‘The winner of the Telstra Business Women’s Awards Entrepreneur of the year goes to…’
It was 2015 and the moment was surreal. I waited with the other finalists; heart beating rapidly. There I was, surrounded by friends, family and colleagues while the glitz and glamour of the Telstra Business Women’s Awards buzzed around me. It felt surreal.
I was so excited to be a finalist in this category. I knew I deserved it. I had worked hard in my career. I was a woman and a mother who had managed to build several successful businesses on my own without financial help or aid from anyone.
I knew what winning this award would mean to me. It would be validation for all I had achieved. A cherry on the top of a hard-earned career. Yet it would also mean time away from my daughter.
It was drummed into us during the pre-award festivities: the commitment needed from finalists. The interviews, luncheons, breakfasts, the opening of shopping malls… (just kidding, there were no opening of shopping malls promised. But how great would it be to cut through a ceremonial ribbon with those over-sized scissors?)
I knew it would be a challenge to juggle the extra engagements being an award winner would bring. I was up for that challenge, yet I needed to prepare my 8 year old daughter, Aiva for the possible impact. I explained to her there would be a lot of things I would have to say yes to in the coming weeks and months if I won. Mummy would be a lot busier.
Aiva was there sitting next to me as we waited for the presenter to announce the winner for Entrepreneur of the Year.
It wasn’t me.
I felt myself heaving a sigh of relief. Aiva burst into tears. Was she sad I had lost?
Through her tears, Aiva asked if my losing meant I wouldn’t have to say yes to all those extra engagements. ‘Yes, that’s right,’ I told her.
Then I realised. Aiva wasn’t crying because I had lost. Aiva was crying with relief – because now her Mummy would still have time for her.
In the weird, serendipitous way the world often works, it turns out that losing Entrepreneur of the Year was the best thing to happen to me.
Why? Because it was never my dream to win some big award. It was my dream to have it all. It’s what they always say, isn’t it? You can never have it all? It’s either your career or your personal life – you can’t have both.
Actually; you can.
Thanks to the systems and processes I’ve implemented in my businesses, along with the tremendous support of my husband, I really do have it all.
The quality time I spend with my family is just that: quality time. No phone calls interrupting dinner, no emails interrupting movie night. When I’m with my family, I’m one hundred percent focused on my family.
Every year we vacation overseas and I can do this without taking my laptop or even my phone. This doesn’t mean my businesses are neglected. On the contrary; they flourish, even in my absence. I have achieved this by having a committed team behind me who are able to follow the systems and processes I have put in place, ensuring each business runs smoothly and professionally. There are no questions my staff need to ask me where the answers cannot be found in our procedures. Automation, autonomy and smart technology enables me to run my business – not have my business run me.
Having your own business should not be torture. It shouldn’t take you away from your family life and the ones you love.
Having your own business should be rewarding, fulfilling, and (eventually) easy.
Yes, easy. It’s doable. You just need to know how to do it. And now that I have figured it out for me, I want you to help you achieve the goal of having it all.
This piece was written in 2016 while Tammy was still the owner and CEO of Tuckfield Conveyancing.
And now, Tammy has the time, knowledge, and skills to help other business owners to do the same.
Through objective advice and strategically challenging questions, Tammy’s passion is to help her clients stay focused on their long-term goals and take purposeful steps towards them.
Don’t just take my word for it!
Here’s a taste of what others have to say.
Alex Brown
April 2, 2025
Being a member of Tammy’s Table has been an incredibly valuable experience, both personally and professionally. Tammy provided a space where I could learn, research, and engage in meaningful conversations around the challenges and opportunities of running a small business. Her guidance, along with the collective wisdom of the group, helped me develop the confidence and knowledge to make key decisions in my business journey. When I joined Tammy’s Table, I was operating from the Gawler Innovation Hub, just beginning to find my feet. Through the connections and insights gained during my time in the group, I established strong, ongoing business relationships that continue to support and grow my business today. Fast forward 2.5 years, and we’ve moved into our own business premises and grown to a team of five employees. I’m incredibly grateful for Tammy’s leadership and the support of the Tammy’s Table community; it’s had a lasting impact on both my business and my professional network.
Brett Moffett
March 31, 2025
Joining Tammy's Table has been a transformative experience for me and my business. The coaching sessions have been instrumental in helping me set and stick to deadlines, which has significantly improved my productivity and efficiency. The guidance that I have received from Tammy and the group in general has encouraged me to think more strategically about working on my business rather than just in it, leading to substantial growth and development. Additionally, the networking opportunities provided by Tammy's Table have been invaluable. I've connected with other small business owners in my area, fostering a supportive community where we share insights, challenges, and successes. This sense of camaraderie has not only expanded my professional network but also provided a source of motivation and inspiration. I highly recommend Tammy's Table to any business owner looking to enhance their skills, stay accountable, and build meaningful connections within the local business community.
Sarina Abbott
March 20, 2025
Gosh where do I start. Being a member of the Tammys Table group at Modbury has been instrumental in the growth of my business. It has provided a safe space for my own personal development & has provided me with that much needed support base to avoid feelings of isolation. You'll find yourself "levelling up" in your business without it feeling like hard work. That's the best way I can describe it. Surrounding yourself with positive people who value growth and success...and then each month you're a step closer to achieving bigger business goals than you originally thought were possible.