Clover Moore was last weekend elected to a third term as Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney, where she has served since 2004. She is also an independent memeber of the NSW legislative assembly. She has established the Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP Salary Trust to donate her fees to help the City’s most disadvantaged people and promote animal welfare.
Growing up, what kind of career did you want to pursue?
I’ve always been enthusiastic about life and people, and after an arts degree at Sydney University, I put everything into teaching, culminating in being part of a successful integrated studies experiment in a comprehensive school in the East End of London.
Who inspires you?
Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone.
What qualities do you most admire in a female colleague?
The ability to cheerfully excel in work or business, be a wonderful mother/partner/friend and be involved in the community. These are special women!
If you could change another woman’s life, who would it be and why?
I wouldn’t pressure to change anyone else’s life apart from providing help and encouragement. I prefer to learn from others.
What is the best path to success in your field of endeavour?
As an independent in political life, it is a tough path, and one where you take your cues from the community rather than the faceless people in party head offices.
What’s the key to successfully balancing work and life?
I am still working on this!
What makes you happy?
Worthwhile work for others makes me happy and seeing projects and programmes come to fruition which adds to the common good and a better future.
What brings you sadness?
In terms of my political career I feel sad when bad decisions are made, and opportunities lost.
What book / film / artist / soundtrack changed your life?
Stephen Covey, who has recently died. His 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has helped me try to balance life’s work and responsibilities.
The Rolling Stones “Walking The Dog” – as a keen staffie walker.
What’s your motto?
My husband quotes The Texas Tombstone epitaph: “She did her darndest!”