INSIDER MAGAZINE: Q&A with Carla Shearman, managing director at The PR Collaborative

What’s been the best financial advice you’ve ever been given? “Know how much super you have and exactly what it’s doing”. For years I had no idea how my superannuation was performing, let alone how much money I had saved. That advice prompted me to set myself up with an online superannuation account so I could stay informed. Even when super takes a hit, you are better off knowing than sticking your head in the sand. How do you manage a work-life balance? I don’t, but does anyone? Working in PR makes you a news and current affairs junkie and the most random things can inspire creative ideas at all times of the day and night, so switching off takes effort. I recently discovered infrared saunas though and I’m finding a 45-minute session while listening to a podcast helps me to zone out. What’s something that others have underestimated about you? My resilience. Life throws you plenty of challenges and some of them feel insurmountable. But there is something deep in my core that always fires my resolve to pick myself up and get on with it. What drives you to succeed? My two children and an unrelenting desire to prove the doubters wrong. I never finished high school and so many people told me it would be a barrier to a successful career. I want my son and daughter to know that hard work, determination and accepting the “knocks” with grace can take you far. Favourite holiday destination? Lake Como in Italy. Wonderful people, food to die for and scenery that never gets old. Whoever coined the phrase “la dolce vita” was standing on the shores of Lago Di Como. Chocolate or cheese? No competition. Cheese, especially if it’s mature and has bite. My go-to dessert when dining out is a cheeseboard with fig paste, fresh crusty bread and a glass of sticky dessert wine. Heaven. Read any good books lately? Dirt Town, the debut novel by Australian author, Hayley Scrivenor. A missing child, multiple character perspectives on the unfolding drama and an emotional narrative kept me turning the pages. Someone will eventually make this story into a brilliant Aussie movie. What are you binge-watching now? Emergency NYC on Netflix. This compelling docuseries takes you behind the scenes with New York City trauma doctors and first responders. Gritty and gripping, it’s quality reality TV without an island, a bachelor or a fake bride in sight. If you were to invite three dinner guests, dead or alive, who would they be? Actor Stanley Tucci so he could make some of his masterful cocktails and discuss the wonders of travelling through Italy. Writer and legendary New Yorker Fran Lebowitz so she could keep the conversation flowing with her oh so dry and unapologetic observations on life. My husband Chris because after 15 years together he is still my favourite dinner companion, and he would never forgive me if I had dinner with Stanley Tucci and didn’t invite him. Who would play you in the movie of your life story? Lady Gaga. I like the idea of a strong woman who continues to break the mould and reinvent herself creatively bringing my story to life on the big screen.