In this week’s episode, Josh is talking to Madison who was a Finalist in both the 2019 and the 2020 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards for Queensland.
Madison is a 19-year-old who has for over a decade advocated for social justice, women empowerment and youth engagement.
A volunteer since six, Madison devised an International Women’s Week Conference with assistance from a State Government Grant. She used the platform at the International Women’s Day Breakfast to speak about the #pressforchange movement. Madison was shortlisted as 2019 Queensland Young Australian of the Year and was an Australian Human Rights Award Finalist.
In this episode:
- Madison talks about her lifelong commitment and will inspire you with her dedication
- What did Madison and Josh (our host) have in common when we asked for a fun fact?
- Hear what it meant to be nominated and then be judged as a Finalist two years running
Links
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TRANSCRIPT
Annette:
Welcome to the inspirational Australians podcast, where we chat to people, making a difference in their communities and in the lives of others. And here is your host for today. Josh Griffin,
Josh:
Welcome to the inspirational Australians podcast stories of inspiring achievements and community contribution. I’m Josh Griffin from Awards Australia company that owns and operates award recognition programs right across Australia, together with corporate and non-profit partners, with the aim of showcasing those people that are making a difference. Every week. We’ll celebrate the good news stories of some of our award program, finalists, winners, and nominees to hear about their achievements and to share their stories and how it could be inspired and encouraged to know that Australia’s future in good hands, enjoy doing these stories that have inspirational Australians. And how would you subscribe right. And review the podcast. We’d really appreciate it. This is a new podcast, every right review and subscription really helps. For the inspiration of Australian podcast, our guest for today is Madison Birtchnell. She’s 19. She lives in Queensland. And honestly, when I was reading her bio, it was overwhelming that someone can just find the time to be involved in so many things.
And certainly she fits the bill of inspirational Australian to me when I was reading it that Madison. So I’m really excited to speak with her today. I’m looking forward to hearing it what her views are and leadership, uh, her passion for empowering women and also the importance of mental health. And I know that’s very prevalent in what Madison does. So looking forward to hearing about all of that. Madison has dedicated over a decade of her life to volunteering, which is so cool. Amazing. She’s an advocate for quality. And as I mentioned, mental health is raising awareness about the importance of that, especially for youth. Recently, she was named as one of the 20 Queensland voices, female leaders, and just international recipient of the Diana Award for recognition of her trailblazing efforts across industry and community sectors. There’s lots more to get through. So let’s just go straight to Madison and welcome everyone. Madison, how are you doing?
Madison:
Very well! Thank you so much for having me on stage, Josh really appreciate it. Really excited to get talking with you.
Josh:
I know no problems. So what I wanted to get chatting about first, just to kind of delve into how, you know, while we’ve got you on the podcast, how we come across you, and then you’re in a network, you’ve been a finalist in the seven years, Young Achiever Awards in Queensland, not only this year as a current Butler’s near 2020 program, but also last year, too. So last year you were finalist in the first National Real Estate Leadership Award. And just want to get your thoughts on what it was like to be a finalist at the awards presentation itself, the event, what it was like to be in a room full of so many young people. Um, I guess being recognized for being young leaders.
Madison:
It was such a special award, honestly, just because there is that emphasis on creating young people and also providing a platform where we can come together there in share answers and help to act as connectors for one another. I think that’s, what’s really special about this program. And honestly, it was just so incredibly humbling even nomiated by members of my community. And they just, it’s a great platform just to be able to connect and to bring awareness to the issues that we’re really passionate about. I think like the turn of the evening is always so exciting and joyous, and it just truly celebrates every individual from, you know, those who are nominated through the semifinalists and also the finalists and winners too. Um, but everyone who is participating in these days truly a winner just because of the incredible contributions each and every one of them has made. Um, and it’s a real honor just to be able to stand alongside those fantastic young Queenslanders.
Josh:
Yeah, that’s awesome. So, you know, talking about as other young Queenslanders, and obviously it’s part of the Young Achievement Awards, there’s so many people nominated, which leads to really hard judging kind of process. Um, and for anyone who’s not aware, there’s so many, there’s about 30 judges involved. It’s about a six weeks process quite intensive, but, um, you know, I’m asking you to speculate a bit here, but what do you think about, you know, the work that you do, Madison that perhaps maybe had the judges selecting you as a finalist in that leadership award?
