We’re all responsible for designing our own lives. It’s just a matter of whether we do it consciously or not. My own life experiences helped me come to the realisation that I should be guiding, healing and inspiring people rather than crunching numbers.

The most authentic times in my life were when I felt aligned with my core values. This began as early as primary school, when I befriended a refugee girl. Not consciously realising it at the time, I felt great compassion and a desire to help her acclimatise to life in Australia. The experience of helping her is still one of my proudest moments. Later in school, I developed an interest in psychology, but was (mis)guided into studying business. I never really resonated with the field, but didn’t consider changing course as I didn't want to disappoint others.

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel ~ Maya Angelou

I had a successful career in corporate finance management, but my heart wasn’t in it. Instinctively I knew that this wasn’t the right field for me but I stayed despite feeling I was not being true to myself. While there were moments of achievement and personal satisfaction, I felt the most rewarding part of my corporate career was mentoring and helping staff.

In 2003, my marriage fell apart. Initially, I took this as a personal failure, but I worked through it thanks in part to the healing nature of yoga. When the divorce was finalised, I felt liberated and decided to become a yoga instructor, as this was a long held passion of mine. I wanted to give to others the healing benefits yoga had given me! While I loved helping others, teaching yoga didn’t present a strong career opportunity at the time, so I stuck with my corporate job. Shortly after qualifying as a yoga instructor, I accepted a transfer to Switzerland. In this environment, my core values were challenged and I was made to feel less than. Far from home with little support and under great stress, I requested a transfer back to Australia.

Upon my return to Melbourne, my father’s cancer returned and quickly weakened him. In his final hours, his last words to me were that he was proud of me — something he had never expressed before. His passing had a huge impact on me. Life is short and love is critical — it’s all that matters! I began to ask myself if I was living authentically. Was I living a life of value?

After much contemplation, I left my job and took a year-long sabbatical to find answers and inspiration. Starting in Tibet, I followed my intuition to various destinations, meeting people and having experiences that were instrumental to my future direction. My journey took me all the way to Vermont in the United States to study healing therapies. I knew that I had found my calling. Along with my yoga and meditation training, I am now pouring my heart and soul into guiding and healing others through Brilliance by Design Coaching. I look forward to inspiring others to be their best, their authentic selves and to step into their brilliance!

Don't underestimate how powerful you can be when you truly believe in what you are doing and/or who you are. ~ Author Unknown

My philosophy

I believe in the beauty inherent in everyone. I believe we are all brilliant, as our Creator has designed us that way. I also believe we all need to take responsibility for our lives. If you are unhappy with elements of your life, it is up to you to do what is required to improve your life. That may involve having the courage to ask for help or guidance.