MAGAZINE - Diva Works · bucket list! Danielle Laporte’s Book Tour. Fiona attends Danielle Laporte’s Australian tour with the Wake Up Project. Danielle believes in shaping your

Inside.

Diva Works first magazine. Design, style, the fab women we work with and are inspired by.

M A G A Z I N E

Issue 01June 2017

Inspiration,Design,

Style.

Wake up to a brainier you.

Hear from Diva Gitana on how to become the most productive you as possible. Find out how you can improve your mental and physical heath to help you at work.

Altrove Stocklands.

An interview with Monica McSheffrey about the install of Altrove and working with the Diva Team.

Diva’s Splash of Cash.

Fiona believes ‘if you are in a position to do good, then no question, you do it.’ So each month, Diva Works pays it forward by supporting not-for-profits, community groups and women in our circle who maybe having a crap time of it.

Stevie Awards.

Diva Works has some great news! We have won a Gold

Stevie for Sales Growth in the 2017 Awards for Sales and

Customer Service. Read more about the award and hear

from Fiona about what it all means to her and Diva.

Contents

Lisa Travers - An Incredible Diva.Lisa is one of the original Diva’s, a valuable Project Manager and a mother of 2 boys. Total super woman!

5 Critical Errors.Learn the 5 critical errors Land Developers make with sales offices and how to avoid them.

Fiona Lockhart Photography.Diva Fiona showcases her photography skills and her next adventure is to trek the Larapinta Trail with Rosie Batty in August 2017, helping to raise funds for the Luke Batty Foundation.

The big RED centre of Australia.Follow Diva Desiree through the Australian Red Centre as she ventures to iconic locations like Uluru. That one ticked off the bucket list!

Danielle Laporte’s Book Tour.Fiona attends Danielle Laporte’s Australian tour with the Wake Up Project. Danielle believes in shaping your life plan from how you feel and what makes you happy.

Women We Love. We are inspired daily by women in our lives and here is an interview with one of the best, Victoria Gibson.

Diva’s Choice.West End Espresso is Diva Works favourite local cafe near our home base. We can’t recommend it enough!

Instagram Trends.The Diva’s show you some of our favourite instagram accounts. Fashion, food, architecture or lifestyle, we love it!

Australian Technology Park Development Office, Mirvac.

Fiona interviews Katie Weeks, Mirvacs’ Marketing Manager to get the low down on the recent fit out Diva delivered, for their on site development office.

04

16 22

08

07

10

14

18

21

24

26

2712

2 | DIVA MAGAZINE, © 2017 JUNE 2017, ISSUE 01 | 3

RIGHTCasual meeting area

and main display area

LEFTCasual meeting area and information wall

BOTTOMMain display view

Altrove Sales Officewith Monica McSheffrey

Stockland NSWMS: I loved how Fiona and Diva Works interpreted the brief for Altrove being the need to tie into the brand strategy for the project and also create a space that reflected the natural environment where the sales centre sat yet also be modern and sophisticated at the same time!! So not really a straightforward task and they truly succeeded in meeting each of those requirements through use of beautiful yet natural textures and materials like copper and wood that reflected the brand colour pallet and created a light filled, uncluttered space and a great customer experience.

I also loved how nothing was ever a problem for them, even under extremely challenging deadlines and situations, they shined in true Diva style!!

FJ: With so many things being urgent, how do you pick which one to focus on first?

MS: My COO gave me some great advice recently by way of a story he had recently heard. He said to imagine we needed to create a monkey sitting on a stool reciting Shakespeare. He said it’s easier to build the stool first for the monkey to sit on so you feel like you have achieved something, but really teaching the monkey to recite Shakespeare although harder and longer to achieve will be more rewarding in the end, as you were always going to be able to build the stool. It flips the usual notion of tackling the easy stuff first just to tick it off your list, but rather spend the time to chunk down the hard stuff into doable steps and gain the biggest win. I thought it was a great visual tool to approach work challenges.

FJ: What’s your go-to for self-care?

MS: For me, mindfulness is key. But it’s not always easy to do! So I focus on being present as much as possible. If I can have at least one conversation a day and not let my mind scamper ahead and think about my to-do list, what I have to cook for dinner…then it’s been a good day.

Also, I have a spa at home and that has saved my life! I hop into the spa after my day and use that

Back in late 2015, Monica McSheffrey the Regional Marketing Manager for Stockland Residential contacted Diva Works to work on the new Altrove sales office located directly opposite Schofields train

station in a rapidly growing area to the north west of Sydney.

Monica and I had a very intricate and involved design process where we cycled

through 14 versions of the floorplan, with one memorable session where the stakeholder team of 12 people tried to pick the sales office plan apart while Monica and I circled the wagons and defended the hell out of the plan under comments being fired at us like “Will there be views as I walk in the door to the model?, “Can we find space for some more messaging” and “Where will the printer go again?”

We weren’t totally in the clear once the floorplan was signed off as delays occurred with the building on site which created some extra fun at the soft launch where my car headlights were used to illuminate the sales office through the glass entry doors when the generator on site had not yet been commissioned and we were installing pre-dawn. Then in the lead up to the launch day, the building fit out had suffered further delays and it was all Diva hands on deck as we went through a continuous 48 hour final push to complete the sales office fit out.

