For Maureen Jordan, Founder and CEO of Switzer Media and Publishing, there are many ways to measure success. A key one, she says, is asking yourself: ‘Am I happy in what I’m doing? Do I get up every day looking forward to my day on this planet with joy in my heart?’
“I know that sounds ‘soft’,” she tells The CEO Magazine, “but as my good friend, cardiologist Dr Ross Walker says: ‘Happiness is the best drug on the planet’.
“If I’m not getting a daily dose I know that it will affect my life in so many ways. I enjoy the material rewards of my hard work and gruelling hours but if I’m not happy, and my friends and loved ones aren’t happy, then something’s wrong.”
Maureen has used this “measuring spoon” to guide her career journey. A solicitor by profession, she says that after having children she realised she wanted work for herself and do something she was truly passionate about.
A solicitor by profession, Maureen says that after having children she realised she wanted work for herself and do something she was truly passionate about.
“Needless to say, I didn’t open a legal practice.
“Instead I joined forces with my husband Peter Switzer. We combined our talents to open a media business that initially offered services to radio, TV and newspapers. I guess these days you’d say that we started a content business.
“That business grew to what we have today – a publishing business that provides content not only to our own websites but also to corporates in the form of videos, podcasts and all sorts of media.”
The power couple also opened a financial services business and the brand RUSSH – a fashion magazine and website.
Maureen believes that the best leaders who achieve the most success are the ones who are able to draw people in with their charisma and selflessness.
“I read a lot (over and over again actually) of what’s written by US leadership ‘guru’ John Maxwell and here’s what he says about charisma: ‘When it comes to charisma, the bottom line is other-mindedness. Leaders who think about others and their concerns before thinking of themselves exhibit charisma.’
“There’s something that emanates from a great leader,” she concludes, “there’s something in their spirit that makes you want to follow them.”
Event Details
Wednesday 21 November 2018
ICC Sydney
Maureen is on the judging panel of The CEO Magazine’s 2018 Executive of the Year Awards. For more information on the event and criteria to apply, visit executiveawards.com.au.