Madison:
Yeah. I mean, it’s honestly, you never go into it obviously wanting awards or anything. It’s always just, it’s always truly humbling when you do get that nomination that, that, um, acknowledgement, I suppose. Um, but for me, you know, I first started volunteering in the community through Girl Guides at the age of six and, you know, my contributions just as quickly grew from there, you know, I’ve always really loved being able to see the impact that volunteering has on those around me. And I was so excited just to be able to continue to do that as I’ve grown older as well. Um, you know, I started off doing my own fundraisers in partnership with local businesses for those affected by the floods back in 2011, I was kinda one of the first big things that I had an opportunity to do. And then I started, you know, organizing fundraising efforts for people, to purchase supplies for the homeless and things like that.
And then I branched out a little bit further and came youngest volunteer at a local organization called Wellness in House. And I was volunteering there for six years. And then since then I’ve been a Youth Parliament Delegate, I’ve devised my own International Women’s Day Conference for 150 community members. I created a schoolwide youth mental health initiative that I’m really passionate about, where we were able to donate $2,000 back to local youth mental health organizations to continue their efforts. I’ve also worked to establish a National Young Women’s Council with the wider BCA. I presented my first TEDx talk on the importance of volunteering. In my first year of university, I’ve helped to create community advocacy sessions for humanitarian issues with Amnesty International. I’ve also helped to bring awareness to the Press for Change Movement. And I believe been extensively involved with mentoring and advocacy based projects within my school and university communities.
I’m also still volunteering with the National Council of Women Queensland, the Queensland Family and Child Commission as well. And I also undertake a lot of keynote speaking opportunities with various community and government organizations with some of my personal highlights, including our rotaries on to International Volunteering Queensland and also Supernova Gold Coast. So I really deserve a broad range of opportunities. I’ve had the privilege of engaging with and helping to career right, and over a decade now, which is scary to think about. Um, but it’s just been a true privilege. And honestly, it was a really nice, um, why of just being recognized, but also helping to continue to bring awareness to these issues that I’m really passionate about through these awards.
Josh:
Casting your mind back to, you know, you mentioned Girl Guides and I guess back in 2011, the floods and, um, you know, how old were you then in 2011?
Madison:
I was 11. Yes.
Josh:
You were 11! So, you know, that’s so interesting. Think about a young person at 11 years old and, um, obviously then wanting to support people in their community. Can you remember kind of what you were thinking back then? And I know I’m asking, thinking about a decade ago, basically, the kind of, what was your driver, was it just trying to help others who really were in need at that point?
Madison:
Yeah, exactly. And I think particularly with this instance with the, with the Queensland floods, it was such a defining moment for our state and this is what I like to speak so much about because it showed just the true meaning and the nature of our community spirit. I think we just saw people come out in droves, um, particularly for that instance, but we’ve seen it countless times, like the recent buys, for instance, as well. And we’ve always had that sense of community as Australians. And I think at the time, as you, as a young person, you know, I wanted to be able to do something and I knew I had that capacity and those resources to be able to go out into the community and ask for their support to help organize something. And, you know, at the time, yes, I was definitely young, but I was also really conscious that I had a great support network with my family.
And also at the time I had asked for a school network available that I could help to ask to fundraise with me and to make donations and things like that as well. Um, but it was really just wanting to be able to do something for others and knowing that, you know, every little amount helps. It’s always about like my philosophy in life is just, it just takes one person to do something, to make a huge difference. And I think I’ve always tried to carry that mantra through and, you know, from my early experiences with Girl Guides, I could see that. So I was really passionate and just carrying it over into every other activity I’ve done since. I mean, it was just one of those really important events that I felt I could do something. So why shouldn’t I, and I was really fortunate to get some of the local Kohl’s organizations on board set up to donate items for us to use for a barbecue fundraiser and then to also go out and do some additional fundraising efforts from there.
