Groundbreaking pro surfer, Seven time world champion, women’s advocate and founder of charity Aim for the Stars, Layne Beachley is considered one of Australia’s super-achievers. Fresh from a morning surf, Layne stopped by the Rescu. office to share her experience as a female champion in a male-dominated sport, and her top advice for the many women she inspires.
Layne Beachley’s road towards becoming a mentor for young women started at an early age. She recalls a significant ‘lightbulb moment’ that she had when she was just 9 or 10 years old – approaching a world champion surfer for an autograph she was dismissed, and walked away disappointed. ‘I saw the influence that kind of behaviour had on other people,’ she says. ‘I thought ‘If I’m ever in your situation I’m going to make sure I have an indelible positive impact on people’s life’ … I decided to take that status of being a role model very seriously, and make sure that people walk away from me feeling better about themselves.’
Through Aim for the Stars, Layne Beachley does just that. The organisation provides funding for young women to achieve their dreams, whatever their chosen field. ‘These girls aren’t just athletes,’ says Layne. ‘We support musicians and scientists and marine biologists, everything you can imagine. Over the last 10 years we’ve given over half a million dollars worth in grants to over 300 girls.’
When asked why she is so passionate about supporting women, Layne references her early years as a pro surfer, struggling against gender barriers in the industry. ‘I was number 2 in the world in 1994, working 4 different jobs, earning $8000 a year from my primary sponsor, whereas the number 2 male in the world was earning hundreds of thousands of dollars a year and not having to work a job.’
Whilst conditions have changed for women since the early 90’s, Layne sees the challenges that women face in many industries. She hopes to help eliminate the self doubt and insecurity that women battle when working towards their goals. ‘I now feel like my number one purpose is to give back and fulfil other peoples dreams through supporting them and encouraging them to do so.’
Aim for the Stars hosts a 2 day mentoring retreat each year for the nominees and winners of grants. We asked Layne Beachley to share the top 5 pieces of advice she gives the young women she works with during this retreat:
- I congratulate them on their courage. Their courage to set a goal, and then their willingness to ask for help along the way.
- I reassure them that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s actually a sign of vulnerability which is then acceptance, which is empowering.
- I thank them for reaching out to me, and then I become grateful for the opportunity that I have to help them along the way.
- I re-instill some belief in them and say ‘I believe in you but that means nothing if you don’t believe in yourself.’
- I ask them to maintain communication not only with me but with each other and find themselves a positive role model and mentor to help them through these challenging times.
Learn more about Aim for the Stars
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