Out of the blue Debbie phoned Lisa, who was dining in a restaurant called Hush in London, suggesting they pool their talents to create a PR company.

“I said to Debbie that if we could call the business ‘HUSH’, then I was in,” laughs Lisa, a former publisher of Elle magazine who was on a year’s sabbatical at the time.

From humble beginnings with face-to-face desks in a tiny Sydney office the ideas sparked and the client base of HUSH Communications quickly grew.

But mother-of-two Lisa admits it wasn’t all Absolutely Fabulous along the way.

On a personal level, the biggest hurdle for Lisa was her breast cancer battle in 2007, which was the subject of a compelling – and often confronting – ABC documentary on Australian Story.

Lisa only discovered the disease after a freak taxi accident that resulted in broken ribs.

A longtime supporter of national breast cancer agency Pink Pony, Lisa decided to capture her journey, which included a bilateral mastectomy, to help other women also fighting for their lives.

“I often think being a business owner is the best therapy you could ever have,” says Lisa reflecting on the ups and downs of the last 15 years.

“It’s definitely a great way to learn your weaknesses, face your fears, overcome your imaginary obstacles, and test yourself to the farthest limits.

“I look back on where I was, how far I’ve come, and what all I have accomplished… and I’m incredibly proud of myself. I pushed through obstacles I wouldn’t wish on anyone, and I never gave up.

To celebrate HUSH Communications 15^th birthday, Lisa shares with The Carousel readers the 15 key lessons she’s learned along the way.

1. Perfection does not exist, only perception
2. There is no ONE right way to do anything
3. Nobody is going to do this for me. It’s up to me, and me alone
4. Stress does not fix things, so don’t bother with it
5. Finish it. Whatever it is, finish what you started
6. I’m the only one judging me. Nobody else really cares
7. My biggest business fears…are kind a silly
8. We’re all somewhere. There will always be people ahead of you & behind you
9. Take breaks when you need them
10. The people around you are vital to your success
11. Giveback, every chance you get
12. Be kind as it creates a nicer working environment
13. Listen and listen more
14. Be loyal to your suppliers and you create an extended team around your business
15. And above all… take time to LOVE, LAUGH and LIVE

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