Category: Inspiration

Sally Symonds is one of Australia’s leading fitness experts: she’s a healthy life mentor, author of several weight loss books and the creator of Love Your Weight Loss, a unique online weight loss coaching system. But 12 years ago, her life was very different…

1. Tell us your story:

I’m from a cattle property in Mackay, and after finishing school and university, where I achieved a BA (Honours) in English Literature, I became a Speech and Drama teacher. I was very good at my job, but my health began to suffer. I worked over 100 hours a week, hated exercise and ate a family-sized block of chocolate every day. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure at just 29.

Eventually, I realised something had to give, so I threw out the junk food and started walking my dog instead of paying someone else to do it! Ultimately, I lost over 50 kilos – more than half my body weight – without using any plans or programs.

I genuinely enjoyed the experience, so I wrote a book (50 Steps to Lose 50 kg…And Keep it Off) and took the plunge to change careers, quickly establishing myself as one of Australia’s leading fitness experts according to Good Health magazine. Now, I’m a healthy life mentor who gets to spend every day helping others achieve what I did: healthy, sustainable weight loss.

2. How did you identify the goal/s you wanted to achieve?

Losing weight made me realise that all the stuff we’re fed by the media about weight loss – follow this diet or that 12-week program – just sets you up to fail. I’m living proof that all you need to lose weight and keep it off is the right mindset and motivation!

3. How did you work towards achieving your goal – did you have a plan an d a deadline to achieve your goals?

I don’t believe in setting goals, because I think they limit what you can achieve. I didn’t set any goals when I lost weight, and if I had, I would never have imagined I’d be capable of losing as much as I did. You don’t know what you’re capable of, so why place constraints on yourself?

4. What was the biggest challenge you encountered along the way?

When I was losing weight myself, walking into a gym for the first time by myself was one of the hardest things I’d ever done: a more anti-exercise, anti-gym person than me you could never have met!

5. What inspires you and keeps you going when you encounter obstacles?

I love that my own weight loss experience has inspired so many others. It’s something that really keeps me motivated and it’s a big part of why I love what I do.

6. What advice do you have for anyone wanting to achieve a goal?

First of all, don’t set a goal! Stay motivated and see just how far you can go. You’ll surprise yourself.

7. What are the next goals you hope to achieve?

I hope to be able to keep inspiring others and helping them achieve their healthy living aims; more importantly, I want to show people that what the media tells them about weight loss (it’s difficult, it’s impossible, it’s tedious) is so far from reality.

Check out Sally’s website for more details: www.sallysymonds.com.au.

EJ Love has achieved so much in the last year. Not only has she conquered her own personal battles with an eating disorder and damaging relationships, she has also used her experiences to help others…

1. Tell us your story:

One year ago I had a 10-year-long eating disorder, was in and out of abusive or sabotaged relationships, had a sex/swinging addiction, was a smoker and binge drinker. Although on the outside many people thought I had a very exciting and happy lifestyle, on the inside there was a lot of shame and feelings of worthlessness and my confidence on the outside was just a facade. After going through a spiritual awakening a year ago almost to this day I started my healing and self-love journey. I am now an Intuitive Life Coach & Motivational Speaker, Angel Therapist/Psychic, Healer, Charity Event Organiser & Author. Founder of Love Angels Global – www.facebook.com/LoveAngelsGlobal and the charity Kieron D’Netto Spinal Injury Support & Healing Kieron to Walk Again Project.

2. How did you identify the goal/s you wanted to achieve?
I had always known since I entered the workforce that I wanted to be some sort of Mentor/Coach/Speaker. I’ve always had a passion for helping people and being on stage! Often I felt it was in business that I would help people as I had worked in so many different businesses and helped them grow. But when I went through my own personal transformation I knew that my purpose was to help other women awaken. I call it ‘Awakening the Beautiful Woman Within’. When I get the feedback from my clients that I have inspired them, transformed their lives and touched their hearts that makes me feel so happy and so alive and I know I am living my purpose and achieving my goals as well as helping them achieve theirs!

