Inspirational Women - Lisa Wilkinson
Why do I love Lisa Wilkinson so much? Well, she’s not someone from a privileged background. In fact, she didn’t even go to university and she grew up in a not very flash suburb in outer Sydney. Yet, she’s made it to the very top of her game as a TV presenter and journalist.
Image: Lisa Wilkinson alongside Ankalia Lara leather sandals in royal blue suede
After high school, she applied for a “Girl Friday” position she saw in the classified jobs section of a Sydney newspaper. This was actually a “Girl Friday” position at Dolly magazine, which was my bible when I was growing up in the late 70’s. In the late 70’s Lisa was 19. By 1980, at age 21, she was occupying the editor’s chair. She was the youngest person ever to take on such a role.
Image: Lisa Wilkinson alongside Ankalia Zahara Swarovski crystal leather sandals
Four years later she was head-hunted by Kerry Packer who asked what she would do with Cleo magazine. Answering with the boldness of someone very young, she reeled off a ream of ideas and improvements — and the next thing she knew she had the job. Among other things, as the editor she went on and ditched the oh so 70’s Cleo centrefold and installed a Bachelor of the Year competition in its place.
Over the decades, she’s been headhunted by media moguls Kerry Packer and Arianna Huffington. She’s helped launch the careers of Nicole Kidman, Miranda Kerr and Megan Gale. She’s tripled circulation figures and garnered a Member of the Order of Australia honour. And in her spare time, she is ambassador for not one charity, but 10.
She’s probably most well know as the co-anchor of Channel 9’s Today show alongside Karl Stefanovich. She held this role for 10 years and recently took the plunge and moved to Channel 10.
Image: Lisa Wilkinson alongside Ankalia Terena emerald green Swarovski crystal sandals
Lisa, to me is one of the most inspirational women in Australia. To start out as a “Girl Friday” from a working-class suburb with no university degree and make it to the top of journalism in Australia, says to me “go girl.” If you really want something you have to be patient and persistent and keep working at it for decades to get there. You don’t have to be from a privileged background. You just need the right work ethic and the right attitude.
Lots of love,
Cheryl xx
