Jane Kennedy has worked in the media in Australia for over 25 years as an actress, writer and producer with the Working Dog team. She is also author of two cookbooks and mum to five kids under the age of 12.
Growing up, what kind of career did you want to pursue?
Something low key like being a child star (think Shirley Temple or a young Liz Taylor)
…and as a little girl, what did you imagine working life to be?
Much like Mary in The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Living in my own apartment wearing fabulous clothes.
Who inspires you?
Melinda Gates is doing something really extraordinary to change the world as well as be a mum to three kids.
What qualities do you most admire in a female colleague
Warmth. humour, kindness and a genuine desire to encourage and bring out the best in others
You are a role model for women, how do you think you can assist in their success?
I am always thrilled if I can point out strengths in people they might not have noticed or under-estimated in themselves.
What’s the key to successfully balancing work and life?
It’s taken me years to work that one out – it starts by letting go of any perfectionist streak and lowering the bar for yourself. Stop trying to tick ALL the boxes.
If you had an afternoon to yourself, how would you spend it?
Having lunch with girlfriends
What makes you happy?
See above
What brings you sadness?
It sounds clichéd but truly, the thought of a child forced into the sex trade is so abhorrent it makes me sad to the core.
What book/film/artist/soundtrack changed your life?
The Man Who Loved Children by Christina Stead – I loved the big rambunctious family in the story and ended up with my own big rambunctious family