Having come from the media industry, we know how important it is for women to support other women in radio. The early starts are tough and the work-life balance can be tricky. We’ve both had the pleasure of working with Ali Clarke, ABC Radio Adelaide Breakfast presenter, and know first-hand, she’s a bloody hard worker and an incredible talent. That’s why she’s our Inspirational Adelady…
Lauren xx
1. Tell us a bit about yourself…
I’ve been doing radio of some sort for well over a decade and it’s a job I love. I see it as a privilege to be invited into someone’s home, their workplace or car… So I don’t take that offer lightly. People would probably describe me as a bit of a control freak (so unkind ha!) and when it comes to work, that’s no doubt true, but I think it’s driven from wanting to do the best job I can and I still knowing I have so much to learn! I love a good story and laughing with friends and would do anything for our three children… while also being fully aware they would only do something for me if there was ice-cream up for grabs.
2. What’s your daily mantra or a saying that you repeat to pick yourself up?
I don’t have a daily mantra as such… but before starting everyone morning I remind myself that no matter how bad I’ve slept, how challenging the juggle might have been in the last 24 hours, there is always, ALWAYS someone doing it that much tougher. I also love Maya Angelou… “I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way (s)he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.” … although I am still trying to work out what it says about me that I HATE tangled Christmas lights!
3. What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?
I can’t go past Mark Twain for this… “Never argue with a stupid person, they’ll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.” While it makes me laugh Every. Single. Time … it also reminds me in this age of social media, there’s a time and place to listen to others but I should be careful of getting pulled in to worrying about the noise of the nameless. When I’m struggling with something or need advice I go to a few close confidants whose opinions I trust and who I know will give it to me straight, without fear nor favour.
4. Whose the person that you look up to ?
I have too many! Domestic Violence advocates Arman Abrahimzadeh and Natasha Stott Despoja, Emergent CE and Port Adelaide Board Member Holly Ransom, Chair of Business SA Nikki Govan, Radio Host Wendy Harmer, friend and former politician Kate Ellis and radio mentors across the years in Grant Cameron, Steve Rowe and Phil Dowse … I could keep going… sorry!
5. What’s your favourite place in SA?
Without a doubt, Carrickalinga. There is something magical about coming around the corner and seeing the sweeping strip of white sand, the crystal blue waters and those green (or brown!) hills… and aside from around Christmas, there’s hardly anyone ever there. Of course now you’re all going to go aren’t you? Damn it… oh well, bring me a wine!
6. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A florist, then a baker, then a mechanic and then a florist again. It should be noted that now as an adult I’m a hay fever sufferer, who rarely bakes, and who thinks a car’s performance runs in direct correlation to the number of cup holders.
7. When you got your first pay check EVER, what’s the first thing you bought?
Gosh – so long ago… but I think it was Alanis Morrisette’s Jagged Little Pill!. Either that or chocolate and wine (and since I was at uni and poor, it probably would have been cask).
