SECRET OF MY SUCCESS
For International Women’s Day, we asked some of New Zealand’s most successful women for their career advice. How do they balance work, family and a social life and would they change anything if they could go back in time?
Leading women on how to balance work, family and life
What is your secret to success?
Working alongside amazing people. One of the greatest privileges that I’ve had, has been working with some of New Zealand’s most talented people across a range of industries. Finding your ‘tribe’ and ensuring you have a joint vision and purpose is critical.
How do you balance work, family and a social life?
Ensuring that I’m transparent about how I want to live my life. There is no such thing as work/life “balance”. Since having children I’ve always advocated for “integration” meaning that my life comes to work just as much as my work comes into my life. That means dropping kids at school/kindy, attending assembly but also at times working well into the evening/ night to ensure that I can live the type of life that my family and I value. I’m not a 8-5 pm kind of boss and I never will be.
What is the best career advice you’ve received?
Do what you love. You only have one life to live, make it matter! Getting stuck on someone else’s grand plan or agenda won’t make you happy. Make sure you make happy choices.
Is there anything you’d change in your work life if you could go back in time?
I always say that there’s nothing I’d change if I went back in time. But if I had to, I think I’d tell myself to make sure I took a bit more time out for ‘me’ (oh and sleep more before I had kids) but at the end of the day the journey we’re on has been amazing and I wouldn’t change a thing.
What advice do you give to those wanting to make an impact in the world of business?
Actions speak louder than words! Getting out there and starting is really the only way to make an impact in business. Once you’ve done that, make sure that you live what you preach. Leading from the front and being true to your word is critical for long-term success.