Lisa Wilkinson is the co-host of the Nine Networks Today show, public speaker, corporate presenter, event facilitator, journalist and leading business mentor.
At the tender age of 21, Lisa became editor of the Dolly magazine - an amazing achievement. A few years later, she became editor of Cleo and then Cleo's International Editor-in-Chief. Lisa also played a part in launching the careers of Nicole Kidman, Megan Gale and Kate Fischer.
In recent years, she co-hosted the Seven Network's weekend Sunrise program.
She has three beautiful children - and says that rising each morning at 2am for the TODAY show reminds her of those breast-feeding nights with them, back when they were babies! Of parenting, Lisa says that "Nothing prepares you for the joys, the surprises, the worry, the aching love, and the reserves of patience you need."
How many children do you have? What age / sex are they?
Three children - now not-so-little ones: two boys, 14 and 12 and then a girl, now ten.
What has surprised you the most about becoming a mother?
The fact that my six foot seven former Wallaby husband could actually DO girls. When I was pregnant with number three, I was resigned to the idea that with all that testosterone floating around that big burly body, there was no way a girl would be possible from our union. But they're all healthy and happy, so no matter what we got we have always figured that we have lucked out big time.
Do you miss anything about your life prior to having children?
Sleeping in... And now that I'm co-hosting the Today show and up at 2.30am each morning, I feel like I'm experiencing all those breast-feeding nights all over again.
What is the hardest part about being a mum?
Confronting the fact that your kids learn most from you when you don't think they're watching.
How has your relationship with your partner changed since becoming parents?
We just never get the time alone we would like. After our almost sixteen years together, we still love spending time with each other. We still make each other laugh, (not always intentionally) and we love exchanging ideas and just hanging out together.
What advice do you have for new mothers or mothers to be?
No matter how much advice you get, there is still no substitute for the actual event of parenthood. Nothing prepares you for the joys, the surprises, the worry, the aching love, and the reserves of patience you need. Pragmatism is essential.
What are you great at?
Jigsaw puzzles? and I think I'm a good listener. And pretty patient.
What are you terrible at?
Finger painting.
How has your attitude to work / career changed since becoming a mother and how do you manage the juggle of family and work?
Having a life well outside of work puts everything into perspective, and ironically enough, I think, makes me a better employee. No problem becomes too big.
What do you think about "me" time? Do you practice it, preach it or have you resigned yourself to catching up later on?
It's essential for your sanity?not to mention the rest of the family's (just ask my husband!) but I never get enough of it. Walks are a wonderful thing. And with the hours I'm working now with the Today Show, I try and go for a walk before the kids get home from school. I throw on the Ipod and totally escape.
What kind of 'Australia' do you hope for your children's future?
One free of racism, sexism, and abounding in tolerance. And one with a much greater sense of community than we seem to be heading in at the moment. In many ways we are becoming too isolated, and work focused. We need to start getting some perspective, and helping our fellow neighbours. Particularly those who are doing it tough.
Finally, a question all mums must face (no matter who they are!), what are you feeding your children for dinner tonight?
Last night it was steak, homemade chips, and stir-fried veges (broccoli, zucchini, carrot, mushroom and fresh coriander). Tonight it's takeaway pizza because our 12-year-old came second in his maths test? and when he was asked what he would like as a treat - that was it!!
