Catriona Rowntree

Name: Catriona Rowntree
Occupation: Getaway Reporter

Catriona's love of sharing stories is what inspired her to follow a career in communications. At 14, she met a lovely radio announcer and through him saw she could actually make a living from being inquisitive, sharing other peoples' stories and basically having a chat. Her passion for communication has never altered - whether she's sharing the tales of a foreign country on Getaway or the success of someone who's faced challenges in their life at a fund raiser, sharing those stories and hopefully inspiring others is what she adores doing.

Who was your role model/s when you were a teen?
On a personal level, my Nan. As the youngest of four, I'd often get lost in the mix, so my Nan quietly took me under her wing and guided me with…'positivity'. Professionally, Jana Wendt and Angela Catterns were always the benchmark for me and, later when I got my foot in the media door, they took the time to encourage and advise me. They are still my touchstone on how to conduct myself, always with dignity.

How did your role model/s help you?
Sometimes actions speak louder than words. My Nan showed me through constant kindness the importance of ones' karma - try to be nice to others to have positive things happen in your life. Jana showed me the way to forge a career in a tough industry whilst keeping your dignity and Angela advised me that often less is more, to let an interview breathe, not interrupt and the interviewee is always the star.

What role or influence do you think role models have?
Sometimes to be a daily example or to guide, advise and where possible help someone reach their full potential.

What were some of the issues you faced as a teen?
Not listening to the doomsayers has been a constant challenge for me, be it from a sister or a head mistress, it's forever challenging to not let the Turkeys get you down. Learn to listen to the little voice within you that guides you and to never give up on something that makes my heart sing.

How did you overcome these issues?
My motto is that 'Persistence leads to victory' and this seems to be the way I've led my life, to try all I can to block out the negative, hang with the positive and let success be the best revenge.

What do you remember most about being a teen?
Total fun with my girlfriends, endless detentions for talking, struggles with my sisters, love from my parents and Nan and a body with curves I simply could not control.

What qualities do you think you possess that have helped you succeed in your chosen field?
Good manners never fail, putting my hand up for everything and never giving up.

Outside of career success, what is it that you are most proud of?
Hmm, I value very much the love and laughter of my childhood friends. This is something I hope continues till we're Grannies - it takes time and effort, but is so worth it.

Do you undertake activities to help others/community?
Ever since I was at school I've thrown myself into whatever fundraiser was going. I think initially things like MS Readathon and Red Shield Door Knock Appeal were another outlet to chat, but ultimately doing what you can to help another is quite selfish as you walk away feeling amazing. Today I help with The Arnotts Foundation, OCRF and Creative Youth Initiative. If I can help, I'll give it my best shot.

Your advice to youths about realising their own potential...
If you could do one job for free, what would that be? Begin with that and go after it with gusto, don't listen to the negative voices, do stuff for free 'coz you love it and always say thankyou.

When it comes to how you live your life, what are the most important factors/values?
Certainly that 'Persistence leads to victory' motto has guided me professionally and on every level I try to remember how I would like to be treated. Don't gossip. Don't be mean. Help others. It's pretty basic when you think about it in those terms.

Why do you think you make a good role model?
I've never tried to be a role model, that's quite a responsibility, but if living my life on my terms, aiming to have a fulfilling personal and professional life and telling negative people to nick off inspires one person, that would be wonderful.