And that was kind of my first opportunity to really get to approach a business and actually say, Hey, I’ve got an idea. What do you think about this? And just to receive instantly that support was really encouraging and I’ve just taken that attitude ever since. So I think if you don’t ask, you never know what the potential is. And there’s so many people out who are just so willing to support our ideas and as young people who want to support us and help us to achieve our goals, and to continue to amplify our efforts in the local community. So it’s always really fantastic to be able to do something and to just to see the impact that you can have.
Josh:
Yeah. That’s, I mean, so much they’ve said their Madison is just hitting so many, um, know great notes for me. It’s yeah, it’s very, it’s truly, it is inspirational. And I think that sometimes it can be very daunting to people to think about, you know, put myself out there and go to businesses and, and tell them this is what I’m thinking. And, um, and I guess that will be so rewarding to see that they supported that and they, you know, act to you and your vision.
Madison:
Yeah, absolutely. And I think like, you know, when I first started out, I really didn’t have any connections and it was really daunting to have to kind of go out there, particularly as a young person, because quite often, you know, my age has been a defining factor in a lot of the things I’ve done of course, because I am quite young. Um, but you know, as you get to just get that confidence, you can actually go out and just speak with more organizations. And I think your passion does help to shine through as well through those instances, you know, you have to work hard to build that trust and that relationship, but it’s so rewarding at the end of the day. And we’re really lucky just to have that community minded spirit, not only here in Queensland, but all across Australia. And I think as young people, we’re really looking to be the next leaders, but also just to connection with our local community. You know, we have these resources available. We’re the most connected generation. We have so many platforms that are available to us, you know, why not take full advantage of them and really helped you to bring the change that we want to see.
Josh:
Yeah. Well, I couldn’t agree more about the connected platforms and I was, uh, you know, when I was researching a bit about you, I was reading a blog that you had a blog post, you shared on LinkedIn not long ago. And yeah, that was really interesting. You had those points about, this situation where now with COVID and physical distancing, but we don’t have to be socially distant. I really liked that point you made in that, now we can be connected and we can actually foster those relationships. So yeah, that’s really, it’s really great that stuff that we’re working on, and kind of talking about fostering relationships and new leaders is I want to touch on that conference. You mentioned, um, can you tell us a little bit about what was that like to kind of, um, you know, launch for the first time and then the conference itself?
Madison:
Yeah, it was just a project that I had kind of wanted to do for a while. So it was called, I ended up calling it the Super Women Project. Um, and what was, will battle being more, uh, young women, but also women of all like in my local area to really feel empowered, to explore any career that they wanted, whether that be in STEM or politics and leadership. So the particularly in male dominated is, um, and just really creating an environment where people could come along, listen to some incredibly inspiring speakers and feel like that they could go out into the workforce challenge, those norms and break the glass ceiling. So I was 16 when I’ve out about creating this conference idea. And at the time the state government was actually advertising for International Women’s Week grants. And I thought, well, you know, I’ve got this idea and I’d really love to do it. Why not, why not apply. And so I put an application in, um, and I was really lucky enough to get $3,000 of funding from the state government to help deliver the conference. And then I had to go out to businesses and get them a further $2,000 of financial support to make sure that the conference was completely free. So we wanted to make sure that there weren’t any barriers to participation and that anyone could come along actually enjoy the afternoon. So I said about, you know, obviously contacting a lot of different people of all different levels of government, but also like community organizations and also businesses too. And I was just overwhelmed by the support I received, you know, I had this idea obviously, uh, and it was just that an idea, but I knew that I would be able to leverage the existing connections that I had and to, you know, the passion that I had to make this event happen.