What I loved about working with Monica: There would have been so many opportunities for Monica to lose her mind over this project with delays and other challenges but she has this amazing zen-like attitude that rippled throughout the whole project. She has a never-say-die attitude and an unbreakable spirit – even with no power, no sleep and me trying to shove milk bottle lollies down her neck for breakfast. The Diva team and I were so chuffed to work on this project with Monica and her team.

FJ: What did you like best about the Altrove sales office?


Monica McSheffrey interviewed by Fiona Jefferies

as the dividing line between work stuff and home life. It allows me to totally relax and decompress before I step into Mum mode and spend time with my family.

FJ: What advice would you give to the next generation of marketers coming through?

MS: Stay on the forefront of technology but understand you don’t have to be an expert in everything. You need to nail the fundamentals of marketing but have a beginners mind where you are always learning, always keeping your mind open for new ideas and techniques.

FJ: I love food…so help me out, what meals have you had recently that you loved?

MS: I was in Melbourne last month and went to Supernormal which was amazing! The food was so fresh and small tasting plates meant you got to sample everything and the place had a great vibe!

FJ: What have you seen or experienced these past few weeks that wowed you?

MS: Recently I was stranded at a train station with a dead phone, missed my train and had a lift at the other end waiting for me. I asked the station attendant where the nearest phone was (miles away!!) and without prompting he handed me a phone and even looked up the next train for me so I could advise my arrival time!!! I was totally floored and surprised…for a much maligned service

provider like Sydney Trains to offer understanding, help and a great customer experience. We often talk about the notion of “Surprise and Delight Customers” in marketing and that train attendant nailed it that day!

Profile.

NameLisa Travers

Position TitleProject Director

Diva Years4 years

Diva NameEnforcer Diva

An Incredible Diva.Lisa Travers

What did you do before you became a Diva?

My background is actually in the scientific field. I worked within the Pathology and Diagnostic area, for 25 years, which took me from the lab to scientific diagnostic applications, sales and technical support and then onto marketing and trade shows. It was in my last role that I was introduced to, and collaborated with Fiona, which eventually led me to join the Diva Team.

And now you’re a Diva what’s your role?

My title within Diva Works is Project Director, but my role within the Diva team is so varied every day – I predominantly do client quoting, source quotes, liaise with contractors, suppliers and clients, supplier invoices, creation and closure of jobs within the Diva works data management system, and sounding board for other Divas in the team.

Outside of Diva, what does your life look like?

Depends what season we are talking about, but as we venture into autumn/winter it’s a busy time with my husband and two boys - ferrying the kids to soccer games, swimming, mountain biking, playdates and athletics (oh and catching Pokémon with son number 2!) On our weekends we try to fit in bush walks and bike rides within the national park, and a movie now and then is essential (even if it is another Disney Pixar film). I also like to fit in some cooking/baking at home, but when I need a break just ‘for me’, I love to download a good podcast and go for a walk!

You know I love a good brag what do you have for me?

I tested out some paddle boarding over Christmas – loved it, and my own board is on the wish list for summer this year.

Strangest thing you’ve done at Diva?

Ok, I can’t think of anything in particular, but there was the time I needed to organise a car service to pick up a contractor’s wife and daughter from the airport who were returning from overseas, as we had sequestered the contractor to fly from Melbourne to Sydney to help us out on an install. I remember ringing the contractor, on Easter Sunday, and asking whether we would need a child booster seat for his daughter only to find out she was 28 years old!!!

What’s the most memorable meal you’ve had in the last month?

A 9 course degustation meal at Mejico – magnificent!

What’s your favourite self-care routine when you need “serenity now!”

I love to book in for a massage at my local Endota Spa, but when that is not possible, just putting on the headphones, hiding away from kids/husband and turning up the tunes, even if it’s only for 20mins helps me de-stress!

With so many competing deadlines…. how do you avoid going into overwhelm?

To-do lists! I love them – gets me organised for the day, and lets me prioritise.

Favourite dessert?

I’m more of a cake girl than dessert – definitely can’t go past a Portuguese Tart, but I am also partial to a good ole’ Drumstick ice-cream!


TOPReception

BOTTOM RIGHTMain Office feature

graphic

TOP LEFTMain office individual

offices

MIDDLE LEFTMeeting room

BOTTOM LEFTMeeting room

Australian Technology Park Development Officewith Katie WeeksMirvac NSW

Mirvac is in the process of transforming the Australian Technology Park (ATP) in Eveleigh into a world-class technology and innovation precinct. With construction stretching over the next few years, a development office was needed on site for the team to manage the development.

With the new development office located in the heritage Locomotive Workshops and most of the team having relocated from Mirvac’s cutting edge 200 George Street Sydney office it was vital that the office had the Mirvac feel, encouraged the team to do their best work and was a healthy, uplifting space.

