5 sources of inspiration with Mamamia’s founder Mia Freedman
- The Person
- The book
- The song
- The quote
- The place
Anyone who is trying to make the world a better place for women and girls. Two who come to mind are Rosie Batty, a force of nature, who battles tirelessly to help families affected by domestic violence.
And Rochelle Courtney, who was struck by a story about homeless women who have to prioritise feeding their kids over buying tampons – she was so moved and shocked by it that she founded a charity called Share The Dignity, which collects and distributes sanitary products to homeless women.
Sheryl Sandberg’s new book, Option B, which is about the aftermath of losing her husband Dave very suddenly a couple of years ago.
The name comes from the idea that when something terrible happens and ‘Option A’ is no longer available in your life, you need to try and make the best out of ‘Option B’.
I don’t think I have ever read a more helpful, searingly honest book. I am going to buy it for several friends who are dealing with different kinds of adversity.
Shake It Off. I always listen to this on full blast if I’m feeling weighed down by too much negativity, either from others or in my own head. It’s a really good reminder that what other people think of you is none of your business.
"Move fast and break things." This quote was up on the wall of Facebook in their early days, and at Mamamia we have co-opted our own version of that which is "flearning" – failing and learning. Learning through failing.
It’s important to give your team the confidence to stretch and take measured risks and to have a culture where failing is an opportunity to learn. Success merely confirms what you already know about the world but failure is an excellent teacher.
Our family has been holidaying at Byron Bay since I first met my husband. Our children have grown up spending school holidays up there. It’s like a second home for us.
Mia Freedman’s new book, Work. Strife. Balance., published by Macmillan Australia, is available now. $34.99