Uh, and then I was just honestly blown away by the support. I was lucky enough to get our attorney general here in Queensland is one of the keynote speakers. I had an international humanitarian by the name of Kay Danes who was also absolutely incredible come along and speak. And I also had some fantastic support from like universities too. And it was just really that investment, um, in my, in my vision for this project that, that was honestly so inspiring, um, to receive. And I, it was just an incredible opportunity to be able to bring together, you know, my community. We had people all the way from who actually visiting interstate, who heard about the conference, even come and come along. So it was just incredibly rewarding afternoon. Something I’m so proud to have been able to do. I’m hoping to be able to do another one in the future, just because I got such positive feedback from those in attendance. I was lucky enough to be able to run some raffles and things like that on the day, thanks to some very kind donations from the community members as well. We were able to give over $1,200 back to the Ovarian Cancer Foundation. So it was just, honestly, it was such a special, um, you know, conference gift to create. And through this process, I really did learn the value of just being able to, you know, believe in the vision that I had and to go out and try to connect with local organizations and put myself out there. You know, I really didn’t have any connections or networks already. Um, I just spent all my school holidays and every moment I had approaching local organizations for their support, um, you know, I sent out hundreds of emails, visited countless numbers of businesses and just made endless phone calls.
And, you know, a lot of the time I didn’t hear back or I was immediately declined. Um, but the, this part is I was actually able to find people who really did believe in my vision and who just tremendously invested in me and they continue to continue to invest and support with me today. So it was just honestly such a fantastic experience. And I’m really glad that I kind of pushed through and was able to organize all the different speakers and all the different elements that you don’t realize go into something like this. You know, I learned about everything from insurance to, how do you get 150 people safely into a room and make sure they have a great afternoon? Um, so it was truly just one of the hard experiences that I’ve had the opportunity, um, to create.
Josh:
That’s one thing about events, isn’t it? That, um, is not, you know, a bit, sometimes you would think about the glitzy side of it, but there’s a lot of paperwork admin and checking your boxes behind the door. So yeah. Credit to you for doing all of that for going out, getting, you know, event partners, the grant funding is, you know, for me, I’m, I’m often applying for grants through what we do and, um, going up to approach partners. I know it’s so hard, so yeah, it’s so impressive what you’ve done. Um, speaking about, you know, one thing, um, you know, I try and stay positive as, as I can and, and be optimistic. How do you kind of, um, you know, try and stay positive because everything you’re saying, you just seem like you’re really driven when you get those no’s kind of how to, you know, try and keep your head up and I guess push forward?
Madison:
Yeah, I think, you know, for me, I have been really fortunate to get that passion at a young age and to really understand the difference I can make. And I suppose that’s what often drives me a lot is just seeing the impact firsthand and knowing that at the end of the day, even if you just make a difference to one person, that’s one person who’s been affected positively. Um, and I’m also really, you know, I’m really fortunate to have a great family and great support network around me. Um, you know, and one of the quotes I always use is from Gandhi when he says “You can be the change you want to see in the world.” And that’s what I try and remember, you know, every time that I go and do something or I get a rejection or get a note, and, you know, I really glad that you do kind of talk about overcoming those hurdles, because I think it’s something that we do need to acknowledge more.
You know, we don’t always talk about the knock backs and the missed opportunities, but they do happen. That’s just part of the process. And we definitely do have to just learn from them and just keep going. And I think that’s what helps to make you different and, and to be successful at the end of the day in doing this, um, because you just have to have that drive, you know, you can also look at creating good support network around you, seeking out mentors is also another big part of that as well. And just having a clear vision for what you want to achieve in the future. I think having that genuine passion for what you’re doing at the end of the day will always shine through and help you to overcome those, those setbacks. Because at the end of the day, you’re doing something that, you know, is going to make a difference and it’s actually making a positive difference in the lives of those around you. Um, so I think when you, when you do it like that, it doesn’t matter how many times you get told no, because at the end, sometimes that will push you on even more, um, because you do want to be that influence and you want to be that change in your community.
Josh:
For sure. Um, and speaking of those hurdles and, um, you know, is there anything that kind of you wanted to mention, or, um, or is there anything that kind of sticks out to you in terms of something that, you know, not just the no’s here and there, but you know, something else you’d have to kind of bypass to kind of continue on?
Madison:
Yeah, I think it’s a thing that a lot of young people do have to deal with, which is just simply the age factor. You know, quite often when you, when you’re going into these situations, you have to work really hard to quickly establish rapport and respect. And I think it’s also about, you know, making sure that you can stand on your own two feet and say confidently that you can deliver this initiative or this project, you know, you have the vision and the capacity to be able inspire and to reward people invested in you. You know, it’s not easy when you’re, you know, as young as six is when I started, um, being able to walk up to businesses and say, Hey, can you invest in me? Or can you give me, you know, your time or whatever it might be in that moment to be able to do something that you have an idea for.
