Maz Compton

Name: Maz Compton
Age: 28
Occupation: TV and radio host

She describes herself as little bit crackers with a love of snowboarding, the beach, toilet humour and cuddles. Maz works on tele and radio and gets to interview superstars all the time! She's passionate about the entertainment industry and does think she can dance! In her words: "There are so many fickle peeps out there and I believe that I am here to be a real person in surreal situations."

Who was your role model/s when you were a teen?
Oprah Winfrey

How did your role model/s help you?
Well, I watched her show everyday and paid attention to her interview style and presenting skills. I also became a member of her book club and I also wrote her letters. She has never replied to any of them but she is pretty busy!

What role or influence do you think role models have?
Role models have a huge impact on people. We are all striving to be someone and to achieve something. If someone has gone before you, of course, you are going to look at them for some direction and tips. We as humans also like the easy option and so it's much better learning from someone else's mistakes.

What were some of the issues you faced as a teen?
The good old body issues! I was really little at school and in Year 12 my peer group were so much taller than me. People always thought I was a lot younger than I was because of my height and so they spoke down to me.

How did you overcome these issues?
I think I spoke louder than most people to be noticed and I developed a sense of humour. In fact, I became a right little smart-ass in my senior years at High School.

What do you remember most about being a teen?
Studying. I never dated in High School. I was really focused on achieving a high academic score and I really was a study bunny. I also remember walking home from school along the beach - now that was pretty cool!

What qualities do you think you possess that has helped you succeed in your chosen field?
I have a quirky personality and I can get along with anyone. I think those skills are important when it comes to being in the public eye and meeting rock stars, which is all part of my job. I also love writing and that has certainly helped my ability to present content on air on either radio or TV.

Outside of career success, what is it that you are most proud of?
My commitment to having one of the best looking shoe and T-shirt wardrobes in Australia!.

Do you undertake activities to help others/community?
For the past few years on Christmas Day, I have volunteered at a lunch for people who have nowhere to spend Christmas. I MC the day and it brings a lot of smiles to some little faces.

Your advice to youths about realising their own potential...
There is more in you than you think you know. If you can see, you can achieve it. But, if you don't even dream it to begin with, you are already limiting your potential. If I could believe at the age of 15 that I was going to host TRL in Australia and at age 24 get the job to launch the first ever TRL in this country, then that goes to show that anyone's dream is a possibility.

When it comes to how you live your life, what are the most important factors/values?
Never compromise who you are. Laugh everyday. This is not a dress rehearsal, you only get one shot at living each day so make it count.

Why do you think you make a good role model?
I am all about having a good time on the way to the top. I try to have a laughing fit everyday and I am all about enjoying the journey. Life is short, so why be so serious? I just want to get on with the job and have a kick-ass time doing it. As I have said in the past, we are here for a good time, not a long time.