3. How did you work towards achieving your goal – did you have a plan and a deadline to achieve your goals?
I have to say planning and time management had never been a strong point for me. I was always so up in the air because I am extremely creative and driven and kept taking more and more opportunities on. After taking on a business mentor I really got clear on where I was going and how I was going to achieve it. We focused on keeping myself grounded to make sure I could plan out my time effectively and only take on the opportunities that were in my best interests. Within in a matter of weeks I had set myself up as ‘EJ Love Angel’ and brought my story, skills and expertise together so that I could reach out and help more people.

4. What was the biggest challenge you encountered along the way?
Distractions and saying ‘No’ to people. I am a real softie and giver and always willing to help others!

5. What inspires you and keeps you going when you encounter obstacles?

I see every obstacle is an opportunity! I reassess what my priorities are and understand that everything happens for a reason. There is a lesson that I can grown from and use as a positive story to help others…Sometimes I do need to take some time out for me and do an hour planning session.

6. What advice do you have for anyone wanting to achieve a goal?
Firstly make sure it aligns with who you are and your purpose. You have to find out what your ‘why’ is and you will know it when it makes you cry! When I got mine I was jumping up and down and crying tears of joy. When you feel this strongly about something you will do everything you can to make it happen. I say to people it’s like that feeling when you fall in love and you just want to do everything you can to be with that person – treat your goal the same way and you will achieve it! When you do achieve it make sure you celebrate it!!

7. What are the next goals you hope to achieve?
My next step is to write a best-selling book about my journey and transformation. I’ll shortly be launching online programs and workshops/retreats and have many other business women who want to partner with me. I feel very blessed to be where I am today… it all starts with self-love and it is absolutely possible for everyone!

Check out EJ’s facebook page, as well as the Love Angels Global website, www.LoveAngelsGlobal.com and Love Angels Global facebook page for more details.

Mia McCarthy is an excellent example of a woman who started on one pathway (studying BA Dip Ed Primary), but ended up on another after discovering a gap in the market. Mia jumped on the opportunity to fill this gap and embarked on her entrepreneurial journey…

1. Tell us your story:

During my final year of university (age 22, studying BA Dip Ed Primary) I saw a gap in the market for a ready-to-go bircher muesli products available in the retail environment. I then went about testing this concept on family and friends. 

Once I saw there was a gap I started trying to gain some market traction in my local area. From there the company grew to a a small commercial kitchen where all the products were still being made and packed by hand. The response to Yummia was overwhelming and I knew for this product to work we had to transform the manufacturing process to a more scalable model. 

In 2013 I partnered with a large manufacturing factory in Victoria. From here we have been able to achieve a higher quality product, consistence and shelf-life, as well as having the infrastructure to produce large batches at a time and machine pack the product. We are now a supplier for leading retailers such as Woolworths small format stores, as well as independent grocers, cafe’s, restaurants etc. in both the retail and food-service environment.

I’m personally based in Sydney and production is based in Victoria. I travel back and forwards between the two depending where I’m needed. We are in the process of expanding distribution channels both nationally and internationally so at the moment there is a bit of travel involved. 

2. How did you identify the goal/s you wanted to achieve?

I never really sat down and set out any goals, although lots of them have happened incrementally. At first the goal was get the product stocked in a few shops. Once you achieve a goal it’s easier to reach for the next one, so the goals we look to achieve are all in response to current circumstances and opportunities presenting themselves at any given time. It’s much easier to move forwards when you look at the little goals along the way rather than the big picture.  

3. How did you work towards achieving your goal – did you have a plan and a deadline to achieve your goals?  

I work best with lots of little goals, not necessarily one big goal. So different goals will require different a deadline and skill set. Although depending on the goal I’m working on I do need to plan and be organized to work to achieve that. For example at the moment we’re launching two new products. So I need work backwards from launch date. The most important thing with Yummia is shelf life, so once this testing comes through we can then work to the goal of organizing packaging for print, generating new sales, accounting and inventory that is associated with a new product and once this is all planned we can establish a launch date. 