Diva Works along with Dave Clarke (Dave, the Designer) developed large scale environmental graphics to dress the walls of the site office, with creative that celebrated the past and looked to the future vision of the site office. The design Dave created worked with the low resolution historical images and placed filters of rivets, train tracks and other symbols referencing the ATP site history, as train workshops, across the walls. The future brand style of the ATP site was mixed in with the historical images and then all of this was overlaid onto a vivid primary colour backdrop to inject colour into the space. For an entry feature, Dave designed a custom-made timber feature with the Mirvac logo routered into the timber slats.

The response by Mirvac to the install of the graphics on site was overwhelming – it totally transformed the space and made the office a more vibrant space to work and collaborate in.

I loved working with Katie on this project: Sometimes the hardest projects are the ones with multiple internal stakeholders with varying opinions on how things should be done. Katie tackled all these challenges with great humour and a positive outlook. Nothing was too hard, too much and she championed the innovative approach of mixing historical with modern graphics. We’re so thrilled with the outcome and especially when it justified Katie’s belief in some A4 print outs and my reassurances.

FJ: What did you like best about the ATP Mirvac Development office project?

KW: The team’s reaction when they saw the final space (it’s all for them at the end of the day) and hearing feedback such as this is the best site office we have ever seen / and worked in.

FJ: But…I’d also like to ask you for advice! I’m hearing so often from my marketing clients about how busy they are or how they navigate tricky situations so I’d love your input on….

With everything being ”urgent”, how do you pick what to prioritise?

KW: Good question! This is not easy, particularly with my role being national I am constantly flying around the country working on all aspects of marketing for Mirvac’s commercial development projects. I have some pretty serious work in progress documents and I focus my

FJ: This was a super fun project to work on...seriously! And it was really interesting too! I’m so proud of what we’ve created here and I’d love to share that.

time on projects that elevate Mirvac’s reputation as a leading commercial developer and that focus on our customer and developing real solutions to their needs.

FJ: If you have to get to “serenity now!” – what do you do for self care?

KW: I am very lucky that I live walking distance to our Sydney office so I walk home, across the Harbour Bridge, as much as possible as this clears my head at the end of the day and taking in all the sights and people on the journey reminds me to be grateful for all the little things that make life great.

FJ: What advice would you give the next generation of marketing managers coming through?

KW: Work hard, say yes to everything as you never know what it will lead to and believe in yourself.

FJ: And because I’m nosy and I like to know about other people…

Favourite meal you’ve eaten lately?

KW: 10 William Street in Paddington for the best Italian you can find outside of Italy.

FJ: What has made you go “wow” in the

past couple of weeks?

KW: Two things of complete contrast, I am wow’d everyday by the projects I work on and their role in shaping our cities for future generations. And getting out of the city I was recently wow’d by a hike I went on in Tasmania’s south west national park, the beauty and greatness of nature was just amazing. And the Tassie Pinot Noir was pretty awesome too!

Katie Weeks interviewed by Fiona Jefferies


As you know, the speed at which new land and housing stocks are cleared is critical.

In almost all cases the entire project is tied directly to a time frame and a ROI target after which the interest begins to wane and competitor estates start to bite into your profit margins.

I want to focus on the place where the buying conversations in a development take place – the sales office. In particular, I’ll explore the impact this important environment has on the credibility of the developer and ultimately the rate at which the project sells through.

Land Developers make with sales offices and how to avoid them

Planning a sales office is no different to planning any successful project. Success will come down to getting the first 15% of the project right which means the rest will easily follow. Unfortunately, many developers make the mistake of simply not leaving enough time to plan, design and build a sales office.

When the initial stages of going to market for a new project is rushed, critical factors tend to be overlooked and this often leads to a poor outcome.

The Fiona Fix: Even if you have sketchy details of a project, get in touch to talk through the initial info so deadlines, objectives and any sticky situations can be identified up front.

Put simply, a sales office is a retail space designed specifically to facilitate the selling of land or homes to clients. As such it needs to be carefully designed by someone with experience in creating sales-friendly spaces with that outcome in mind.

Unfortunately some land developers underestimate the importance of this one distinction and instead

Not leaving enough time to complete the project

Picking the wrong partner

critical errors 5leave the design and layout of a sales office space to either an in-house marketing manager or an advertising agency.

Unless the customers’ buying motivations and expectations are considered and built into the space design by an experienced professional, it’s very likely to reflect in less-than-fab sales results.

Another issue with leaving the design of a sales office to the marketing manager/in-house team is that it’s very time consuming which leaves less time for the marketing resources to actually market and promote the launch and subsequent releases.

The Fiona Fix: Thank your advertising agency for the interest and make your marketing interns smile again when you relive them of the role of delivering the sales office and hand it over to a partner who specialises in sales office design and delivery.

Another mistake that can heavily effect the results of a sales office is not taking the advice of the your sales office design and project management partner.

In most cases you aren’t just engaging one person to assist in the project. What you are really investing in is many years of experience and proven systems with trusted, quality suppliers and contractors.

The best outcomes with sales offices will come from a true spirit of collaborating with your advisor to ensure the smartest use of resources and budget to achieve a stellar outcome.

