‘I tell myself to stop fixating on the fact that I’m a woman’
Flava radio host NewstalkZB host Businesswoman Radio host and podcaster
What is your secret to success? Keep your eye on the prize and know that every set back is a setup for a comeback.
How do you balance work, family and a social life?
I don’t. I just hope for the best and make sure I don’t double book myself. Time management is key, as well as ensuring mental health is up to par to be able to balance it all.
What is the best career advice you’ve received?
You’re replaceable (in a respective manner) — it encourages me to always perform at my best and to never get too comfortable or complacent in my workspace.
Is there anything you’d change in your work life if you could go back in time?
Nope. I feel that if I changed a particular time in a past paradox, I may not be where I am today, or even who I am without the experiences which helped shape me.
What is your secret to success? Determination and a strong work ethic — not exactly a secret.
How do you balance work, family and a social life?
Not always well. I actually make health and exercise a priority and then everything else flows better.
Life is a marathon not a sprint and you should always play the long game.
Is there anything you’d change in your work life if you could go back in time?
No, it has been a great journey so far and I am really enjoying the phase I am in.
What advice do you give to those who want to make an impact in the world of business? Start with a problem that you have a creative solution for. That’s where most of the brilliant new businesses start from.
What is your secret to success?
I believe it is staying true to my inspirations and having the collective energy of those around me who believe in the brand.
How do you balance work, family and a social life?
We work in a unique environment where the family are fully immersed in everything we do and the balance is instinctive.
What is the best career advice you’ve received?
My father’s mantra was “never give up” and my mother taught me humility.
Is there anything you’d change in your work life if you could go back in time?
There are probably many things I could change but we don’t have the luxury of hindsight. I am always pressing forward and learning from the past.
You should’ve asked someone who is actually successful, but seeing as you’ve got me now, I’d say, just be yourself. Being yourself is often embarrassing and clumsy and reveals all the things you’re terrible at, but it also shows all the great stuff your friends and family love about you. It’s powerful.
Delegate. Ignore your phone. Pour a drink. What is the best
What is your secret to success? Endless curiosity and resilience How do you balance work, family and a social life?
I don’t. I just try and squeeze them all in — most women I know do the same.
What is the best career advice you’ve received? When I first became a CEO, my husband said; “You have to get out of the team, Sarah, and become the coach”. Is there anything you’d change in your work life if you could go back in time? That is a sliding-door question! If you change one thing the rest change. If I had done a Masters in Small Animal Surgery, I’d have probably never entered the business world.
What advice do you give to those wanting to make an impact in the world of business?
Gather great people around you, enjoy what you do and celebrate often.
What is your secret to success? Continuing to try and grow,
career advice you’ve received? “Be yourself” — a direct quote, as told to me by someone who is actually successful.
Is there anything you’d change in your work life if you could go back in time?
I’d go back and tell myself to stop fixating on the fact that I’m a woman. I’m not sure gender is quite the career handbrake that we’re being told it is. Fixating on gender only deepens a sense of imposter syndrome and creates the impression that women can’t succeed unless they get a hand up. It’s counterproductive. I work with plenty of women who’ve earned their spot, regardless of their gender. On International Women’s Day, I won’t be dwelling on perceived obstacles for women, I’ll be celebrating all the strides women have made through the ages which give us modern women a chance to live our best lives.
Natalie Bridges employing good people, being positive and never giving up.
How do you balance work, family and a social life?
I am still work in progress. This is one of the things I find the hardest because there are always more people to help. I try and schedule personal time which I never used to do. Sometimes this is a walk, a run, cat time, time with niece and nephews or mates.
What is the best career advice you’ve received? I once asked a very wise boss what her secret was and she told me to employ people who are better than me and celebrate this.
I have very few regrets because I have always fought hard for what I believe in. Although I think there have been times when I have been so focused on delivering that I could have listened a bit more. I have also learned that if everybody is agreeing with you in the room there is likely a problem so I make sure I hunt out alternative views.
What is your secret to success? There is still so much I want to do and achieve and success can be measured in so many different