Every person we meet, every conversation we have, holds the potential to shape our lives in ways we may not realise at the time. Some conversations affirm what we already know, while others challenge us to see things differently, to take a step forward, to embrace change.

The choices you make, the challenges you face, the confidence you build

We all have moments of hesitation—times when we doubt our abilities, fear change, or question whether we’re capable of taking the next step. In those moments, the right conversation, a gentle nudge, or simply seeing someone else take a bold leap can make all the difference.

What if the way you live your life—the choices you make, the challenges you face, the confidence you build—could inspire someone else? Because the truth is, people are watching. Your friends, your colleagues, your children, even strangers—whether you realise it or not, your actions shape what others believe is possible.

My mother would be turning 100 years old today, if she was still with us and as I reflect on my mother’s life, I think about how she unknowingly shaped mine

She was a woman who defied expectations, took bold steps, and built a life on her own terms. Through her resilience, she showed me what confidence looks like—not the kind you’re born with, but the kind you build through action. As I share her story with you, I hope it helps you see the power of your own influence, the conversations you have, the connections you build and the opportunities that can be identified , if you invest the time.

Confidence is built through action

Confidence isn’t something we are given—it’s something we develop over time.

My mother had to learn this early in life. Losing her own mother at twelve, she was sent to boarding school with her older sister, forced to adapt before she was fully grown. Who did she look to for guidance? Perhaps her sister, perhaps her teachers, or perhaps she simply learned that she had to rely on herself.

Years later, she made another bold decision—one that was uncommon for women in the 1970s. After 25 years of marriage, my mother chose to leave. She and my father had different personalities, and their struggles in business and communication had taken their toll. Walking away from familiarity and stability, she became the sole provider for both of us.

Only now do I fully appreciate the depth of her strength. She stepped beyond her comfort zone, took risks, and created a new life from scratch. She showed me that confidence is not the absence of fear—it is the decision to move forward despite it.

And I wasn’t the only one watching.

The power of encouragement in the right moment

Even the most capable people have moments of doubt. I saw this in my mother when she hesitated to apply for a sales position at Listener-InTV Guide. She had spent years selling cars and caravans, yet she wasn’t sure she could transition into selling advertising. It was one of the few times I saw her question her own ability.

I reminded her of what she already knew—that selling was about understanding people, building relationships, and helping them find solutions. The product might be different, but the principles were the same. With that encouragement, she applied, got the job, and thrived.

That experience reinforced something important: sometimes, all we need is a nudge in the right direction. We need someone to remind us of our strengths, to encourage us to take the next step.

And just as I had encouraged my mother, she went on to do the same for countless others.

Your confidence inspires others

We often forget that people are watching us—learning from our actions, our choices, and even our struggles. My mother may not have realised it at the time, but by stepping up, taking risks, and believing in herself, she showed others what was possible.

She thrived in environments where few women had before, managing a courier company and later working in public relations for a funeral provider well into her 70s. She became one of the first three women to be inducted into the Rotary Club of Melbourne—an organisation that had long been male-dominated. Through her involvement in Rotary, she helped shape community initiatives, provided mentorship, and opened doors for future generations of women.

At her funeral, my daughter described her as a trailblazer. She recalled being a child and watching her nana swim in a pool well into her 80s. To my mother, it was just an ordinary part of life. But to my daughter, it was a defining moment—a reminder that age, expectations, or societal norms should never dictate what we can and cannot do.

And that’s the power of how we live our lives. What we see in others shapes what we believe is possible for ourselves.

Influence vs. Contribution: The Mark We Leave on Others

Reflecting on my mother’s journey, I ponder the difference between influence and contribution—and why I believe they both matter.

Influence is about the unspoken impact we have on others. It happens when people watch us, absorb our actions, and internalise our example. My mother didn’t necessarily set out to be a role model, but by stepping forward, taking risks, and living with confidence, she influenced me, my daughter, and so many others.
Contribution is the intentional effort we make to create change. It’s the direct mentorship, the support we offer, the initiatives we take part in. My mother wasn’t just influential—she was actively involved in shaping the world around her. She volunteered for Lifeline, helped people prepare for the future through her funeral industry work, and made history as one of the first women in Rotary Melbourne.

We all have the ability to influence others simply by being who we are, but we create an even greater impact when we pair influence with intentional contribution—choosing to support, guide, and uplift those around us.

What will your influence be?

So, as you go about your day, I encourage you to reflect and ask yourself these questions:

Who has shaped you in ways you still carry with you?
What conversations have given you the courage to take a leap?
Are you being intentional about the legacy you are building—both through your influence and your contribution?

Because the way you show up in the world—your courage, your confidence, your willingness to take risks—matters more than you know.

You never know who is watching, learning, and finding the confidence to do the same.

Now consider, what will be your contribution?

Because sometimes, all it takes is one conversation, one bold decision, to change everything.

The Power of Conversations: How Confidence, Connection, and Influence Create Impact.