Not taking the advice of your advisor4

Just like any retail or business to consumer space, the way to strong sales results is to actually plan out the customer experience from first contact to actual sale and create a beautiful space that supports that outcome.

There is a “war for attention” going on in today’s world and because of this, the way we engage with potential clients needs to be succinct and create a powerful first impression. This first impression must create the right association with your brand PLUS facilitate a smooth sales process.

Failure to address this critical element of the customer journey and experience can mean you end up with a space that is actually counter productive to strong, consistent sales.

The Fiona Fix: Always. ALWAYS start with a plan and map out with your sales office partner the customer journey and the location of selling tools and images / messages. No plan? Then plan for lacklustre results…

Failing to map out the customer experience in the sales office or marketing suite

3

2

1

This may seem slightly redundant although here’s the thing…You can have the best designed, most well thought out sales office space in all of creation but it will be all wasted if you put unmotivated, lazy people in it.

Once you have gone to the trouble of creating a stunning sales space – make sure you put quality sales personnel in it who can deliver on the outcomes and the look and feel that the new office promises.

The Fiona Fix: As far as your influence and $500 in an envelope for a well timed knee-cap will allow (I have a contact!)…try to pick only the best and brightest to staff your sales office who actually like people and want to be of service.

Putting do-nothing Daryls / Doreens in the office once it’s completed

5

Fiona Jefferies

All these photos are of the very fabulous Vale

Sales Office, a project we collaborated on with

Virginia Chong from the Stockland WA office. Big wave to Virginia!

The Fiona Fix: There’s always going to be some things that are being suggested for a sales office that might seem at first pass to be drawn from the bag of crazy…but the best type of sales office partners will present new ideas and alternate ways of doing things as we need to move the experience of sales offices forwards…yeah?


Wake up to a brainier you!

Sleep is your body’s time out – the time to calm,

heal and regenerate the nervous system and

the chance to ‘defrag’ your brain. How you

sleep affects your energy levels and your

performance.

Research claims that sleep loss has a huge impact on organisational performance. In a recent study, the large majority of participants (71%) reported that lack of sleep led to frustration when projects were not going to plan. Other widespread problems were: having trouble staying focused in meetings (69%), or on daily objectives (66%); taking longer to complete tasks (68%); and finding it more difficult to work with challenging colleagues (65%).

Here are 5 things you can do during the day to make sure you have restful, good quality sleep.

What you do in the day affects how you sleep at night

1. Stop and start

When we test sleep quality, by monitoring the variability in the heart rate, we see a significant improvement in sleep quality in those who take 'recovery breaks' during the day.

Tip: Take a restorative break, even for as little as 2 minutes a day. It can stop the production of the stress hormone in your body.

Gitana is the co-founder of MindDEP Leadership Performance Training. Bringing over a decade of experience in fitness, nutrition and mind training Gitana takes a holistic approach to wellbeing in organisations. In talks to corporate audiences Gitana’s key messages draw on the myth of multitasking, stress and the environment and the importance of sleep, exercise and balanced nutrition.

See how Gitana can help transform your life at: www.minddep.com

Exercise is the magic potion for a healthy body and mind – and it's great for sleep too. According to the National Sleep Foundation, those who are physically active experience better quality sleep. But don't overdo it after 6pm.

Tip: Don't exercise late in the evening. It might raise your cortisol level, making it more difficult to sleep. A relaxing stroll is fine.

A glass of wine might make you feel sleepy, but sadly that's all an illusion. Our stress testing shows that consuming alcohol before bed, on a regular basis, disrupts the body’s recovery during the night. Sorry, wine lovers.

Tip: Avoid alcohol before bedtime. It acts like a painkiller in your body; it might numb the nervous system, it doesn’t fix the problem.

There's a right time for screen time. And it's not in the evening. When you're in 'i-time', your nervous system is busy processing all the media stimulation. Learn how to unwind instead.

Tip: In the evening, have dinner with loved ones, try breathing exercises, read for pleasure, take a warm bath or write your gratitude journal. Relaxing activities will allow you to wind down and sleep better.

Don’t let the TV be your best buddy in bed. It will ruin your sleep (and you'll hate yourself in the morning). You deserve much better!

Tip: Use your bed only for sleep – and sex.

3. Glass of wine? Not a good idea 5. Who’s sharing your bed?

2. Sweat it out – before it’s too late 4. Swap i-time for ME time


You may know Fiona Lockhart as one of Diva Work’s Project Managers, but in her spare time, she likes to get outside, travel and take photographs.

Fiona’s next adventure is to trek the Larapinta Trail with Rosie Batty in August 2017, helping to raise funds for the Luke Batty Foundation.

We asked her why she decided to join...

“It was a no-brainer really... I want to get fit, I’ve always wanted to trek the Larapinta Trail, it’ll have amazing landscapes to photograph, and if I can complete all of that and raise funds to help Rosie Batty’s work in domestic violence, I’m in”.

Fiona will be holding a photography exhibition documenting the trek as part of the Ballarat International Foto Bienalle, 19th August – 17th September, with proceeds going to the Luke Batty Foundation.

