What makes you powerful?
My mind. True power starts from within you, I learnt that the hard way. In most powerless moments I had only external power and that can be taken away from you at any second. It wasn’t until I stopped reaching for it outside of myself and did a lot of internal work. I started working with a success coach Anush Gagua who helped me figure out my clear goals and built my own power that no one could take from me. Power is a stand of mind it is a mental strength that you have to develop and it can take some time. Once your own voice is louder than the voices of everyone else you are able to step into your power and back yourself 110%.
Who are your mentors in life? How did they help your journey?
I always looked up to Nicole Kidman and Jessica Lange. I would study them, their careers how they branched out,who they worked with, what projects they chose, who represented them. You can do this with anyone you look up to just study their success because all success leaves clues. I also had female producers and studio executives that I worked with guide and mentor me through particular challenges that women face in a male dominated industry. They taught me strategies to deal with egos and how to negotiate for myself and what to ask for in a deal. Since the me too movement, it has gotten a lot easier for females before that I could only get a project so far before a male took full credit for it.
Your most insecure moment in life and how you tackled it?
After months of auditions I booked a break through role in a great film my very powerful agent took me to dinner to celebrate and made advances towards me that I brushed off out of fear and shock. The next day when I called the office to finish my contract he would not take my call. He never did again and I was quickly replaced. After this I decided I was going to become a Producer and I got a job at a production company working for a major director I learnt everything I could about making movies from the ground up.
A pivotal moment in your life so far?
Getting a parking spot at Warner Brothers. For years as an actress I would park across the street in the general parking and I would walk onto the lot and be given a map to find the audition room. I would take 2 pairs of shoes - some flats to walk to through the lot and some heels for the audition. When I became a producer and I was able to drive onto the lot and eventually got my own spot. Now I only need to take one pair of shoes
What are you most grateful for?
My family and growing up in Australia. My parents gave me really strong values and a sense of whats right and wrong. My family is my centre of gravity.
Advice to women trying to make a make it in this world?
Follow your passions, do what you love. There will always be struggles and challenges no matter what you do, so you may as well struggle for something you love then something you don’t. Focus on adding value. It is not what you can get but what you can give as you move towards your goals. No one is coming to your house to make your dreams come true so go out there and make them happen.
What do you think is lacking in our culture today?
Human connection, when I look around I see people all starring down at their phones. Technology is killing connection and concentration. We are losing touch with humanity. The other day I saw a 4 year old kid trying to swipe the page of a book like it was an iPhone. I still prefer to read real books.
What qualities and virtues do you find valuable in people?
Kindness, courage, determination and loyalty have become the most important qualities to me.
What are your favorite pieces from ERTH?
I love the plate necklace, the earth cross choker, the yellow gold diamond initial, the infinity necklace, the double star necklace, the mini hoop earrings and the diamond crater stud, basically the whole collection.
How do you wear jewelry?
I like unique, delicate, small pieces in gold. I’ll wear 1 ring, 2 earnings a necklace and a bracelet. Sometimes I layer it and I always take it all off before bed.
Favorite place to be/exist?
On the farm in nature with my horse.
Favorite thing to cook?
I love to cook pasta.
Favorite quote, affirmation or words you live by?
Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change.
What is the biggest lesson you have learnt in life thus far?
That everything you need is inside you.
Advice to your younger self?
No matter what happens, I will take care of you.
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