The popular annual Casey Cardinia Women’s Business lunch is on again this Friday 9 August. While tickets may be sold out, the Gazette asked guest speaker Emma Isaacs to share some of her tips for the Casey Cardinia Region’s budding entrepreneurs, so that everyone can benefit from a little of Emma’s wisdom and experience. The theme of Emma’s address to Friday’s lunch is ‘The magic of winging it’.
You’re the CEO of a successful international business, so what do you mean ‘winging it’?
I’ve always been someone who tries new things without knowing how they’re going to turn out.
I dropped out of uni at 18, started my first business soon after and I bought Business Chicks when I was 24. I believe in trusting your gut and having a go!
What advice can you share with people considering exploring their own entrepreneurial spirit?
If you’ve got a dream or a goal, just take one small step at a time. What’s that quote about not needing to see the whole staircase? It’s true – it’s all about taking one step at a time. It’s also about getting your mindset right first though. This saying is also true: “If you believe you can, or can’t, you’re right.” I see a lot of women drown in self-doubt and a lack of self-confidence. I believe in faking it til you make it and just having a go.
What’s the secret… to balancing work and family?
In terms of the ‘juggle,’ I try and be as easy going as possible and I try and be kind to myself and don’t necessarily strive for the elusive ‘balance’. I know I have no balance and that’s the way life just is for now. I just try to understand my values and what’s important to me and focus on those things. For now, it’s about growing the business and it’s about spending time with my family. Everything else pales in comparison, but it won’t always be this way. My advice would be to learn to say no lots, and above all, be gentle and kind to yourself!
Do you have a piece of advice that has served you well?
My mum always taught me to be kind to everyone, and it’s a lesson that’s served me well. I always try and be polite, friendly and kind to everyone I meet.
What is your life motto?
‘If it is to be, then it’s up to me’ is usually the one I fall back on.
Who do you admire in business?
I admire leaders like Richard Branson who continues to evolve and make business fun; and Diane von Furstenberg because she’s built a global brand and worked hard her whole life but is generous and kind at the same time.
This event is presented by the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire.
