Six Degrees Executive asked Carolyn Creswell founder and Managing Director of Carman’s Fine Foods the secret to her success.
Carolyn is an inspirational leader whose success proves that you can run a multinational business and still have a genuine work-life balance. She has managed to grow Carman’s to become the number one selling muesli brand on Australian supermarket shelves, while at the same time maintaining a great relationship with her husband and raising four kids ages nine and under! Six Degrees sat down with Carolyn to asked how she does it.
Six Degrees:
You successfully juggle the responsibilities of being a mother along with being a prominent Australian business woman and industry mentor. What is your advice to maintain a genuine and rewarding work-life balance?
Carolyn:
Choose what you say yes or no to. Think of it this way - if someone came up and asked for $20 you would say ‘no’. But when they ask for 20 minutes, you say ‘sure’ every time. Then you can be at your desk until 7pm.I think you have to be conscious of how you spend your time. Say yes to the important stuff, not to everything that comes your way.
Six Degrees:
As a female business owner what would be your comments around the current career opportunities for female executives in today’s professional space? Do you still feel there is a level of imbalance and inequality that needs to be addressed?
Carolyn:
I think women do really well at school, university and in the workplace until they have kids. After having a family, working full time becomes much more challenging. We need to challenge the status quo. For examples, school Mother’s Day is often at 2pm, whilst Father’s Day is often at 5pm. We never question that a man that works full time can be a great father, so why do we question that a woman can’t do the same?
Six Degrees:
What are your top 5 tips for success?
Carolyn:
- Think of the people you work with as another family, delight your customers constantly and your business will quickly thrive.
- Have a crystal clear vision of where your business is heading and refer to it every day when decision making.
- Write lists, prioritise and clear your inbox every day. Learn to say ‘no’ to things that are not important, so you can ‘work smarter’ rather than ‘harder’.
- 'Drive it like you stole it’ – Sometimes you just have to trust your instincts, dive into the deep end and go for it!
- Love what you do! Your passion, drive and enthusiasm will determine your business’ success.
Carolyn Creswell will be speaking at an event hosted by Six Degrees Executive, in Melbourne on the 20th of November 2014. Carolyn will share her experiences as a working mother and Managing Director of a highly successful Australian business. If you have any interest in attending this event or other events hosted by Six Degrees please contact Lorrie Storey on lorries@sixdegreesexecutive.com.au.
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