It’s pretty incredible when you stop and think about the lessons that have shaped you over the years. Some of them might be really clear moments that you can visualise. Others are subtler, just a feeling, something you absorbed without even realising it.
It’s been suggested that our brains process about 11 million bits of information per second, but we’re only consciously aware of about 40-50 of them. It makes the things that stick even more special.
Looking back, I’m grateful for those wildly valuable, truly foundational lessons my mum has taught me throughout my life. Some, I know, she was determined I’d carry forward, others I picked up by simply being in her presence and I am so grateful for them all.
Here are the five lessons from my mum that have stuck with me the most…
There is no ceiling on what is possible in your life and career
I’m incredibly grateful that from a young age, my mum empowered me with the belief that I could achieve anything I dreamed of, as long as I was willing to put in the work. That mindset shaped my approach to everything and left me with a forever lingering sense of possibility that I’ve taken with me over the years.
It was incredibly crucial for the formative years of my career, in my late teens and early twenties, especially as we were building Kic, because I didn’t feel like I needed to shrink myself or question whether I belonged in the room.
It’s a mindset that has served me well, particularly as I look back now, at 32, as a CEO. I’ve definitely faced sexism and countless challenges along the way, but know I wouldn’t be where I am today without this belief. I never saw gender as an obstacle – because it shouldn’t be – and I’ve carried that with me as I’ve grown both personally and professionally.
The importance of finding a true ‘partnership’ within a romantic relationship or marriage
This was one of those lessons I knew my mum really wanted me to take forward. She spoke to me about it often and it’s advice that has stayed with me ever since.
She helped me understand that if we choose to share our life with someone, and if we’re lucky enough to find the right person, it should be with someone who truly sees us, supports us, and walks beside us as an equal.
It’s a lens I’ve taken with me in life and has solidified how I view love, commitment, and connection.
To take care of my body – through movement, eating well and rest
This is something my mum gently instilled in me from a young age. Growing up, like many women, I was unconsciously surrounded by diet culture, but my mum always empowered me with the tools to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. I recognise now how fortunate I was to be raised in a home where that perspective was a priority.
One of my favourite childhood memories is playing school sport – moving simply for the joy of it, with no expectations or pressures.
Knowledge is power
Growing up, education was something I always valued deeply. The lesson I took from mum was that building skills and knowledge is crucial because it’s something no one can ever take away from us. This also taught me the value of hard work and discipline – a mindset that guided me through my law and business degree, leaving me with skills that have since become invaluable in my role at Kic.
To this day, learning is one of the things that brings me the most fulfillment. Whether it’s through a book, a conversation, or a new experience, I’ll never stop being curious and I have my mum to thank for showing me just how powerful that can be.
The importance of financial independence
Last, but certainly not least, this is one of the key lessons my mum taught me, and it’s something I care deeply about. Financial independence plays a significant role in giving us the freedom to make choices in our lives.
The reality is, not all women have equal access to the resources or opportunities needed to achieve financial independence. The statistics speak for themselves – women, on average, earn 78 cents for every dollar earned by men, the gender superannuation gap sits at 22%-35%, and women over 55 are the fastest-growing group experiencing homelessness in Australia. These numbers highlight how deeply systemic inequality impacts women’s financial security.
For many, financial independence isn’t always attainable due to complex barriers and personal circumstances. But the more we have open conversations about it, the more we can work towards creating pathways that make financial independence accessible to all women. It’s a lesson I’m thankful for, and one I’m passionate about sharing to help empower others, especially young women.
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