Mary Grant

Name: Mary Grant
Age: 45
Occupation: Executive recruitment consultant

She's a Big Sister to a disadvantaged teen girl, mentoring her to help provide her with inspiration and support. She is passionate about making the world a better place to live in, especially in countries such as Australia where some of us are so lucky, have so much and sometimes need a little encouragement to share with those less fortunate than ourselves.

Who was your role model/s when you were a teen?
Absolutely my grandmother. She was an amazing woman who lived an extraordinary life. Her husband died quite young leaving her with three small children (including my mother) and a lot of debt. Instead of wallowing in her sorrow, she moved in with her parents, started a hairdressing business (in the mid 1930's with no training) and after many years of hard work, became reasonably successful.

She then fell in love again with a fantastic man who was fabulous, funny and who loved her very much. They were exact opposites but the perfect match! These two people taught me that love and perseverance will get you a long way and a lot of respect.

How did your role model/s help you?
My grandmother always listened to me, never judged me and gave me superb advice (not that I always recognised it at the time).

What role or influence do you think role models have?
Listening is the most important quality followed by the best advice (when needed) that you can give. It might not always be right, but as long as the intent is pure, it's the best that you can do.

What were some of the issues you faced as a teen?
For me it was usually the "standard" stuff. Am I pretty enough, smart enough, funny and interesting enough?, etc. The thing is, that in hindsight, we are all, all of these things, because as individuals we each bring something unique to the mix and that's all we can do.

How did you overcome these issues?
I accepted that I am a unique person with unique qualities.

What do you remember most about being a teen?
What great friends I had. We've all gone on to be quite different as adults, but as teenagers these emerging and diverging qualities added value to each others lives.

What qualities do you think you possess that has helped you succeed in your chosen field?
I think that integrity and honesty bring value to any chosen profession. I also really do care about people so this makes me a good and genuine consultant to my clients and they can feel this in me.

Outside of career success, what is it that you are most proud of?
I'm proud that people see me as someone who genuinely cares.

Do you undertake activities to help others/community?
Beside the usual donations to various charities, I'm currently a "Big Sister" on the Life Changing Experiences Foundation's (Australia) Sister2sister mentoring programme. This as awesome experience and, as I'm learning, a huge responsibility because my "Little Sister" listens to what I say . . . so I need to be both conscious and confident about the advice that I am giving to her.

Your advice to youths about realising their own potential...
You really are the master of your destiny, fulfil your capabilities whatever they may be (not everyone can be a rocket scientist but everyone can reach their full potential). Study and look after your health, because exercising your mind and your body will keep you feeling happy and fulfilled.

When it comes to how you live your life, what are the most important factors/values?
Treat others as you would like to be treated, give what you can because what you give will add value to someone else's life . . . . and will bring fulfilment to you as well.

Why do you think you make a good role model?
Because I am true to myself, live by my moral code. I genuinely care about people and the influence I have on their lives.