Zoe Little

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

Zoe Little and her clever venture www.legwork.com.au

Career Profile

I believe I got to where I am today by always pursuing the things that really interested me. I studied economics at university and finished a Grad.Dip in Applied Finance and Investment at the SIA. I then completed an MBA at MGSM.

After graduating, I began to work for the Sydney Futures Exchange. I stayed in this job for eight years because new opportunities kept being offered to me. It was during this time that I discovered two really new exciting things: Marketing and the Internet. In 1996 I took responsibility for both of these areas, and thrived on the challenge of developing business with such a new medium.

I enjoyed working in the corporate world, but I had a real desire to utilise my skills and create my own business. The idea for legwork came as I was walking to work early one morning. I discovered a ladder in my stockings and was stuck for the rest of the day. I thought, "if only I could have hosiery delivered to me when I needed it, I would be never caught out with a ladder in my stockings again." This idea continued to germinate and eighteen months later www.legwork.com.au was ready to fulfill the needs of busy women. Creating and managing a business is challenging, frustrating and exciting all at the same time. I have never worked so hard or cared so much as I do about legwork. I believe this passion is what will ultimately ensure legwork's success - understanding the needs of my customers and providing a service that will make a difference in their lives.

FAST FACTS

Occupation/Title
Director

Company/Organization
Leg Work Australia

StateNSW

Age37

Where did you grow up?

Maroubra


What was your first job?

When I was 12 I got an afternoon paper run with my best friend. We earned about $5.00 each a week. I thought I was rich!

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

A Diplomat - I didn't really know what the job was but the opportunity to travel sounded very exciting.

How many hours a week do you work?

40 - 60 (what ever it takes) BUT if the weather is good I'll move my work to the beach and then come home and work half the night.

Name a movie that actually inspired you?

The Cup - it was a great story about never giving up on your dreams, even if there are a few obstacles to overcome - they can come true.

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

To be able to speak a foreign language - Italian so as I am ready for my dream holiday when the A$ recovers.

What was the last book you read?

Eve-olution by Faith Popcorn

Have you ever had a celebrity crush and if so who?

in the 70's Garth Porter from Sherbet

What song transports you to another place when you hear it?

I say a little prayer by Aretha Franklin. My sister sang this song at my wedding - it was beautiful, fun and I'll never forget it.

Looking back 10 years ago are you now where you expected to be? If not, where did you expect to be?

I remember going for job interviews back then and being asked where I saw myself in the future and I could never really answer that question seriously. I always feel that what I'm doing and learning today will help me to take up opportunities that come up in the future but right now I have no idea what those opportunities might be - but I know I'll be ready. Remember the internet (www) didn't exist 10 years ago!

Who living or dead would you most like to invite to dinner?

Billy Connelly - imagine what fun that would be!

What is your favourite city in the world and why?

Sydney - it's perfect. Every time I travel it is always so exciting to fly back over Sydney especially the harbour.

What is the best piece of advice anybody has given you?

Back yourself - you're usually right.