“As you get older, it is harder to have heroes, but it is sort of necessary.” – Ernest Hemingway
In 2022, when we look around for heroes there is one constant – Queen Elizabeth II, who this year celebrates her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service as the Queen. She acceded to the throne at just 25 years-old and as the longest-lived and longest reigning British Monarch, her continued relevance offers a vital life lesson for us all: age is no barrier.
As someone born in the United Kingdom, then immigrated to Australia where I started a business whilst juggling single-motherhood, cancer, personal tragedies and global crisis, I have continued to draw strength and wisdom from the Queen and her unflinching leadership.
For seven decades, the Queen has seen scores of world leaders come and go, there have been visits to, or from the 14 other commonwealth countries, five Popes, and, closer to home, Elizabeth has witnessed the troubles in Northern Ireland and seen the United Kingdom join, and, subsequently withdraw from the European Economic Community. Through all of these transitions, some more difficult than others, the Queen has offered a kind of continuity of care, she has been our mainstay, a gentle reminder of our core values.
To this day, as Queen of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms, including Australia, support for the Monarchy remains consistently high as does her personal popularity. Her continued relevance in today’s modern world is a testament to her integrity and high moral standards. Elizabeth has been relied upon to steady the ship during rocky times, reminding us why it’s important to be good, to be curious, to be ethical and to be above-all-else a thoughtful citizen. As someone who has been in business for 27 years, these are the qualities I aspire to as a leader, as a mother, a friend and community member.
I believe men and women of all ages need a hero. Queen Elizabeth II is mine.
