Forget balance, Lisa Messenger says the blend of motherhood and business is where the magic (and mess) happens.

Can you tell us a little about you and your family:

I grew up in Sydney, but when my parents divorced when I was three, we moved to the country. It was just me and my younger sister – she’s 18 months younger than me – until my mum remarried. Then we became a blended family with three step-siblings; two step-sisters and a step-brother. Now, I feel so extremely lucky to have a little family of my own. My son, Hugo, is 19 months old, and we fought so very hard for him.

Adjusting to motherhood..

My biggest adjustment to becoming a mum was definitely stepping away from my business after 23 years. My work had always been such a huge part of my identity – I had spent my whole life building it, loving it, and thriving in that space. So suddenly having to shift gears and allow myself the time and space to be present with Hugo, without feeling like I needed to be working all the time, was a massive adjustment.

Then, at around 18 months in, I faced a new challenge – trying to go back to work while feeling the overwhelming pull between wanting to be with Hugo and wanting to pursue my career. Finding that balance (or let’s be real, the blend) has been the trickiest part. I still haven’t nailed it, but I’m learning that the juggle never really stops, it just evolves.

What new passions are you diving into these days?

Now a proud mama bear with a little more space after 24 years of building businesses and leading big teams, I have thrown myself into two new passions.

“First, i’m deep diving into the world of AI, determined to stay on the cutting edge of business and—as always—learn first, then share the gold.”

Second, after writing 40 non-fiction books, I’ve challenged myself to try fiction for the first time. It was wildly difficult at first, but I’ve just sent my debut 85,000-word novel to a developmental editor. Watch this space—there’s more to come.

How do you manage the juggle?

Honestly? A lot of the time, I don’t! And I’ve made peace with that. The biggest lesson has been learning to let go – of perfection, of expectations, and of feeling like I have to say yes to everything. Now, I say no way more than I say yes, and I’ve realised that prioritising isn’t just about what I do, it’s also about what I don’t do.

Outsourcing has been a game-changer. I’ve had to get really clear on what’s most important to me: time with Hugo, growing my business, creating momentum, exercising, staying healthy, and spending time with friends and family. So anything that doesn’t align with that? I delegate. Cleaning, tidying, anything that pulls me away from the things that actually matter, I’ve let go of the guilt and embraced the help.

At the end of the day, I don’t get it all done, and I don’t try to. I just focus on what truly counts.

The best thing about motherhood?

Without a doubt, the giggles, the cuddles, and watching him grow and change every single day. Seeing him learn, explore, and step into new experiences, while knowing I get to guide and support him through it all – is just magic.

One of the most unexpected joys of motherhood has been seeing the world through Hugo’s eyes. Everything feels new again. Ordinary moments become extraordinary, and even the smallest things are filled with awe and wonder. There are constant ‘aha’ moments that make me stop and appreciate life in a way I never did before.

And then there’s the play. The joy. The silliness. The dancing in the kitchen for no reason. For so many years in business, I was always in doing mode; focused, driven, constantly moving forward. But motherhood has reminded me how important it is to “be”, to laugh, to play, to embrace the little moments. I think there’s a big lesson in that for so many women, especially those juggling business and motherhood. We get so caught up in the hustle that we forget to pause and just enjoy the magic of now.

The biggest challenge?

For me, the journey to motherhood was an incredible challenge! It took eight years, 18 rounds of IVF, and around 480 injections. It was a financial, physical, and emotional rollercoaster. But through it all, I learned so much about resilience, about pushing through what once felt impossible, and about the power of friendship, community, and asking for (and offering) help.

I’ve actually written an entire book about this journey, “The Power of Two”, which isn’t just about the struggles, it’s about strength, about finding hope in the hardest moments, and about the incredible support that can come from the people around you.

The biggest surprise?

Just how wonderful it is, and, in equal measure, how incredibly difficult it can be. I don’t think anyone truly prepares you for that duality. You hear people talk about the highs and the challenges, but until you’re living it, you don’t fully grasp just how intense both can be at the same time. It’s the most beautiful, exhausting, rewarding, and overwhelming experience all wrapped into one.

What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?

Honestly, not much. I’ve approached motherhood really intuitively, and I think that’s been a gift. There’s so much information out there, and sometimes, less is actually better, it can all feel overwhelming. I’ve really enjoyed finding my own way, learning as I go, and trusting myself in the process.

The one thing I do wish I’d known is just how difficult it can be to become a mother. We grow up being told to avoid pregnancy at all costs – take the pill, use contraception, don’t get pregnant too young. But what we’re not told is that, for many women, conceiving later in life can be really hard. I was so focused on my career, thinking I had all the time in the world, but the reality was very different. That’s a conversation I wish we had more often.