If you’d like to support Fiona visit her fundraising page at:

www.mycause.com.au/page/147225/fis-larapinta-trek-fundraising-page

If you’d like to see more of Fiona’s photography, visit her website:

www.fionalockhartphotography.com.au

“Photography is my creative outlet where I can get outside, go for a hike, travel somewhere new and sit and wait for the light to happen. It’s a never ending challenge to capture an image that is unique and different to what anyone else is producing.”

Port Stephens, NSW,AUS.

The Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua, NZ

Agave, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, AUS

Philodendron Leaf, Royal Botanic Gardens,

Sydney, AUS

Liffey Falls Conservation Reserve, Tasmania, AUS

Bolte Bridge, Melbourne, AUS


Diva won a Gold Stevie!

Back in February, Diva scored a gold Stevie for Sales Growth in the 2017 Awards for Sales and Customer Service. I didn’t get across to Las Vegas to elbow my way to the podium and yap on for well over the 30 second time limit for acceptance speeches, so I’d like the opportunity to pull on my best taffeta frock, slip on my white high heels and give the speech I should have, here.

“Firstly, I would like to give thanks to Stevie Nicks who clearly these awards are named after and give a shout out to her epic career of being a total rock goddess and lover of all floaty white frocks. Thanks also to the judges who waded through all the entries and in a fit of late night hysteria during the assessment process, shuffled through shedloads of paper and stuck a gold star on my entry.

I’m sending love to my family who have supported me in my career and the formation of Diva, even when they thought I was a nurse initially. My mum, my dad, my sister Emma and my Aunty Christine all have my deep and abiding love for always being available when I needed to sob on the phone, have a frozen lamington set in front of me when no words help or just have my arse kicked and told to get back out there.

So many friends have lifted me up and carried me forward when I was stuck in the pit of despair.

“The Stevie Awards are the world’s premier business awards, created to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of organisations and working professionals worldwide” - The Stevie® Awards

I’ll be forever grateful for these amazing friends for holding the line while I waded further out into unknown business waters and refused to reel me in when I got freaked out when the waves got choppy. The true gift of friendship is not keeping you small or too-safe, it’s shoving you forward with a hand wrapped tightly around yours and being told “you can do this….you MUST do this.”

I didn’t start out to have a business the size I do or handle the projects we’re involved with. I just wanted to design, do excellent work and help people. I had always told myself that I would be a crap boss, so imagine my surprise that I now have staff and an office that I don’t go to. I’ve made heaps of mistakes in my Diva career but the thing that I have done brilliantly is trip over the right people and sign them up to be a Diva. They’re the ones that make me a better head Diva, they are amazing, strong, passionate, spirited and supportive women. I’m thrilled that they have all said yes to being on the Diva bus and have buckled their seat belts firmly for the wild ride.

And then there’s my wonderful clients who give me the opportunity to work on their projects. For so long during a project, all you see is a bunch of renders or floor plans and from that you have to seek buy-in from the stakeholder team and continually dampen down any fears that the sales office or display might look a little bit crap. I don’t

take your trust in Diva for granted. I know the high level of stakes we’re all playing with, which includes money, credibility and more money. The very best feeling I get is seeing you come into your sales office and hearing “WOW”. I’m so grateful you’ve allowed me to do what I dreamed of doing all those years ago when I designed Barbie luxury homes in my sketchbook and held art exhibitions for my family in my bedroom (they were charged for entry, had to buy a painting and then had to return the artwork by the end of the day). I’m creating displays, never seen before and helping my clients carve out a little bit of sanity in their crazy busy lives with all elements of a display being totally taken care of by the Diva team.

A final word to all of you out there who might be dreaming of doing their own gig, chucking it in and having an adventure, putting in for that promotion, going to part time to invest time in study or just changing up your future from what it currently looks like now….for the love of all things sandwiches, DO IT. Diva is the best and the hardest thing I have ever done but I’m so glad I backed myself and continue to have faith in Diva and what we do. Please don’t settle. Claim what’s yours. And be like Stevie Nicks forever swirling in the fabulous white frocks and doing her own thing, no matter what”.


The RED Centre of Australia.

1.What’s your most memorable trip you’ve done and why?

Hands down my recent trip to the red centre of Australia – it has been on my bucket list for a very long time. Before then I have mainly visited Australian holiday destinations that were near the water so I was keen to discover something new.

2. Did you take anyone with you?

My mum who visited me from Germany - which made the trip even more special.

3. What did you do that you would recommend others give a go?

We only stayed for 3 nights but we packed a lot into the 4 days - and I wouldn’t want to miss a single thing!

Of course, we booked a dinner by Uluru – a must if I may say! Apart from the welcome drinks and the 3-course dinner – which is really nice – there is also a lot of entertainment on the night - a didgeridoo performance, a traditional Aboriginal dance performance, and a star talk to explain the millions of stars - I have never seen that many stars in my life - that night we were even able to see 2x other galaxies. We also had the entrance to the exhibition ‘Field of lights’ included - an amazing experience! After dinner, you wander through the incredible light installation which has only recently been extended till March 2018. It

is so worth seeing - if Uluru has been on your bucket list this is an incentive to finally do it - it’s worth it!

