Gillian Franklin

'Spotlight' is designed to give us all inspiration and confirm that anyone can make his or her business dream or that promotion a reality...

Read about the inspirational Gillian Franklin, founder of The Heat Group.

Profile
I formed The Heat Group in May 2000 with a mission to improve the quality of women's lives. In under 12 months The Heat Group have been successful in winning the Australian distribution rights to Caboodles, Max Factor and Cover Girl cosmetics.

My experience lies within consumer marketing and I have worked in a variety of industries including cosmetics, IT, advertising/communications and home entertainment. My former role was Managing Director of Creative Brands where I grew the brand portfolio from 3 brands to 14 brands. Career highlights include at 26yrs of age being the youngest General Manager for Revlon Worldwide. In 1996 I won the Telstra Business Woman of the Year for my category in Victoria, was inducted into the Australian Business Women's Hall of fame in 1998 and awarded Global Entrepeneur of the Year for Australia in October 2000 at Business Women's Global summit in Washington.

Occupation/Title
Managing Director

Company/Organization
The Heat Group

State
Victoria

Age
44

Where did you grow up?
South Africa

What was your first job?
Secretary in a law firm

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Lawyer

How many hours a week do you work?
Varies, average 55 hrs

Name a movie that actually inspired you?
Legends of the Fall.

Name a talent you don't have that you wish you did?
Musical talent

What was the last book you read?
Atlas Shrug

Have you ever had a celebrity crush and if so who?
None

What song transports you to another place when you hear it?
When a Man loves a Woman.

Looking back 10 years ago are you now where you expected to be? If not, where did you expect to be?
No. Further than expected, i.e. being a company shareholder
and on a number of Boards.

Who living or dead would you most like to invite to dinner?
The Dalai Lama.

What is your favourite city in the world and why?
Melbourne, because it is home.

What is the best piece of advice anybody has given you?
Start your own business.