Michelle in the Hot Seat!

You all know her as the superstar Ed of both Femail.com.au and sister site Girl.com.au, but there is more to Michelle Palmer than meets the eye. Our Michelle is just one of twenty talented women to be featured in the new book "The Giving Spirit", written by Sherryn Cooper-Smith.

Read on in this interview as I reveal a little more about my colleague and friend and further discuss the inspiring book "The Giving Spirit".

How did you come to be involved with the book "The Giving Spirit"?

Michelle: I had the good fortune to meet the author at a networking event and after eventually catching up at a later stage we found we had many things in common. The main one being that we both had immense caring and compassion for others and wanted to be able to do more for others in need.

After getting to know Sherry, she told me more of her plans for a myriad of wonderful projects, one of those being 'The Giving Spirit'. She then asked me if I would be in the book. I was and still am, so thrilled, touched and humbled at having been given this opportunity.

What does the "giving spirit" mean to you?

Michelle: Listening, caring, feeling, fairness, understanding and action. So many people see something or hear something that touches them to the point where they will say, "Oh that poor person!" or "that is so terrible, how devastating!" But they do not do anything else. They might be moved, but many people never put their feelings in to action, often using the excuse they are too busy or that a problem is so big that how could they possibly help. There is ALWAYS something we can all do. Sometimes the smallest actions can make the biggest difference.

What can readers expect from the new book "The Giving Spirit"?

Michelle: An inspiring and enlivening journey into the lives of some amazing women, the author included. After reading and now meeting many of the other women in the book, I feel inspired all over again to do more and more! The book is an intriguing read, one of those books that is timeless. You could pick it up in years to come and find solace in its' pages - there really are some incredibly amazing people in this world!

What amazes you the most about human nature?

Michelle: I try to give a lot, to get involved in things and give back. But what amazes me is how many people do SO much MORE than I do. These people also hold down full time jobs, they have families, they give and give and give and so many of them still remain so modest and want nothing for all their efforts.

The other thing that amazes me is how just when you can feel that the world is full of arseholes, a catastrophy occurs and the world bands together, filled with love and compassion; standing united, just when we all need it the most.

If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would you change?

Michelle: I would correct the imbalance between the rich and the poor. I'd make sure our elderly were looked after and respected more. I'd attempt to truly address and fix our healthcare system. I would hope to educate people to be more independent and responsible for their own paths in life and to stop looking for someone or something else to blame. If we can fix our own problems and take responsibility for our own actions instead of expecting others to fix it, this would be wonderful.

What does being featured in "The Giving Spirit" book mean to you?

Michelle: I am completely humbled by this.

What makes you happy?

Michelle: My hubby, friends and family. Simple things really like a sunny day with blue skies, swimming in the ocean, the first scent of springtime in the air, watching people interact and enjoying each other's company, just being with the people I love and sharing time with them. I love Christmas because everyone makes the effort to catch up and be with each other.

What disappoints you?

Michelle: Liars, people who ride on other people's coat tails. Injustice, judgmental people and shallow, selfish people.

Describe yourself in 3 words:

Michelle: Compassionate, funny/silly, diplomatic.

What in life gives you the most satisfaction?

Michelle: Making people happy and helping them feel good about themselves or helping someone solve a problem that they may be experiencing.

- Annemarie Failla