The next morning, we got picked up at 5am (I know – YAWN!) for a sunrise viewing of Uluru and the base walk! It was so different to the sunset and I am glad we saw both, as both the sunrise and sunset are so special in their own rights! The base walk is a decent 12km walk but there are lots of stops and we learned so much about Uluru and the way the Aboriginal people see it and the stories and their beliefs. I have been asked many times if we climbed Uluru – to be honest after that walk you just wouldn’t do it as you would understand that it is highly disrespectful. Besides it is beautiful seeing it from the ground – in the different colours of the sunrise and so different as you make your way around it.

The last day we got up even earlier – 4am pick up for a 12 hour day tour to Kings Canyon. It was an amazing day! The canyon rim walk is super interesting and the canyon is stunning! It’s a 6km walk and we also saw the ‘Garden of Eden’ – a natural spring water hole with lovely plants between the cliffs. It’s a good 3hrs drive in the coach but time really flew – the crew were great and told us so much about the country side and some interesting facts about the remote living challenges

LEFT.Quick break during the Canyon rim walk tour.

RIGHT.Kings Canyon.

BOTTOM.Uluru after sunrise.

LEFT.Sunrise base walk tour around Uluru.

Desiree Daul is one of our lovely Project Managers based in VIC. Earlier this year Desiree travelled to the centre of Australia, something most Australian’s have yet to do. Here’s a little insight into Desiree’s trip.


In March I went to Danielle Laporte’s Australian tour with the Wake Up Project (http://www.wakeupproject.com.au).

I’ve been following Danielle for a few years and have loved her book / program “The Desire Map” which happily encourages you to ditch your goals in favour of charting your life course on how you want to feel. So au revoir to cold, soulless goals and hello to juicy feelings and letting your desires light your way.

There was a lot of goodness in the 2 hours Danielle was on stage (with a witty assist from Clare Bowditch as the support act) but for me, this stood out:

“Motion is better than being stuck. When you take action, you learn, you build skills, you get free. When you stay stuck because you’re afraid to make a move, your self-worth evaporates, your doubts fester and breed more doubts, your courage atrophies. Armour up and head out.”

Yessssssss.

I loved this as I’ve always believed action trumps everything. Especially when you don’t have all the answers. Even if you’re unsure. And most definitely this will be a stretch for you.

As my favourite astrology maven Mystic Medusa says: “Stay stuck and you’re fuqued”.

Keep looking for forward momentum, always.

Fiona

What Diva did next: Danielle Laporte’s Book Tour(I attend stuff and pay 80 bucks in parking so you don’t have to)

The RED Centre Australia.1.What’s your most memorable trip you’ve done and why?

My recent trip to the red centre of Australia was amazing – it has been on my bucket list for a very long time.

2. Did you take anyone with you?

My mum who visited me from Germany - which made the trip even more special.

3. Why there?

It’s been on my bucket list for a long time - it is so different to any of the other Australian holiday destinations that I’ve visited so far – most of them are near the water

4. Any unique places you stayed?

In Yulara there are several Accor accommodation options. We stayed at Sails in the desert and it was fantastic! It has got a pool with a lush green grass area around it and plenty of sun lounges - perfect spot for an afternoon snooze after and before

5. What did you do that you would recommend other give a go?

We only stayed for 3 nights but we packed a lot into the 4 days - and I wouldn’t want to miss a single thing!

Of course we booked a dinner by the rock – a must if I may say! We also had the entrance to ‘Field of lights’ included - an amazing experience! Apart from the welcome drinks and the 3 course dinner – which is really nice – there is also a lot of entertainment on the night - a didgeridoo performance, aborigines dance performance, and a star talk to explain the millions of stars - I have never seen that many stars in my life - that night we were even able to see 2x other galaxies. After dinner you wonder through the incredible light installation called ‘Field of Lights’ - this exhibition has only recently been extended till March 2018. It is so worth seeing - if Uluru has been on your bucket list this is an incentive to finally do it - it’s worth it!

6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .What wouldn’t you do again?

Wouldn’t want to miss any of the experiences we had! If anything I would have stayed 1-2 nights longer to also see Kata Tutja. And sleep a bit more

7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Most memorable meal?

The dinner by the rock hands down but the food at the hotel was great too! So much choice – the logistics behind the scenes is amazing!

that all farmers face. It still blows my mind that a cattle farm under 1 million acres is considered a hobby farm! Or that Australia has the biggest population of wild camels worldwide and that Australian camels win beauty pageants around the world (I know right – there are beauty pageants for camels???) - due to their long eye lashes. The 2 year old camel Nibbles – who recovers from a dingo attack is proof of that!

4. Any tips for traveling to the red centre?

A lot of people don’t know that you can fly into Yulara - it’s the most direct way and if you don’t have a lot of time it’s a perfect way to cut out the drive from and to Alice Springs…

In Yulara there are several Accor accommodation options. We stayed at ‘Sails in the desert’ and it was fantastic! It has a pool with a lush green grass area around it

and plenty of sun lounges - perfect spot for an afternoon snooze after and before all the tours. It was impressive given you are in the middle of Australia - basically in a desert…

5. What wouldn’t you do again?

Wouldn’t want to miss any of the experiences we had! If anything I would have stayed 1-2 nights longer to also see Kata Tutja. And sleep a bit more.

