Lisa Donath

'Spotlight' is designed to give us all inspiration and confirm that anyone can make his or her business dream or that promotion a reality...

This month read on to find out all about Lisa Donath, Managing Director of Just BU.

Profile

I have had many years experience in coordinating functions for organisations such as the Young Business Forum (YBF), a chapter of the Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce, and the Victoria Racing Club. I also organised the recent visit to Australia by Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Former Prime Minister of Israel. I achieved a Graduate Diploma TESOL and a Bachelor of Education in Primary teaching from Melbourne University. I spent two years teaching drama in the UK and worked as a choreographer for Columbia Tri Star. I also did some freelance modelling. It is a true story that I was approached whilst sitting in a café, which was fantastic as I got to see lots of amazing places all over Europe on someone else's expense account. As you can see I've done a bit of everything!!

After hosting many functions for the YBF, including several very successful panel discussions, the Just BU concept began to take shape.

Occupation/Title
Managing Director of Just BU.

Company/Organization
Just BU.

State
Victoria

Age
Early 30's.

Where did you grow up?
Melbourne

What was your first job?
Assistant in a children's clothing shop and some modelling on the side.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A teacher.

How did you get to where you are now?
By being cheeky, lucky and being in the right place at the right time.

What qualifications/experiences are required to perform your job?
In my job you need to take the time to get to know people on a deeper level. You need to be interested in them personally. It is also essential that you enjoy networking and doing the 'social' thing, and that you realise that what goes around comes around.

How many hours a week do you work?
I believe that if you are passionate about what you do, time isn't important. I am currently working three days a week in event management and I spend the rest of the time working on Just BU.

Where would you like to be in ten years?
I have enough trouble trying to figure out what I'll be doing in ten minutes let alone ten years! Actually, I hope to be standing, sitting or lying next to a really cute guy, surrounded by kids. Hopefully I'll be relaxed and won't have to worry as much about everything. I don't want to be working full time I want to have enough time for kids, business and lunch with the girls.

What advice would you give to somebody embarking on their first business or aspiring to achieve extraordinary career goals?
Believe in yourself and don't listen to negative people. You will always come across people who say your ideas are bad and that they won't work, but if you want something to work badly enough you can make it happen. If you decide to start a business, make sure you are starting it for the right reasons.

What do you class as your biggest career achievement?
In my early twenties I was the youngest lecturer at Melbourne University (I lectured in English). Since then my biggest achievement has been establishing Just BU.

What is the best piece of advice anybody has given you?
'Start the way you want to finish.'

Fast Facts

Who living or dead would you most like to invite to dinner?
I don't cook I would not win any fans if they were to taste my cooking! I'm not really sure maybe a really amazing clairvoyant to tell me what's to become of my future?

Name a movie that actually inspired you?
I loved Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet, but Good Will Hunting is one movie that really inspired me. It reminds you to make the most of your talents and not to become complacent when you are capable of achieving something. A lot of us don't really recognise the fact that people have faith in us, and I think that it's really important to know this so that we don't feel alone. I also think it's important to thank people for believing in you once in a while.

Your favourite toy as a child:
A Crissy doll. Am I showing my age?!

Is there a talent/attribute you wish you had/ had more of?
Patience!

Which song transports you to another place when you hear it and why?
I always have a favourite song of the time. My favourite at the moment is Paul Mac 'Just the Thing'. I like anything funky that I can sing to. I also really like Anastasia's 'I'm Outta Love'.

Your favourite place in the world, and why?
I really love Italy. I love the people, the fashion, the culture, - the ice cream! It's just a really amazing place, and everyone's so warm and friendly.

What is your idea of the perfect Day?
The sun would be shining and I'd be hanging out with a gorgeous guy, a bunch of friends and a good bottle of red!

Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy, healthy & enjoyable life (important to you)?
1. Family
2. Friends
3. Belief in yourself
4. The gift of being able to see an opportunity and to go with it.
5. Finally, you need a universe that does the right thing by you.

Are there other related careers to your chosen career: Public Relations, Event Management and Marketing.

For further information about Lisa or the Just BU program, visit www.justbu.com.au.

- Michelle Palmer