My mum has just turned 80.
Wow. That’s a lot of life. And a life well lived.
Needless to say, she’s been one of my greatest leadership influences. Here are some of the lessons I’ve learned from her along the way..
1. Out-nice your enemies
When I was in my teens, Mum had a significant disagreement with a prominent local figure. I wanted her to go head-to-head with them. Really let them have it.
Instead, she offered a different lesson: never burn your bridges. You never know when you might value that connection in the future.
Sure enough, a couple of years later, that same person offered Mum a fabulous opportunity – which she took up.
One of her more tactical ‘out-nice’ maneuvers? Baskets of farm-fresh apples.
2. Renew, recycle, reuse
Long before it was mainstream, Mum was an environmental advocate. Although, it has to be said, she may have taken it a step further than most… washing out plastic bags and hanging them on the line.
3. Consider your visual impact
Mum has style. Effortless style.
And an enviable ability to achieve it with hand luggage only.
There’s a lesson in that about simplicity, intentionality, and knowing what matters.
4. The value of lifelong learning
Mum left school at 16 to support herself and married at 18, so formal education wasn’t an option for her.
So she went back.
Year 12 in her 30s.
A Bachelor of Arts in her 40s.
She’s been part of the same book club for over 20 years – more than 220 books read, dissected, and discussed. She loves to travel – another way she feeds her curiosity and continues learning.
5. The centrality of community
Mum has always been active in the community – school mothers’ club (in the days when that’s what it was called), starting Nursing Mothers Association in our region, championing an approach to revitalise town main streets, supporting the fruit industry and education in horticulture, transforming vacant railway land into a site for our TAFE… She took a slightly crazy idea – buying a dilapidated heritage-listed building from the Uniting Church – and turned it into a thriving community art space.
For all this (and more), she was awarded an OAM in 2010.
It’s not surprising that ‘community’ is one my highest values.
6. Don’t take yourself too seriously
Mum has faced significant challenges, including losing her own mother at a young age. Yet she has always met life with a smile and a laugh.
That’s resilience. And perspective. (And a great sense of humour!)
***
Thank you, Mum, for everything you’ve taught me.
And for the unconditional love and support I’ve always experienced.
80 years in — and still leading by example.
Happy Birthday Helene Armour OAM.
Go Fearlessly – Corrinne
P.S. If you’re looking for me in late May, you won’t find me. Mum and I are heading to Japan on our next adventure together. And don’t worry – Sheryl will be holding the fort while I’m away.
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