by Sue Hodgson –
As we celebrate all our Women To Watch in this issue, I thought it might be nice if our readers had a chance to get to know me a little better. I asked myself these questions in 2014 and I thought it was time to see if any of the answers had changed over the past nine years!
What words best describe you? Passionate, fun loving and a little naughty.
What is your recipe for success? Hard work and passion. The harder you work, the luckier you get. One of my greatest contributions has been the ability to align my natural capabilities and my passion for my work. That makes my career not feel like work, but rather as a place to live out my passion while being able to contribute to the greater good of our community.
What obstacles have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome them? I believe things happen for a reason and we are all on individual journeys. I have dealt with a few obstacles in my career but life won’t always go the way you want it to. When it comes down to it, we have the same 24 hours as everyone else. I try not to complain about things I cannot control but instead reflect on everything I should be grateful for.
What is your advice to young people who are looking to follow in your footsteps? Create your own path and avoid living life based on other people. You will make mistakes (I’ve made some) but you learn from them and grow into a better person. Don’t get caught up with things you can’t control, focus your energy on things that are completely within your power.
How do you successfully juggle business and family obligations? Now that my children are away at University, life at home has changed. It’s now balancing the empty nest feeling and how it affects my work. It’s no lie: it’s been very difficult. But failure is not an option for me, and exercise is at the top of the list to maintain a balance. You’ve probably heard the saying: “Physical health creates financial wealth” … exercise helps our body but it’s so important for our brain, our mood, our energy, and feeling of well-being.
What have been your proudest moments? I’ve had a few, but I still have to say it’s being blessed with my two children, Lucas and Eva. As they have evolved into two successful young adults, they make both my work and life much more meaningful.
Seaside Sue
Photo by Janis Jean Photography. Clothing provided and styled by piper + ally.
For more, visit Instagram @piperally. Shot on location at Mattick’s Farm.
