Directors' Circle: Claire Christensen
I first met Claire at a networking event, we sat beside each other during a time management workshop put on by Chamber and shared epiphanies about managing energy, not time, and the fundamentals of prioritising. Claire is one of those amazing people who offer you a safe place to express your ideas and fears, while solidly believing you can do anything you set your mind to. If you want inspiration and validation, this is the woman to see!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an art teacher and work in high schools. While I went down a different path at university and work, I’ve discovered running a business is all about creating and putting your own unique spin on things, which is at the core of what I love doing.
What do you consider the key to success?
Being clear on what you want your life to look like is the start point for me but something I struggle with too – the ‘busy’ can get in the way and railroad me sometimes. I believe any time taken to reaffirm where you're headed is time well spent.
How do you stay motivated when challenges arise?
For me, seeing challenges as a part of the process and accepting them means I have more power to handle them and react better when they arise. Challenges are there no matter what we do, we can’t control everything and, as cliché as it is – attitude is everything.
What is your top tip for keeping organised?
Do small things that make your day run smoother. Small things like being organised in the morning with getting kids to school can make or break my day. Working school hours, I try and achieve three things a day and reflect on what they’ll be in the morning before it all starts.
What is the best advice you have received recently, and still follow?
Clarity is everything. Once you understand what you want, the actions that follow are naturally towards the end goal.
Tell us something about yourself that is not on your LinkedIn profile?
I am working with two other mumma friends to create a new business which is aimed at bringing women together through adventures to share, connect and have fun. Look out for us, we’ll be launching soon – Approach Adventure will be about celebrating adventurous women and doing more in our beautiful region that promotes healthy, active, outdoorsy lifestyles for women.
Give a shout out to three local businesses!
Central Signs and Graphics – Jamie-Lee has supported us from the beginning, deciding even to test our services by doing a tandem skydive and supporting our Toss the Boss fundraiser two years in a row. They design and make great products and have been responsible for all of our marketing collateral from road signs, t-shirts and gift certificates to corflute cut-outs.
Karla and Jarrah Steen from the Life Approach – these women are all about helping other women achieve their greatest passions in career and life. They have an excellent process for drawing out exactly what it is you want to do and where your intuitive skills and talents lie. They love helping women discovering and doing ‘their thing’ and I loved working with Karla and Jarrah in this space.
Stomping Elephants – one of my favourite local businesses and stories. I love how Abby has created her business and how passionate she still is. After making and selling millions of earrings, she’s still excited and innovative PLUS I love the earrings, I have an excellent collection of them!
