Your Say – Stephanie Viterbo
Co- owner and Manager of Siamese Doll Restaurant
I’d name my autobiography…
Something really random like “The Adventures of Steve”.
To me success means…
Happiness in as many aspects of my life. I feel it’s not something everyone achieves.
Best advice I’ve been given…
I believe her words were “if you want an extraordinary life you have to do extraordinary things”.
I made my first dollar:
Helping out around my Dad’s first Thai restaurant while I was in intermediate.
The most rewarding part of my job…
The entirety of the experience- being a part of the restaurant’s journey from the start, being a part of its construction and operation and getting to share our vision with the wider community. I am learning to construct and put together a business, have my Dad as my business mentor and get to meet and work with new and interesting people every day.
Life motto:
As silly as it sounds, my life motto at the moment is “you do you”. I don’t believe in life milestones, it puts too much pressure on people and expects everyone to live life to a template. I am a huge advocate for moving at a pace you are comfortable with – those who want to get “somewhere” fast always will.
Favourite book:
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom.
My goals for 2018 are…
Is to focus on establishing my career. Up until recently I was not really sure what that would be, until I was offered an opportunity I was not overly keen on. With an attitude adjustment and a change of perspective, I feel like I am heading in a direction I had never considered before: the right direction.
The women who inspire me:
My main inspiration is my Mum, she is an extraordinary person and has inspired me my entire life. Mimi Gilmour Buckley for her determination and direction and for empowering other women to succeed in NZ. Coco Chanel for her innovation and the revolution she created through her designs. As well as all of the creative and determined women in my life.
The gender stereotype I can’t stand:
Men are expected to be the breadwinners and women are expected to be the caregiver- I believe it is one of the biggest reasons for the pay gap between men and women.
The main challenge for women in business is…
Feeling comfortable and confident.
We need pay equality because…
It’s what is right. It’s a human right. People should be paid based on the value they add and the responsibility they yield, regardless of gender.
Gender diversity in the workplace is…
Necessary. Both men and women bring certain elements to the workplace. It is important to have both influencing a well-balanced workplace.
I advocate for change by…
Educating myself, keeping an open mind and trying my best to contribute where I can.
