It was just before 5am when the noise began. I immediately assumed the worse. Sirens? Crashing? What’s happening? Oh no, it’s Tenancious D singing me awake.
Five minutes later I was struggling to remember why I was even awake let alone standing, bleary-eyed in the bathroom trying to fashion some kind of hairdo. That’s right. Ita Buttrose. Along with hundreds of other business gals (and some guys), I was having breakfast with Ita.
It was all thanks to the Business Chicks and my table’s host Valerie Khoo, from the Sydney Writing Centre, that I was nestled in the company of some very groovy ladies.
Like many of the people I straw-polled before this day, Ita came into my landscape of familiarity quite recently with the fantastic mini-series Paper Giants. I already had respect for Ita, for longevity if nothing else. As I listened to Ita liken being a 60’s woman in Australia to being a 60’s negro in America and the very real glass ceiling she experienced throughout her career, my respect grew,
And she looks a-amazing.
Here are some of the little sound bites that stayed with me:
Ita told us a great story (amongst many) about being recently stopped in a supermarket to be asked, “Are you the real one? Or the actress?” Hilarious!
Ita listed more than a few recent examples of Australian politicians and media personalities participating in personal diatribes against women in public roles. She called for an end to it and I wholeheartedly agreed (as did the room!)
Talking about her self-believe through some incredible trials she said, “Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.” How awesome is that?
On how her approach to life Ita said, “Life rewards appear at the end of the journey.” and ” You will never know if you don’t turn the corner.”
This is a short post but if you get a chance to learn more about Ita Buttrose, take it. She’s exactly the kind of role model we can do with.
Belinda
PS You can catch Ita on Twitter at @itabuttrose
One Response
I attended a business networking function a few years ago where Ita was the speaker and even though I didn’t know all that much about her beforehand, I left with plenty of respect and admiration for her. Not just smart and successful, but also calm, composed and level-headed as well as funny. You’re right: she’s a great role model.