4. What was the biggest challenge you encountered along the way?

There have been so many. One of the biggest was the commercialization process of essentially a hand made product into a factory. I learnt so much during this process – both about product and also personally about problem solving and never giving up to seeking a solution to push forward. It was really testing although luckily we achieved the goal and now have a great product as a result. 

5. What inspires you and keeps you going when you encounter obstacles?

At the moment I don’t want to be doing anything else. I’ve found something I’m really passionate about and love working on a product that is so close to me, so until I lose this drive I’m inspired to make it work.

I also have a bit of a guilt complex about Yummia, there have been so many people who have helped and supported me along the way that I guess I am more afraid of failure and letting others down than I am with achieving success. 

6.  What advice do you have for anyone wanting to achieve a goal?

Never have one ultimate goal. If you have lots of little goals along the way they are easier to achieve and more encouraging to keep going. I try to compartmentalize every aspect at Yummia, so there are lots of different goals to achieve, which keeps it fun and interesting. 

7.  What are the next goals you hope to achieve?

Consolidating business growth and establishing Yummia as a household brand and product that is part of daily or weekly consumer habits. 

Check out www.yummia.com.au for more info on Mia and her brand…

After being made redundant from a senior role last year, Cheryl Daley was forced to rethink the direction of her career. Motivated by her passion for helping others, Cheryl quickly turned a challenging situation into a positive one, and achieved some unexpected goals along the way…

1. Tell us your story:

I currently reside in Brisbane and am the author of soon to be released book LIPSTICK & LEADERSHIP. I was made redundant from a senior executive leadership role in January last year. Having spent over 25 years as a leader in various organisations, all with predominant male work environments, I knew I could help leaders be the best they could be by tapping into their inherent skills and behaviours. I launched leadershipheadquarters.com – it is only through balance that we achieve success. Organisational Development, Team Dynamics and Empowering Women Leaders are my passion.

2. How did you identify the goal/s you wanted to achieve? 

I have always liked to help people identify their strengths and leverage those strengths for greater achievement and success. My goal was twofold: on one hand it was about building a business; on the other hand it was refining the process and distilling the information so that I could connect with as many women as possible and help them be A Savvy & Influential Leader, in an authentic and natural way.


3. How did you work towards achieving your goal – did you have a plan and a deadline to achieve your goals? 

It was a priority to get moving – I was unemployed!!! So there was definitely a plan to get on track. It was really about doing a stocktake of what I needed to do and to connect with people who could help me develop and grow. Women are natural connectors and we like the sense of community (one of the great skills we bring to leadership). After I worked out what I needed to do, I then set out about connecting and getting on with the task. 

4. What was the biggest challenge you encountered along the way? 

Overcoming the feelings of being “dumped”. An unexpected redundancy or change and set back of any type really, makes you stop and think about the value you add and where you can improve or what you have to change. Women are very resourceful and fantastic at coming up with workable concepts (this makes us great with strategy). Reinvention became the way in which to deal with those challenges.


5. What inspires you and keeps you going when you encounter obstacles? 

I know there are women out there who struggle with the glass ceiling, or the guilt of being a working mum, or the frustration with not being recognised for the value we bring to an organisation, and sometimes the anger for not being rewarded for our efforts. While this still exists, I am inspired to keep spreading the word to women on how to do it differently – to get the recognition, success and reward they deserve AND to help men in business understand the talent pool and the amazing benefits that women bring to their team. A balanced team drawing on the correct team dynamics is what sets extraordinary organisations apart from the ordinary.

6. What advice do you have for anyone wanting to achieve a goal? 

You have to be clear in your mind about what the driving force is behind why you want to achieve the goal. It is not enough to just be warm about something – you have to be hot for it. I thought it was just getting a job that was my motivator. It was only after getting very clear that I realised it was more than that – it really was the desire to share the knowledge about how awesome women are, and how profitable business can be if they tap into the natural talents of their people or bring balance to their team.