And I think it’s just about working to establish those relationships and being confident in your abilities and making sure that you are working to establish those relationships and following through as well. You know, making sure it’s not just about taking, um, you know, taking advantage or just taking money and things like that, and then not, not fostering that relationship more. I think it is really important, just to make sure that you’re being transparent and accountable in everything that you do, and working really hard to make sure that if someone doesn’t invest in you, that it’s worthwhile for them as well, because obviously it is a little bit riskier it’s for some perceptions when you’re dealing with younger people. Cause we may not have as much experience as someone who’s been in the industry for 10, 15 years. Um, but I think it’s really exciting when you are in this position because we do have a lot of resources available to us, you know, we’re, I think we’re really lucky nowadays because there has been that shift, particularly in our, in our wider culture where young people are being recognized as having a voice and having a platform.
And there’s been that reciprocation now where, where people are willing to invest in our ideas and our desire to create change. I think that’s so exciting. Um, but it’s just important to remember in our, to remain true to what you were doing in the first place, why you’re doing it and communicating that vision. And I think, you know, you will, you will obviously come across some people who don’t want to support that. And that’s okay too. It’s just important to remember, to look for those who do support you, who can help to create that network and that platform for you, and just really invest in those relationships. It’s certainly disheartening some when you’re not able to get the support or get you an idea off the ground, but it’s just another opportunity to go back to the drawing board and to figure out what the next steps are to help make that a reality.
Josh:
Yeah. And I’m sure he would have found this, that, um, you know, the people who have said, no, your values probably don’t align anyway, so they’re not the right partner or the right person to work with anyway.
Madison:
Exactly. Yeah. And I think that’s a big part of it too, is just making sure that who you are, who you are partnering up with, do share your values and that they’re going to be in it for the long haul as well. Because I think there’s obviously things come up in life as well and all these different organizations and businesses have their own things going on too. You know, I think particularly when we talk about, when we’re talking about the floods earlier, I was approaching businesses in a very difficult time for a lot of them too. So we have to understand that business has received, you know, 50 requests a day, particularly small businesses. You know, I spoke to so many of my local businesses and they’d already had 10 people before me walk in to ask for something as well. And that’s just part of going through this process.
Obviously you have a great idea or, you know, you wanting to do something and that’s absolutely fantastic, but it’s just important not to be discouraged because you never know the capacity of that organization either. Because as I said, they might’ve had 10 people already with another great idea come through the door and might’ve just had to go with them instead. So it’s always just important to remember, you know, people do have their limitations as well and how much they can support. Um, but it’s never too late just to even invite them along to your event or whatever you might be doing, or simply just to extend an invitation for a later partnership as well. Um, don’t take it as an you know, as an absolute hard note. There’s always an opportunity to explore that relationship first.
Josh:
Yeah. I think it’s important what you said about being authentic as well, cause that really shines through you, not they’re trying to come with notary motives, so, you know, and talking about, um, being authentic and I can tell from the way you’ve been describing how you, um, you know, wanting to work people in the invest in you. And, um, obviously that takes empathy to understand what they’re going through. And you talked about how they had 50 people before you approaching them. So those kind of, those kinds of traits are really important to leadership. And I know that you’re passionate about leadership. We talked about your conference, what’s something I guess, that, um, drives you to share that with other people, because you know, it’s one thing to be driven yourself, but to kind of try and help others as well. What, like what kind of, uh, you know, made you go into that area?
Madison:
Yeah, I think it is really important just to be able to give that support back to other people. I’ve had been really fortunate to have been given a lot of platforms and opportunities because I got involved at such a young age, but I know not, you know, not every young person has that opportunity. So for me, it was just about reaching out and saying to connect with other young people, but also in the border communities. Well, because I wanted to make sure that, that they felt empowered to be able to actually stand up and do things because when you’re talking with my young people, one-on-one, you know, we all have such great potential, but also there’s so many fantastic ideas out there about how we can enact change and how we can start being a real, you know, movers and shakers in our community. And sometimes it just takes someone going up to you and saying, I actually believe in your vision, let’s do something about it.
