Australian executives reveal the best advice their mother’s gave

Ambitious Aussies can read all the career coaching and self help books in the world but sometimes all that’s needed is some wisdom from mum.

Listen to your mother.

That is the message from some of Australia’s top executives, who share the best advice their mums have given them and served them well in their careers.

“If you are faced with a problem that feels overwhelming, reflect on the situation with someone you trust, and try to view the challenge from a different perspective.”

Tamara Oppen, managing director of internet domain registrar GoDaddy Australia, says her mother could indirectly make her do this with ease.

“It would always involve a strong cup of tea and mum asking me lots of great questions,” she says.

“That was true when I was a teenager, making my first forays in the world of work, and it’s true today as a mother myself.”

GoDaddy Australia’s Tamara Oppen with her mother. Picture: Supplied

“Be true to yourself.”

Audible Australia country manager Leanne Cartwright Bradford says this advice helps her bring her whole self to work “with all the rough edges and quirks”.

“If something doesn’t feel right for me, I’m happy to push against popular opinion and air my view,” she says.

“It’s also the reason I wear comfy trainers that take orthotics and not cool ones.”

“Always use a team member’s name when you’re speaking to them to let them know you’re invested in the conversation.”

Mad Paws chief executive Justus Hammer says it is important to make sure people know you are tuned in when they are talking.

“They know their ideas are being heard, no matter their title and seniority, and I’m really thankful my mum shared this with me so many years ago,” he says.

Mad Paws’ Justus Hammer with his mother. Picture: Supplied

“When you fall off you get back on the horse, and you can call yourself a good rider only when you have fallen off at least 100 times.”

Professional services company Accenture’s ANZ human resources managing director Sarah Kruger says her mum’s words are about building resilience.

“You learn from the mistakes and being OK with falling over,” she says.

Accenture’s Sarah Kruger and her mother. Picture: Supplied

“Be mindful.”

Although she never gives advice, Ali Linz’s mother leads by example.

The co-founder of group gifting platform GroupTogether saysher mum has always believed in reducing waste and being mindful – a mentality that has inspired Linz throughout her career.

“As a mum who’s constantly giving unsolicited advice to my four kids, it blows my mind that my 10 out of 10 mum never gives us advice,” she says.

GroupTogether’s Ali Linz as a child with her mother, Doreen Brenner, and great-grandmother, Elsa Flaschner, in 1971. Picture: Supplied

“Find the power of peace.”

Lyra Mackay, evangelist at software company Zoho Corporation, says her mother always recommended starting the day with a surf.

“She spoke less about the importance of proving myself with long work hours and saying ‘yes’ to everything, and more about finding fulfilment in my life outside of work,” she says.

“This, she’d say, is how you actually achieve a long, happy career.”

“You can be young and driven without overworking or burning yourself out in your 20s.”

Originally published as Australian executives reveal the best advice their mother’s gave