7. What are the next goals you hope to achieve? 

My book LIPSTICK & LEADERSHIP will be out soon, so I am hoping to get that into the hands of as many people as I can. I am looking forward to launching womenwhoinfluence.com, a website and video channel, where women come together and share their inspirational stories and support each other in a productive community. I have been asked by so many people to start holding training and workshops on finding their natural leadership style and leveraging that style for success, so I will launch lipstick wearing leaders college through leadershipheadquarters.com very soon.

Today is International Women’s Day, and to mark this special day we’ve compiled a series of blog posts celebrating the achievements of some remarkable Australian women. Often through adverse circumstances, these women have set goals that have lead to some extraordinary accomplishments. We look forward to sharing their journey with you…

Julie Rainbow is the Director and Founder of Clarity Road: an organisation dedicated to impacting the lives of women through realistic information, support and advice. Julie’s journey began with financial betrayal and a breakdown of trust in her relationship. However, this traumatic experience was the catalyst for the creation of her business, Clarity Road.

1. Tell us your story:

My name is Julie Rainbow and I live in Brisbane. In 2013, I achieved my goal of creating Clarity Road: an organisation dedicated to providing women with solutions for life changing events. But the idea for Clarity Road was triggered by my own life almost a decade ago.

Like many other women, I trusted my husband to manage our finances while I focused on my business and raising my young family. But life soon began to spiral out of control when I realised that my husband had been misrepresenting our financial position. There were multiple debts to members of my family, as well as a long list of lenders I had never met.
Needless to say, my children and I experienced a complete change of lifestyle after I kicked my husband to the curb. I declared bankruptcy, lost my award winning business and was hounded by debt collectors demanding that I pay back my ex’s debts. My self-esteem plummeted, and I found myself consumed by worry for my children’s future.

Refusing to let my ex-husband’s actions rule my life, I worked numerous jobs to educate and provide for my children. With unwavering support from my family and friends, I was able to rebound emotionally and financially. I am now very happily re-married, financially stable and have found fulfilment in my life. Through Clarity Road, I have achieved my goal of helping other women to do the same.

2. How did you identify the goal/s you wanted to achieve?

While experiencing my life changing events, I was continually frustrated by the separation of information I needed across different sources. For every question answered, it felt like two more arose. From this frustration, my idea for a one-stop-shop for everything to do with life changing events was born.

3. How did you work towards achieving your goal – did you have a plan and a deadline to achieve your goals?

Although I thought of Clarity Road years ago, it wasn’t until recently that I was equipped with the resources to make it a reality. In the meantime, it took an extraordinary amount of time and patience to establish the business. I researched extensively to construct a referral network of services for women and focused my attention on building an online database of information, support and advice. I was able to build from this to create workshop and mentoring programs, and to expand Clarity Road’s to reach as many women as possible.

4. What was the biggest challenge you encountered along the way?

Undoubtedly, budget has been the primary challenge in creating Clarity Road. Despite multiple investment offers, I have always maintained that I want Clarity Road to expand organically. But this can be easier said than done when the women I aim to help have little time or money to devote to themselves. Resisting the temptation to throw all of my energy into Clarity Road prematurely, I kept my day job and devoted hours to Clarity Road at night. I saved, I budgeted – and eventually it paid off. 

5. What inspires you and keeps you going when you encounter obstacles?

I reflect on my original inspiration for Clarity Road and remind myself that it is always darkest before the dawn. My family and friends have been unconditionally supportive of my goal to create Clarity Road. Whenever I feel deflated, they give me the confidence and motivation to push through and realise that tomorrow is a brand new day.

6. What advice do you have for anyone wanting to achieve a goal?

To take risks, believe in yourself and trust your instincts. In short, be fearless.

7. What are the next goals you hope to achieve?

My main focus for the future rests firmly upon helping as many women as possible by establishing a national presence for Clarity Road. By so doing I aim to encourage a community of women supporting women, and to bring awareness those who would otherwise slip through the cracks. 

Visit www.clarityroad.com.au for some great advice and options when dealing with traumatic situations such as separation and divorce, bankruptcy, problems with children and other domestic issues.