And I think for me, I’ve been really fortunate to have a lot of mentors feed into me over the years. And so I hope to be that to someone else as well, who maybe hasn’t had those opportunities yet. And I think just seeing, you know, young people come alive in these type of instances, it’s honestly so gratifying. Just seeing people change as you know, even just from a single development workshop, you can see someone’s confidence grow in their articulation and they can actually start believing, Hey, I can make a difference too. And at the end of the day, it’s about creating those connections across a whole broad range of communities and across Australia as well. But it’s all about just investing in, in every little person because they can then go and pass it on to the next person too. And at the end of the day, you’re just creating a stronger support network that you can feed into. But also that is ultimately making greater change, which is what obviously we’re all about as young people when we’re in these roles and we’re in, you know, creating these initiatives and things, we all share that common drive and that common passion. So why not do everything can and your capacity to help feed into the next person who might be able to do something more than you can do as well?
Josh:
I couldn’t, yeah, I couldn’t agree more Madison let’s just so, you know, it’s what we try and, um, foster through the awards to the Young Achiever Awards is how can we put out stories that just people, everyday people, you know, like you Madison, but you’re really passionate and driven and making a real difference, not only in your local community there, but wider. And he talked about having to say guests to your conference and, um, you know, I know you work with people internationally as well. And so, you know, that is so important. Just having one person, if you can make a change for one person, as you said before, um, you know, that’s so powerful. Um, yeah, so it’s just so great. Um, I wanted to ask you, it’s not really, it’s a bit of a change of topic, but I just wanted to ask you, I didn’t want to forget about, um, you know, the program that the Queensland Voices Female Leaders. Can you tell us what that’s about?
Madison:
Yeah, sure. Um, so the Queensland Voices Female Leaders was an initiative designed by fem economy and the Queensland government. So it’s in partnership with their women’s strategy. And what it was essentially was just recognizing some of the unsung female leaders around Queensland who were working to create change in the areas of equality, but also health and wellbeing of women, um, make sure that they have opportunities as following the career space. So there was a couple of different categories and for myself it was in the health and wellbeing category based on my work in mental health, but also, I mean, working to create change around sexual reproductive health and rights to my work with the Women’s Lives Young Leaders program. And it was honestly such a huge surprise to be included along that incredible list of women across Queensland. Um, but it’s all about helping to deliver on the strategy to make sure that women have a seat at the table and that they’re heard in the boardroom through to the community as well.
Um, and it was such, it was honestly such a privilege to be included in that and to have some of my work recognized. Um, but it’s just been a really positive experience because I’ve been able to meet with those other award nominees and recipients as well. And each one of them, you know, has such incredible stories to share. We recently had a meetup at QSuper who helped to sponsor the awards as well. Um, and we worked in partnership with them and just getting to hear, we went into the round table discussion from every person and they’re talking about their stories and what got them involved and just the common thread again, like what we see with young people as well. But it was just that common thread of, you know, they have realized their capacity to feed into others. Some of them have had their own mentors or wanting to be mentors to others too. Um, and just seeing, you know, those connections begin to perform from all across Queensland and some women were from regional areas, others were based in the cities as well. And just seeing those connections, being able to quick, quickly formed, I think that’s really special and it’s such a fantastic program to be involved with. I’m really honored to have received that opportunity.
Josh:
Yeah, that’s awesome. And so, you know, you’re doing all this work and correct me if I’m wrong, you’re still studying right?
Madison:
Yes
Josh:
At the Queensland University of Technology. Um, what are you studying there and kind of what are you nearly finished or are you kind of halfway through where at with that?
