Her Magazine is New Zealand’s only women’s business lifestyle magazine! Her Magazine highlights the achievements of successful and rising New Zealand businesswomen. Her Magazine encourages a healthy work/life balance.
Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/67815
WW: How do you think women in business are perceived by their male counterparts in 2012? As equals or lacking competence at the higher levels? I think gender balance within business seems to be finding it's natural levels now. It appeared for a while there was quite a bit of emphasis on being seen to be giving women high profile or high ranking positions to be 'politically correct'. That's not necessarily my perception, but that's how it was viewed my some. A woman in business is a bit of a misnomer in my eyes, business is all about people, whether they are the customer, the employee or the CEO. Business itself doesn't judge gender, nor do profits! Within the entertainment industry I believe we are perceived as being equals, as male and female performers rarely need to compete against each other as in perhaps other businesses. WW: Generally speaking, what do you think distinguishes women's business style from men's? From some of my experiences I've found some high ranking, successful businesswomen think like men. I've also found that some of my favourite and equally successful businesswomen don't! There's nothing wrong with either approach, they're just different. I think some of the wisest businesswomen know when it's beneficial to think like a man, and when it's not. Personally, I think women approach problems within business with a more open mind and willingness to get compromise, and quietly but tenaciously work towards achievement of a good result. WW: Which women business owners or managers have you watched with interest? I've always admired Telecom's previous CEO, Theresa Gattung. She took over that position and seemed to be under a constant spotlight. She did an amazing job which certainly brought Telecom roaring into the 21st Century, yet didn't seem to change her at all. She was the same natural, relaxed person she was when she left as she was when she arrived. I like that in a person. Take Outs: WW: What would be one business 'take out' or piece of wisdom that has stood you in good stead above all others? I was given some great advice once and I've never forgotten it. It's not 'business wisdom' as such, but I think it's appropriate in many situations when in business: "Don't worry where your name appears on the bill. If you're good enough, your name will be the one people will take home with them" – Ray Charles. WW: What's harder - running a business or managing a family? Neither. Being able to successfully combine the two, now that's hard!! I have been incredibly lucky throughout my career to have the constant support of my husband, Steve and my parents (in the early days) all happy to step up when needed to ensure everything kept running smoothly, and life was kept constant and stable during the times when I was away so I can't really say which is harder. Steve and I have been married 35 years and have two children, a 31-year-old son and a 22-year- old daughter, a lovely daughter-in-law and two wonderful grandchildren all of whom Steve and I are extremely proud. WW: What do you think is a woman's most valuable asset in business? Without wanting to sound flippant, my most valuable asset is my voice, without it I wouldn't have a business. I'm very lucky in the fact that I rarely get a sore throat or have problems with my voice, but I am always conscious to look after it too. Throaties are my best friend and help me to be able to sing all day if I need to. In business I think an understanding of people is one of the aspects that make women stand out, being able to see things from all angles, and being able to make the big decisions after considering all aspects. It's what mothers do too isn't it! WW: If you were to prioritise the top five activities essential to building a successful business over time what would they be (place no.1 as the most essential business activity to get right): Determination Consistency Reliability Accountability A love for what you are doing WW: How important is it for New Zealand businesses to take their place on a global Above: Doing one of the poses for a body sculpting competition in Wellington. Age 41. stage? What holds them back? A lot of New Zealand businesses have their place on the global stage now, our commodity exports being a shining example – where would we be without our agricultural industry? It always amazes me when I travel, nearly everyone knows of New Zealand and that's impressive for a country of our size. I remember the days when people thought we were part of Australia. People seem to have a genuine love for New Zealand and that's got to be in part because all they hear of our country is good things. The only thing that can hold us back is ourselves, if you don't back yourself nobody else will! Planning Heading: WW: What are some of your key goals for the future of the business over the next 18 months? I've got a lot in the pipeline at the moment. I'm looking to return to London again next year to perform at Wembley Stadium. I have just released my new album I'll do it all over again and there are several opportunities for recording later this year and again next year. I am performing in Norfolk Island for 10 days this month at their annual international country music festival. I will be performing nearly 50 "Kids for Kids" shows this year. I have just finished work on a whole new show for "Kids for Kids" with the first show being performed in Auckland in September. There are a number of projects underway, but it's making sure I have the time to work on them, which is my problem. I feel extremely lucky to always be busy. Without the loyal New Zealand people this wouldn't be the case. I have a lot to thank my fans for. w WHO'S WHO 2012 | 11 w