TOP.With my Mum at the sunset dinner by Uluru.

RIGHT.2 year old Nibbles at the Kings Creek Cattle farm.

ABOVE.Sunset dinner

by Uluru.

RIGHT.Sunrise at Uluru.


Parkinson’s Australia

“Well the December Charity Splash was my turn! The problem with knowing when it is your turn it makes it so hard to make a choice but when I thought about it, it was a no brainer as this was a personal one.

In the end I chose Parkinson’s Australia. The reason I chose it was because my husband’s Dad had Parkinson’s Disease and even though I didn’t know him for very long before he died, Parkinson’s robbed my family of a husband, father, father-in-law and a poppy.”

Parkinson’s not only affects movement and speech but also causes pain, depression and problems with memory and sleep. Currently there is no known cure but there are treatments that can help with the symptoms (although sometimes they cause there own set of issues!)

So this donation will go towards funding research to find a cure. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

www.parkinsons.org.au

Bears of Hope,

“Bears of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support provides leading support and exceptional care for families who experience the loss of their baby.

Families receive a Bear Of Hope donated by another bereaved family. This allows the donating family to give their childs brief life a purpose and lasting legacy, whilst filling the empty arms of another family as they walk out of the hospital without their baby. It reinforces the understanding that they are not alone, and that there is an existing community of support. Families also receive extensive information, either in printed or online format, to help them make decisions and memories in hospital, during the memorial and beyond.”

With a number of the Diva’s suffering the loss of a baby and another one of our much loved clients going through this unimaginably sad experience, this was an especially poignant choice.

www.bearsofhope.org.au

National Breast Cancer Foundation

“The National Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading community-funded organisation in Australia raising money for research into the prevention and cure of breast cancer.

Since 1994, NBCF has awarded more than $115 million to fund over 400 Australian-based breast cancer research projects. As Australia’s leading community-supported organisation funding breast cancer research, NBCF is proud to fund research right across the spectrum – from understanding the fundamental basis of this disease to develop better treatment options, to psychosocial research aimed at improving the quality of life for those with breast cancer and their families. NBCF believes in supporting research that will have the greatest possible impact.”

The Diva team was rocked earlier this year with one of our team being diagnosed with breast cancer. No longer is breast cancer something that happens to “other people”, this is now personal and we’re getting to see the amazing work done by the Foundation first hand.

www.nbcf.org.au

December Diva Kara’s month

JanuaryDiva Emma’s month

FebruaryDiva Gitana’s month

Diva’s Splash of Cash!

I’ve really struggled with sharing the Diva’s Splash of Cash, an initiative I started as Diva Works grew. Each month, a Diva takes a turn in allocating our charity budget to a worthy cause close to her heart. I’ve resisted sharing this because I’ve seen some companies bang on about their generosity and it can come across as…icky.

My parents raised me to believe that if you were in a position to do good, then no question, you did it. And you did it expecting no thanks. I remember coming home at the age of 16, all puffed up and bragging to the family over the dinner table (er…fold up tables while sitting on the lounge watching reruns of “M.A.S.H.”) about how I spent some of my pay buying

You can’t be a Diva and not be about acts of service. So Diva Works pays it forward by supporting not-for-profits, community groups and women in our circle who may

be having a crap time of it.

DV

AI

a gift for the Kmart Wishing Tree. My Mum was exasperated with me, “What do you want? A medal or a chest to pin it on? You have the means to help, so just bloody do it. You shouldn’t feel so special doing something that is as basic as breathing.” To be fair to Mum, I was interrupting one of her favourite shows. And Hawkeye was looking especially rougue-ish that night.

So yeah, I’ve wrestled with making the Diva Splash for Cash more visible but I think this is a perfect forum to share the charities we’ve been supporting. Feel free to reach out to [email protected] if you have a charity you would like to have some Diva cash thrown at.


WomenWe Love.

Inspiration can come from the strangest of places. Walking down a city street, dreams or even a train ride. I am inspired daily by women in my life and here is an article with one of the best Victoria Gibson...

FJ: When you’re not coaching me……what else do you do?

VG: I help women like you grow their businesses by helping them clarify their message and attract more clients.

I also parent teenage girls, who keep me on my toes. All while trying to get to as many restaurants and countries as possible in a year!

FJ: Surprise fact! You studied property marketing, what interested you about that field?

VG: Yes, I have a Property Degree that I started when I was 17, after trying a year of Economics and hating it, so what does anyone really know at 17!

I always had an interest in the industry though, so it seemed like a logical choice.

My first job out of university was selling land for Delfin at their award-winning estate Golden Grove, and that’s where I fell in love with marketing.

FJ: Favourite self-care ritual when things are crazy busy? (And thanks so much for putting me onto Humming Puppy!)

VG: Yoga, Yoga and Massage. Preferably weekly. It took me several attempts to fall in love with yoga, but I’m so glad I did. My favourite part is Shivasana.