Any advice to manage the day-to-day juggle?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? You have to lean into your priorities and your strengths – what’s your “genius zone?”, and then let go of the rest.

For me, I’m a big-picture thinker. I thrive in strategy, creativity, and building businesses. But the details aren’t my strength – like tidying, cleaning, or getting stuck in the small stuff. So, I’ve learned to outsource the things like housework, so I can focus on what actually moves the needle in my work and allows me to be more present with Hugo.

One thing I haven’t outsourced is time with him. He goes to daycare two days a week, but beyond that, I’d rather have help with the house than have a babysitter or nanny. That way, when I’m with him, I’m actually with him, without the mental load of a to-do list hanging over my head.

The juggle is never perfect, but figuring out what really matters to you and letting go of the rest makes all the difference.

You can’t leave home without:

My phone – it’s basically my office in my pocket. Emails, social media, texts, phone calls, and tapping into ChatGPT.

Hugo’s essentials, like water bottle, nappies, and at least five spare changes of clothes because, without fail, he’ll find a way to get dirty.

Swimmers, for both me and Hugo. We’re total water babies, so whether it’s the surf or the pool, we’re always ready.

Your favourite holiday spot?

I’ve travelled all over the world, both for business and leisure, and what truly makes a destination special for me is the people I meet. No matter how beautiful a place is, it’s the connections with locals, the hidden gems they share, and the sense of community that make it unforgettable.

There are too many favourites to name, but a recent standout was Bali. I loved it not just for its beauty but because I had the chance to connect with incredible locals who made the experience even more meaningful.

Next on the travel list?

I’ve spent a lot of time in Europe and even lived in the U.S., including Austin, Texas, and Venice Beach, California, for most of 2022. But one place I haven’t been yet, and really want to, is Africa. I love animals, and experiencing a luxury glamping safari is high on my list.

I also have a deep love for horses, something that started in childhood and has only grown stronger as an adult. So, a Brumby expedition across Morocco is another dream trip I’m excited to make happen.

Your favourite brand?

As a content creator, I’m lucky to work with so many incredible fashion brands, especially Australian ones. I love and support labels like Spell, Kavari, Nude Lucy, Lakoa, and August The Label – there are just so many!

Another recent standout is Mamasan, a beautiful kaftan label launching soon by Lucy, who was on my recent retreat.

I also have a newfound appreciation for Big W and Kmart. I used to have a bit of a love-hate relationship with them, but after meeting the makers and designers behind their brands, I see them in a completely different light.

A healthy lifestyle means…

For me, it’s all about a holistic approach – mind, body, and spirit. It’s about looking at every aspect of my wellbeing and creating daily rituals and routines that support that balance. I try to incorporate meditation, journaling, and starting my day with a green smoothie. That way, if I end up having hot chips for lunch, at least I feel like I’ve ticked one box for the day! Movement is also important, though I’ve found it more challenging since becoming a mum.

Ultimately, it’s about consistency, not perfection. Leaning into the small daily habits that keep me feeling my best. I’ve explored this deeply in my books, from life and love to gratitude, wellness, and kindness journals. It’s become a personal mission to not only live a healthy lifestyle but to help others do the same.

How do you keep your body moving?

I tend to gravitate toward high-energy, adrenaline-fueled workouts – I figure if I’m going to exercise, I might as well go all in! I love boxing, and right now, I’m really into The Yard in Byron Bay, which is an intense mix of cardio and weights. When we were living in the U.S., I was obsessed with Barry’s. I also try to walk as much as possible, but honestly, having a 19-month-old who weighs about 15 kilos is a workout in itself!

Your top tips for living a healthy lifestyle?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is really about deciding what matters to you and making it a non-negotiable part of your routine – time that can’t be overtaken by other commitments. It’s so easy to put something in your diary, like a workout or a walk, but if you’re not strict with your boundaries and don’t truly prioritise it, it’s often the first thing to go. I try to honour these things as I would any other important meeting or obligation, because if I don’t, no one else will do it for me.

I also think it’s important to be realistic, setting unachievable goals just sets you up for failure and frustration. Instead, I focus on things that bring me joy, things that feel fun rather than forced. Wellness doesn’t have to look a certain way. If sitting cross-legged in silence isn’t for you, then maybe a living room dance-off counts as meditation, or a walk on the beach is just as good as a gym session. It’s about finding what works and actually sticking to it.

What does “balance” mean to you?

I don’t believe in balance, instead I believe in blend. When you build a life you truly love, there’s no strict separation between work and personal life; it all flows together in a way that works for you. It’s about finding your own rhythm, creating your own rules, and making it all fit in a way that feels right. Balance suggests a perfect, equal split, but in reality, it’s more about adapting, blending, and embracing the ebb and flow of it all.