Team CWC! Left to right: Alessandra Azzone, Yvonne Meng, Samantha Jayaweera, Anika Cook, Fiona Brand, Bec Mackey, Liz Anderson, Jane Connory
We recently sat down and interviewed our new board members to give you a chance to get to know them better, and we’ll be featuring one of these Q+As each week on the blog. Today we introduce you to Liz Anderson, board member and Head of Events for CWC.
What is your current business/creative pursuit/job?
I run a tour company which specialises in designing and operating journeys on the Trans Siberian Railway, through Mongolia, the Silk Road and the Caucasus. Outside of work I enjoy hand embroidery and painting.
Can you outline the journey that got you here? What previous work/creative pursuits/life decisions brought you to this place?
I was teaching in Japan and wanted to travel back to the UK overland so ended up on a Trans Mongolian and Central Asian adventure. A few years after being a Management Consultant in London I made the switch into the travel industry and became a Tour Leader in Russia. Since then I’ve worked in all parts of our business with particular focus on product development, operations and marketing before completing my MBA and becoming Managing Director.
When did you first come across Creative Women’s Circle?
I was looking for a community where I could meet creative people and explore more of my own creative side. I believe strongly in championing those in small businesses so it was a good fit!
What has your experience been being a part of the CWC community?
From my first meeting I have been awed by the breadth of experience and interests of members and how welcoming everyone has been.
How would you describe the value of membership with CWC?
CWC’s ethos of championing and connecting women truly shines through and the support offered through the group should provide value to all.
Which creative person, living or dead, do you most admire and why?
I confess I do have a soft sport for the brutalist Soviet architecture ... too much time spent in Russia! Most days I love anything colourful and at the moment am loving the work of Monika Forsberg and Helen Dardik - they make me happy!
How do you challenge yourself creatively?
By always believing I can finish the “big project”... it normally results in a lot of very late nights!
What would you be doing if you weren’t in your current career? What is your ‘other’ dream job/business?
I would love to create embroidery designs inspired by textiles from around the world.
Where do you see Creative Women’s Circle heading over the next two years?
I believe we can continue to grow and connect more creative women across Australia and provide opportunities for them to meet, share and learn together.
Why is this a great time to renew/sign up or volunteer to join the CWC community?
We have lots of exciting things planned as ideas are brimming over on the new board. It’s also a great time to voice where you would like to see CWC grow to.
Liz leads a tour company specialising in the Trans-Siberian Railway, Mongolia and the Silk Road, Sundowners Overland. Her time spent living and working overseas, primarily in these regions as well as Japan and Central America, has led to a keen interest in the creative diversity, particularly in textiles, from around the world. With an arts degree, MBA and human centred design qualifications, Liz is delighted to bring a healthy appetite of curiosity to the team about all of the areas CWC members work in. Liz is sure her tenure will also inspire her to turn her creative ventures into more than just hobbies.