Soloist in the Spotlight, Donna McDonald

Location

Brisbane, Australia

Occupation

Writer and Policy Analyst

What’s the most enjoyable element of your work…?

I enjoy the sense of discovery that occurs with each project. Each one brings new ideas and fresh insights . . . not just about work but also about life.

…and the least enjoyable?

I don’t like the short-termism of most of my work projects. I enjoy the long-term haul of working with people towards a common goal. I’m not sure how I’ll resolve this.

What is the one regret you do not want to have in this lifetime?

I wouldn’t want my work to constrain my life in any way, to inhibit my capacity to live an expansive, joyful life. I regard work not just as an income-generating pursuit but also as a means of understanding life and its challenges. Participating and contributing to my society is a very big driver for me.

If you could pick anyone to be your personal assistant, who would it be and why?

My niece, Jessica: she’s a real whiz! Loads of talent, funny and willing to take responsibility for her emotional wellbeing . . . which is quite remarkable for a young woman of just 21 years.

What’s your number one stress relief tactic?

Swimming in the surf. Stradbroke Island is my favourite beach destination but I also love the northern New South Wales beaches.

Who, or what, is your biggest inspiration?

Looking at paintings and reading biographies inspire me to keep on going, to reach up for that higher bar.

What star sign are you? Do you believe in horoscopes?

Aquarius. I love reading Mystic Medusa, and will happily believe in the horoscopes for the length of time that it takes me to read them. Unfortunately, I rarely remember the predictions five minutes later.

Do you subscribe to any magazines or newspapers?

I subscribe to several great on-line resources, including Demos, a UK think tank at www.demos.co.uk

Would you describe yourself as a technophobe or technophile?

I would describe myself as a brave technophobe in that I try to rise to the challenge of understanding it so that I can enjoy its benefits. However, I absolutely refuse to buy “flat-pack” furniture that requires me to assemble it. I really, REALLY do not understand this concept at all: it should be illegal.

What actor/actress would play the lead in the story of your life?

Marlee Matlin: she is deaf like me, and so would understand the psychology underlying my drive to do well.

You’ve got a free half hour during your work day. What do you do?

I like to visit an art gallery or go for a walk along the river or through the Botanical Gardens. I find that nourishing my visual senses - through works of art or pictures or nature - replenishes my energy and keeps my creative instincts buoyant.

What’s your proudest moment?

I don’t have a particular “proudest moment”. Life is so ephemeral and changes on the spin of a sixpence so I try to enjoy each moment of happiness or achievement as it arises.

Just recently, I was quite chuffed to get a poem published in an anthology of essays celebrating women’s achievements.