Lisa Messenger is someone we have long admired – for her bravery and courage, determination, hard work, resilience and all the other traits she possesses that make her not only an extraordinary business woman, but also a person that many women can relate to. Lisa is a force to be reckoned with, a lady ahead of her time and someone is not afraid to take risks or follow her passions. She also is hugely supportive of anyone who wants to give things a red-hot go, a friend to many and a great advocate for business and entrepreneurship. Epitomising ‘Girl power’ at it’s best, we were thrilled when Lisa agreed to talk to us about what’s happening in her world and her forthcoming Regional Tour…

Congratulations on your recent release of ‘Risk & Resilience’ – it’s brave, honest and raw, and also contains invaluable information for entrepreneurs and business people. What’s the greatest lesson people starting out can take away from the book?

Bigger isn’t always better.  Use specialists not generalists.  Have an intimate relationship with your data always.  Know what you love and what you’re good at and hire your weaknesses.  You can’t do anything when youre reacting and in constant survival mode.

If you started out Collective Hub today, what would you do differently, if anything?

I am starting it out again and I’m doing a lot differently. But you don’t know what you don’t know. Having a staff of three with a big vision and a couple of million dollar turnover is very different to the huge global beast it grew into. I’m glad it got so big because its only from that space that I know what to do differently. I now have a completely decentralised team working on project by project with specific budgets, KPI’s.  My mission and vision hasn’t changed one bit but how I’ve set the structure is completely different.

Tell us about the Regional events you will be delivering shortly?

In April this year I decided to do 10 towns in 10 days in regional NSW.  For a few reasons. Firstly, I grew up in Central West NSW on a 4,500 acre property in the middle of nowhere and secondly so much of our Collective Hub tribe are in regional and remote areas. I wanted to personally connect with as many of them as possible to hear from them and support them in their journeys. It was one of the most beautiful heart felt connected things I’ve ever done.  Rural people are crying out for more inspiration and connection and now I have time and space, I made it my mission this year to hit the road as much as possible and get to as many towns and communities as possible. I want people to truly believe that geography is no longer prohibitive in any way.  Throughout October and November on and off for six weeks I am doing much of QLD, SA and WA. Tickets here https://collectivehub.com/collective101

You’ve interviewed so many influencers and amazing people – name a couple of these that have had a major impact on you as a person and why?

Too many to name.  In five years we interviewed over 6000 incredible people across our print and digital assets. I am inspired every single day.  People will have to grab any of the past 52 issues of Collective Hub to read about some of my favorites.  Jamie Oliver had a big impact – I got to spend quite a lot of time with him and I just love how humble and down to earth he is and how he is genuinely wanting to make a difference on this planet.  But then closer to home I am inspired every day by those in our community courageous enough to just start something – to follow their passions and step into their dreams.

Where’s your happy place or your favourite place to hang out?

I have a house in Bangalow near Byron Bay. I bought it about 9 years ago and recently we turned it into Collective Retreat. It’s a gorgeous spot to just hang out and be.  We’ve now opened it up to others in the community to book through Byron Bay Accommodation.  When in Sydney I’m generally found around the beaches or in nature with my dog Benny and my partner.

And what’s next for Lisa Messenger…. what’s next on the agenda?

Well let me tell you this is just the beginning. When you’re courageous enough to break something – the space that allows for opportunities to flood in is quite extraordinary. I feel more on purpose and more excited about the future than ever.  How that manifests entirely – I am surrendering to the process and detached from outcome.  Right now I’m just doing things that I love and feed my social.

What book are you reading now?

I Steve – Steve Jobs in his own Words

Coast or City?

Coast

You travel a lot for work – where is the best place you have visited and why?

NYC for inspiration on every corner, NZ for nature and freedom, San Francisco for tech and start up energy, Bali for total zen chill out

To check out the details on Lisa’s forthcoming WA, QLD & SA tour head to:

https://collectivehub.com/collective101