1. First thing in the morning when you wake up, do you look at your phone? If so, what do you search?
Much to my husband’s chagrin yes the first thing I do is check my phone, even if I’m busting for the loo! I check everything; emails first in case there are any work requests, then quickly Instagram because I’m addicted to it, then Facebook because it’s a quick check in on my friends and finally twitter for news. Then I run to the loo!
2. Are you a coffee or tea drinker and what kind?
I can take or leave either really. I can go weeks without both and not even realise. I had my first coffee when I was 33 years old (that’s 10 years ago), but I do like a latte at a café and I love a Twinings Morning Tea at home as a cup of calm.
3. You always imagined growing up you’d be?
For a while I wanted to be a masseuse and my parents were clever and made me practice on them and give them hundreds of head a back massages. Talk about free child labour! Then I fell in love with writing and performing so TV journalism was a natural fit. I love my job so much I can’t imagine doing anything else.
4. ShellShocked Media came about from?
Shell – because it’s me, and Shocked- because I don’t get embarrassed easily. I saw a gap in the market for producing videos for clients who have trouble getting coverage because their product isn’t sexy or particularly acceptable. One of our first clients was Vagisil. I could joyfully talk about vaginas for hours. Not many people can do that. It’s my superpower.
5. When women are negative it makes you…
I feel it lets down the sisterhood. I feel frustrated. It makes my tummy hurt.
6. When women support one another you…
It makes my heart soar. My favourite hashtag is #womensupportingwomen I think there is enough cake for everyone so rather than compete, women need to lift each other up. I mentor about 10 young female journalists and I try to help show them we’re stronger together. I have had very generous women mentor me and support my business and I want to pay it forward.
7. One thing you keep close to your chest (until now is)…
I debate and get fired up on TV so some people think I’m pretty tough but I’m actually a marshmallow inside. There isn’t a Qantas ad that hasn’t made me sob.
8. To all those women who are negative on social media you’d say…
What do you get out of it? Pushing people down by trolling and being snarky doesn’t do anything but hold a mirror to your ugly heart. Please go and do some soul searching and find a healthy side to make yourself happy.
9. If you could express one piece of QueenHood advice to working women you would say…
Help each other. Women are famously bad about asking for a pay increase or a promotion. Encourage each other to succeed. Talk about how much you earn and how you negotiate. The more communication we have, the more we can learn from each other and achieve great things. Oh and also it’s okay to cry at work. I cry all the time and I used to be ashamed and feel frustrated as I saw it as a weakness. Now I see it as I sign that I give a shit.
10. The never ending quest for balance between work life and family life you take on by…
I don’t believe work/life/balance exists. I think it’s just another label to make women feel guilty. Just do what works for you.
11. You’ve always said you’ve wanted to work for yourself…why?
To be honest I think it came from a realisation I have a real problem with authority and I’d argue with my bosses all the time. So I figured the best way to solve that problem was to BECOME the boss. And I’m LOVING it! Plus I get to work with my husband every day and he’s just lovely. My emotions can be up and down like a bride’s nightie so he keeps me calm.
12. When you’re in work mode you are best described as…
I’m pretty brave. I’ll put myself out there and I won’t sit on the fence. Some would say I have balls but I prefer to say I have “ovaries of steel”.
13. The legacy you hope to leave is…
I’m creating a documentary series called Uncomfortable Conversations. Why is it so hard to talk about death and dying? Why are mothers so hard on each other? Why don’t friends discuss what they earn? Why is there so much shame associated with mental illness? I want to talk about topics like these so they are no longer taboo. I think that will be my legacy, educating people how to have these conversations. Uncomfortable conversations lead to understanding, empathy and ultimately great change. Sunshine is the best disinfectant so I want to bring these topics into the light.
