1. Did you have a business mentor or someone that inspired your career path journey?
So many points of inspiration. The person that really stands out is Arthur Ryan – the man who founded then ran Primark PLC – and took it from one store to a multi-billion dollar value fashion chain. He continually challenged the status quo. For example, if a core line sells, repeat it at a lower price next time, kill the competition and own the market (the opposite to other retailers at the time who would put prices up on best-selling repeats to increase their margin opportunity). Arthur had a truly amazing eye for fashion yet at the height of his success was incredibly unassuming, had a dry sense of humour (and dressed like Columbo!). I found having a great business coach helped in making the transition from middle to senior leadership. Having someone to bounce situational ideas off can stop you making so many mistakes in real life.
2. What are some of the lessons in leadership that you’d encourage other young, aspiring businesswomen to remember and implement?
Be yourself – not the version of yourself that you think you ought to be. That way lies unnecessary stress. Teams respond so much better to authenticity. I remember being told as a Buyer that I should be a bit more serious in meetings if I wanted to impress, but that’s just not me, and I have found over the years that a little levity can disarm, reduce anxiety, and encourage others. It certainly makes the workplace more fun.
Be prepared to work very hard as well as smart especially when you are setting out. Unfortunately there aren’t too many short cuts to experience and success.
Remember that working life is not always fair. You may not automatically be recognised for your great work by your boss unless you point out what you’ve actually achieved. Don’t be afraid to do that. I remember as a junior buyer introducing a new and amazing supplier into Dorothy Perkins that very quickly went on to represent 15% of the supply base. One day the MD asked the supplier who had brought them into the business and they told him. Later he called me into the office and asked why I hadn’t mention this introduction? Then he said “listen if you don’t blow your own trumpet no one else will blow it for you”.
3. What is your approach to money and personal finance, and do you have any money rituals or habits?
Aaargghh – tough question. I definitely spend more time looking after the business’s money rather than my own (which I suppose helps me make more money?). I certainly don’t count my virtual gold every night… possibly because the piles not big enough! I do love the fact that though everything is so accessible on your mobile now. I particularly love the Com Bank App which regularly updates the value of your assets as well as your accounts. I also enjoy the fact that you can see how your Super is growing at any time. I will check into the Bank app weekly and the Super apps perhaps monthly. I also take a financial health check with my advisers at least annually and try to remember to do what they tell me!
4. What is your proudest career achievement?
I’m far too old to just have one moment! I think the common theme for what I’m most proud of though would be interpreting what the customer would really appreciate and then moving hell or high water to give it to them. At Primark this would have been bringing in high fashion at an accessible pricepoint. At Peacocks it would have been offering regional customers a top to toe co-ordinated fashion “basket” that was still great value. At Alexon Group it was about offering attractive fashion trends that fitted a woman’s changing body shape even into her 70’s. At Millers it was about respecting that Australian women over 50 take great pride in their appearance and being able to improve quality and co-ordination at a price to fulfil their aspiration. At Camilla it’s about bringing our amazingly colourful and feel-good prints into more areas of our customers lives – the home and the gym for example.
5. What money/business/life advice would you give to your 21-year-old self (if she’d listen)?
Pick a career that you enjoy. You spend too much time at work for it just to be average. Remain curious and unafraid to take on new challenges as you only regret the things you don’t do. Invest true time and attention in your family and relationships – they are the most important things in life. Don’t get into too much debt, become a home owner, and remember that super contributions will mean something important (one day!).
