Continuing on with B&T’s series of amazing women in media, today we talk to none other than famed magazine editor and co-founder of Mamamia, Mia Freedman.
I established my career in women’s magazines, had a disastrous flirtation with being a commercial TV executive, ran screaming from that particular building… And walked away from a nice salary to blog in my tracksuit pants behind my couch for two years until my husband came on board and turned it into our business. We now employ 100 people globally, while trying not to screw up our three kids and dog.
Digital media is a ravenous beast that demands constant feeding… I have an insatiable curiosity and an unquenchable hunger for content, to consume it and produce it for work and pleasure.
I define leadership as… Someone who inspires the people around them, shares credit and takes responsibility.
I get others to share my vision with enthusiasm… And I also give them cake. It’s a one-two punch.
Humility is key… I’m wary of people who want to tell you how great they are. There’s a lot of that in this industry.
Professionally I’m most proud of Julia Gillard coming to the Mamamia offices twice when she was Prime Minister to blog with our readers. Personally I’m most proud of remaining married to my husband while building our business and working together for the past five years.
I would tell my twenty-year-old self to chill the fuck out… Building foundations is more important than doing something first or fast. The best advice I’d give to a young female starting out in the industry is be prepared to intern for a while until you prove yourself. Learn to walk before you demand the opportunity to run.
I wish I’d studied harder at college… I only did a year of my degree. Everyone I work with is half my age and twice as qualified.
My industry heroes are… Sheryl Sandberg, Tina Fey, Amy Schumer, Lena Dunham. I’m greedy.
And make sure you enter our Women in Media Awards, or nominate a colleague, here!