Madison:
Yeah, I’m in my final year at the moment. So I’m actually entering my final semester in two weeks time. So really, really excited. I’ve loved being part of the QUT community. It has been so special, I do Bachelor of Business, double major in Management and Marketing, and it’s just been a highlight experience. Honestly, being able to get involved in all aspects of community and student life on campus has been, um, just an absolute highlight. My TEDx opportunity in my first year was just incredible. It was a dream come true for me. And then just being able to be involved in all elements of student clubs and societies, student leadership development programs that they run through the mentoring programs, um, working to help more students transition into university as well as I got into my older years. Um, so yeah, it’s honestly been the best experience of the past three years and it’s going to be sad to come to an end, but I’m really looking forward to the next phase as a graduate, um, at the end of the year.
Josh:
Yeah, for sure. That’ll be yeah. New chapter. Um, but yeah, so just would be nothing to add to your list of, uh, busy things that you’ll have, you know, and speaking of, so you know between study and volunteering and, um, everything you’re doing, what do you call them do to take a bit of downtime for yourself or, you know, and, and is it, how do you find the importance of that or taking that time just to, you know, to relax a little bit and step back and recharge the batteries?
Madison:
Yeah, absolutely. I think that is so important, particularly, you know, obviously I’m very passionate about mental health as well, and that, that forms a big part of it. It’s just making sure to prioritize your own wellbeing too. I know, like I always start with people, but I have a very good schedule and I made sure that I take that take those times out during the day just to spend with family and friends, but also I have little dog called Sherlock. He’s a big part of my life, but really it’s just making sure that you, you have your priorities straight and, you know, you understand, you know, just how to balance your day about, I obviously have quite a few different commitments every day. Um, but I’m just because I am passionate about what I do. I find it really easy to reach to the end of the day they and relax as well.
Um, but I also love to do cooking and reading and writing. Um, I’m working on a book at the moment as well, so just different things like that, that I really enjoy getting to do. Um, and I, I do what I love every single day. You know, I’m so passionate about volunteering and creating these initiatives for my community. Um, so for me, a lot of the time, that’s what I like to do in my free time as well. Um, but I think it is just really important for any young person who is starting out their own journey or who was looking at, you know, even if they’re midway through there, it’s just remembering to still take time for themselves and prioritize their wellbeing. So it can be easy to burn out, particularly when you have so many competing priorities, but just maintain that focus, um, and that, you know, commitment to what you’re doing in the day really does help to make sure that that you’re staying well. And also that you can continue to do what you love.
Josh:
Yeah, for sure. Now I also think we have a shared love of Disney.
Madison:
Yes.
Josh:
All right. So what do you, what do you love, um, you know, the movies or like, what is it about you, you mentioned to me off air that, um, didn’t let you into somewhere you really want to go.
Madison:
Yes, honestly, I just, I love the magic of Disney. I think it’s so special just because it brings people together. Um, it’s just that you can just sit in, it doesn’t matter which movie it is. I think I’ve seen pretty much all of the Disney movies under the sun. Um, but it’s just, you know, that escape and that opportunity to step into that other realm. And there’s always such a such good messages as well in the movies. And I think when you’re, when you’re a kid, you kinda miss them, but as you get older, you kind of go back and you watch them and you, you, you view things differently as well. But for me, it’s just the pure magic of it. And it’s just happiness. Um, you know, personified in a, in a, in a franchise. And, you know, as I was saying to you out there that I was really keen to do a Disneyland trip, um, to celebrate my graduation at the end of the year. Unfortunately that’s on hold for a little bit, but hopefully once things settle down with COVID, I’ll be able to go into the US and do a couple of trips around that. That’d be really fun.
Josh:
Yeah. Well, as a dad of two little kids, you know, kind of been diving back into Disney, and honestly I’m just like obsessed with Disney and find myself future slate, and recently been watching the Disney documentary on the making of Frozen 2. I need to be watching this Frozen content, but no, I agree with you, the messages are really great and you know, it is something special that you can take out. I did want to ask you about any kind of words of wisdom that you wanted to share with our listeners, or if there’s anything you kind of pass on to some people that you’re mentoring yourself.