FJ: What’s your magic trick for dealing with overwhelm and competing deadlines?

VG: Being overwhelmed and having deadlines generally kicks me into action! I work best under pressure, so deadlines motivate me.

FJ: You recently went to the States for the Traffic and Conversation Summit. Any juicy stuff you’d like to share?

VG: Just the power of digital marketing – in particular email and social media marketing – isn’t declining.

If your business isn’t harnessing it to its full potential, you need to up-level FAST.

I help corporate brands with digital and email marketing strategy and even hold workshops for marketing teams.

I find that many Australian companies are well behind that of their US

counterparts and it’s time to catch up!

FJ: What’s the best meal you’ve had in the last month?

VG: The Beef Cheeks at Mister Bianco in Kew. Delicious!

FJ: As a long term Melbournian what are a couple of off-the beaten track things we should do if we have some time to kill?

VG: 1. Have a Negroni at Siglo Rooftop Bar at sunset.

2. Walk down Hosier Lane and admire the amazing graffiti.

Victoria Gibson is a Digital Marketing Coach and Consultant who helps grow your business online. You can find her at www.victoriagibson.com

MONTH 2017, ISSUE 01 | 2524 | DIVA MAGAZINE, © 2017

Instagram Trends.

granddesignsau, Architecture.

Even though we’ve completed our renovation...for now.. Kevin McCloud’s energy and discoveries inspire me to keep looking at what’s out there! I can so see my boys running around in this home.

instagram.com/granddesignsau

marieclaireau, Fashion.

Marie Claire’s big events inpire me with their dramatic use of props, fashion and lighting. I love that they celebrate Women of substance and beauty and I also enjoy their lifestyle posts when I have a minute of spare time!

instagram.com/marieclaireau

ralphandrusso, Fashion.

I love this site as when you’re trawling about on site in high vis gear and steel caps, you need a moment to imaging yourself in a fab frock and this Ralph and Russo makes me swoon with its artfully constructed fashion. Also - can’t you see Naomi Watts in this at the Oscars?!?

instagram.com/ralphandrusso

cookieandkate, Food.

Cookie and Kate is a cooking blog run by Kathryne Taylor, food and dog lover! (Cookie is her kale loving dog). Her recipes celebrate good produce and dishes on the healthier side. This is my inspiration if I don’t know what to make for dinner or if I feel guilty and need to clean up my diet post easter chocolate pig out.

instagram.com/cookieandkate

royalnationalpark, Travel.

The Royal National Park is the 2nd oldest national park in the world and right on our doorstep! I am so grateful as it inspires me to get out, explore and be part of it.

instagram.com/royalnationalpark

eatreadlover, Lifestyle.

Natalie is a Lifestyle Blogger, Luxury Traveller and Photographer.

I am a lover of beautiful, natural elements in life. I particularly love Natalie’s engaging photography and styling, she has an eye for capturing natural beauty.

instagram.com/eatreadlover

Diva TrinaDiva Tracey Diva Fiona

Diva Kate Diva Nicole Diva Celeste

Ingredients:

Chicken.

Sourdough.

West End Peri Peri sauce.

Method:

1. Forget making this, the dudes at West End Espresso make such a killer chicken sandwich, it will never be bettered.

2. Make an appointment with the Diva team for noon at the Jannali office.

3. The Diva’s will meet with you over chicken sandwiches. Our shout. Lindt chocolate balls to follow.

Recipe of West End Chicken Sandwiches

Diva Works HQ is in the suburb of Jannali in the south of Sydney. Jannali, while it’s a quiet suburb, has some serious little gems and Diva Works is situated right next door to our favourite.

Introducing West End Espresso, Diva Works’ caffeine suppliers and home to our favourite (legendary?) chicken sandwich.

West End is owned by brothers Jake and Luke Bonnin. The cafe has been up and running since 2015 and has blessed the suburb of Jannali with great coffee.

Their Cool Bananas (peanut butter, banana, ricotta, local honey topped with buckwheat & vanilla bean) is pure food for the soul, their Persian Love cake

Diva’s choice: West End Espresso

is for when we want to indulge and who can go past a classic Avocado Smash?

On top of that, you know you have a keeper when your local knows your whole offices’ order by heart.

West End have a seriously good crew who are great at what they do. The boys have nailed it!

So, if you live in the area or are coming to visit us Divas, we highly recommend a detour to West End Espresso.

2/3 Jannali Ave, Jannali NSW 2226

facebook.com/westendespresso

instagram.com/westendespresso


Diva MagazineIssue #01June 2017

Suite 4/7 Jannali Avenue, Jannali NSW 2226.

T (02) 9872 6696 E [email protected]

© Diva Works 2017

www.divaworks.com.au

Feedback

Did you like what you saw in our first edition or was there something missing? Why not tell us a little more about the things that interested you most. We would love to hear your thoughts.

28 | DIVA MAGAZINE, © 2017

Documents

MAGAZINE - Diva Works · bucket list! Danielle Laporte’s Book Tour. Fiona attends Danielle Laporte’s Australian tour with the Wake Up Project. Danielle believes in shaping your