women of colour. She is a role model for me with my public speaking and someone I turn to as a guide when I’m unsure if I can succeed in the public speaking space.
Who has helped you progress in your career the most and what did they do to support you?
My husband, he’s one of a kind. On top of being an awesome human being that is great at pushing me out of my comfort zone he is an equal partner in my life. We have a relationship that sees us both carry fifty percent of the load which enables me to pursue anything I can dream up whilst also having a loving family. He is the reason why I can have it, because I don’t need to do it all myself.
What has been the most defining moment in your career to date?
Stepping away from my other business to pursue Organise.Curate.Design. (OCD) has been the most courageous and defining moment in my career. It would have been easy to play safe and continue growing the new business as a side hustle, but pivoting into a service-based business that was niche and completely new to the market was brave. I have no regrets and with OCD now entering its third year I’m incredibly proud of where the business is heading and how it supports our clients.
What fear have you had to overcome to pursue your ambitions?
That failure means the end. Overcoming my fear of failure and learning that failure is a lesson, a way of working out what works and what doesn’t has been a major step in my development not only in my business but in life as a whole.
Life/career advice you wish you’d been given in your early 20s?
Think bigger! You can do so much more than what you give yourself credit for. Just put yourself out there and don’t settle for second best, you’re worth more than that.
Think bigger! You can do so much more than what you give yourself credit for.
what advice would you give women who want to make a positive change in their lives?
Learn to love yourself first and to fill your own cup first. If you ensure you are at your best you can give to those around you, and give them quality. Start by blocking out 5 minutes of time for yourself every day, even that small change can make the world of difference.
what does thriving mean to you?
When it all just works. You have everything you need to be at your best. For me a major part of thriving is listening to my instincts, that gut feeling which tells me what I need to be at my best, to ensure I can continue to thrive.
anything else you’d like share?
You can have it all, you just don’t have to do it all yourself. I’ve been called Wonder Woman many times, but I remind people that I’m no Wonder Woman. I’m intentional on how I use my time, I confidently say no (without unnecessary excuses) to the things that aren’t right for me and I continuously ask for help in the form of outsourcing and delegation. It’s a mindset, and it takes practice but it can be done, which in turn will mean all of things will get done.
Check out Organise.Curate.Design. Here to streamline your life by reducing your day to day tasks. They will take items off your hands and action them for you.
Sounds like a dream to us!
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