Madison:
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, the advice I would give is very simply get involved, say yes, and put yourself out there. You know, being known as a person who’s willing to be involved and to say yes to opportunities that are presented to them can really help position you as someone who is reliable, trustworthy, and dedicated to the cause that you’re passionate about. I can encourage others to become more likely to want to support, you know, the idea of saying yes to new or unknown experience can be daunting as we were discussing earlier, Josh, but more often than not, I can really help to develop you as an individual and assist you in achieving the change that you’re passionate about. And with that in mind, you know, don’t be afraid just to put yourself out there. There are so many amazing businesses and organizations in our community wanting to invest in our people. Sometimes it just takes being bold and taking that first step, typical politician or local business, you’re going to ask them, are they interested in investing in an initiative or an idea that you’re passionate about Evernote? So that’s honestly the best advice I can give to any young person out there who is listening. I’m just putting it out there. You get involved in your rate of rejection or, or the no, but do you just take every opportunity to, to make a difference and to get involved.
Josh:
And that’s spot on sometimes the hardest thing is just getting started. So you’re right. Don’t be afraid of that rejection. Um, once you experience it for the first time you realize it’s not too bad and that’s all totally worth it when you get that success. Anyway. So, you know, coming back, I guess, to the start of our chat, uh, we mentioned you were finalist last year in the leadership award and this year you’re a finalist in the seven years, Young Achiever, once again, in a different category. And that’s your Optimist International Women Empowering Others Award, um, which has all been would have heard by now is very appropriate category. So, you know, you’ve been nominated before, and I guess now you have been a finalist in 2 of the award. So what would you say to people out there who listening to this might think, Oh, I know some people I could nominate or, you know, we encourage young people to nominate themselves because you have to kind of take that step sometimes and share your message. So what would you say to people who are considering getting involved with a Young Achievement Awards?
Madison:
I just absolutely encourage everyone to nominate some deserving in your community or even yourself. You know, there are so many young people who are just doing incredible things without expecting any recognition. And the most meaningful part of this awards process is knowing that someone took the time to want to encourage your efforts. And, you know, just to keep investing in you in your ideas and the work that you’ve been doing, it’s honestly so gratifying to receive that notification that someone takes the time to go and nominate you for such a prestigious award. And regardless of what category you might be entering into, or even how far you progress, it’s just a fantastic opportunity for you as a community member to say, thank you to someone else for the work that they’re doing. And it’s, you know, you never know, it might just be that next step, that little bit of encouragement that that person needs to keep doing or to amplify their efforts even further. So it’s never a wasted opportunity. It’s honestly a fantastic thing to get involved with. Um, and I couldn’t highly recommend it enough to anyone who is considering nominating themselves or someone that they know that that’s well and truly deserving.
Josh:
That’s great Maddison. Thank you for joining us today. Really appreciate your time. Um, and the messages you’ve given us, if people want to connect with you, how can they do that?
Madison:
Uh, the easiest way is to find me on LinkedIn at Madison Birtchnell.
Josh:
Lovely and I can attest to the fact that that, uh, you start typing in Madison Birtchnell and your straightaway. Very easy to connect. Um, thank you, Madison. Again, look forward to keeping in touch. Have a good one.
Madison:
Thanks so much, Josh.
Josh:
Hope you enjoy that interview with Madison. She’s pretty inspirational I think, what about you? Join us each week as we talk to ordinary Australians, and if you’ve got someone that’s making a difference, please contact us Instagram page inspirational.australians or head to our website www.awardsaustralia.com, you can nominate them and who knows, maybe they can become a finalist like Madison. And even if they’re not a finalist, we’d love to hear their story.
Awards Australia is a family owned business that proudly aims to make a difference in the lives of Australians. We thank our corporate partners for making these awards possible. If business wants to get involved, please get in contact through our website or check out the show notes for more details. Please subscribe to the podcast, we don’t want you to miss any episodes. There’s so many Interesting Australians that we’ve got lined up and ready to speak to. Please share this episode with your network. Everyone needs an inspirational story in their life and Madison is truly a great example of that. We would greatly appreciate it if you can rate and review the podcast, we’d love to hear your thoughts and get in touch with us. See you next week stay safe and remember together, we make a difference.
Annette:
Thanks for joining us today on the inspirational Australians podcast, we hope enjoyed listening and I’ve been inspired by ordinary Australians, achieving extraordinary things. So it’s goodbye for another week. Remember together, we make a difference.
