Lessons I Learn From Women #4: Cindy Kennedy "Anything Is Possible"

I'm hoping I do justice to the lovely Cindy Kennedy who I first met back in 1997 in Hamilton. Cindy was a sales rep at Radioworks Waikato and all slim and beautiful and stylish. We didn’t really have a lot to do with each other at first, and then she came to my rescue after my first real relationship ended and I was absolutely devastated.  I don’t whether I ever told Cindy but she taught me that ‘Anything Is Possible’ when I was at absolute rock bottom.  In short, Cindy kicked my ass, checked me out of 'Heartbreak Hotel' and helped me get on with it. I started to really enjoy life as a single woman in radio, in Hamilton for the first time in three years thanks to Cindy. 

We became good friends and when her relationship ended she moved into a very cool little flat on her own that was really tastefully decorated on a pretty tight budget. Lots of wine and vodka was drunk in that flat and many laughs were had and stories exchanged.  A few months later I moved to Auckland with work and we lost touch.

Fast forward to 2011 and through Facebook we regained contact and I caught up with Cindy in Wellington just before Christmas for dinner. She looked stunning and happy whilst being immaculately and stylishly groomed, whereas I had overdone it with a pink dress, heels and beat up leather jacket.

We had dinner and I listened in awe as my friend recounted her adventures of the last seven to eight years.

Cindy left NZ and moved to Sydney where she worked as a marketing rep for one of the radio stations. It wasn’t working out and so young Cindy took a punt and a job in real estate. At this stage she was counting pennies, living in a hostel-like situation and parking her beat up car around the corner so potential buyers wouldn’t see what she was driving when she was presenting Open Homes in posh suburbs. She moved up the chain fast and in her first year earned six figures, a few years later she brought her own home and last year she purchased a brand new, very sexy late model sports car.  However, despite her increasing wealth in life and success, she has the nous to stay humble and nonchalant about it all.

Cindy is now the most successful, independent self-made person I know.  This gal has had plenty of ups and downs in her life, and with Ms Cindy, it’s not how often you fall down, it’s how hard to kick your ass to get back up. Cindy works very, very hard, is an active philanthropist in many areas, is generous with her time, particular about who she spends time with and who she is friends with and most importantly, she takes time out for herself. She really looks after herself inside and out and actively attempts to be a better version of herself every day. Cindy has proven to me since I met her, that anything is possible, and even now as I struggle to find my way professionally, her words ring in my ears and I stand up and keep pushing forward. Cindy – you are an absolute inspiration, much aroha to you. 

Lessons I Learn From Women #3: Trudy Godwin "Know what you want and never give up believing you will get it."

This one is dedicated to the very beautiful Trudy Godwin. Trudy taught me to know what I want and never give up believing I will get it.  

I shall start at the beginning with the memorable introduction of Ms Trudy to Ms Tarsh.  It was Friday night, the night before Radio Awards at a waterfront bar in Auckland. Up walked Trudy looking all tall and beautiful in a top and jeans and seconds after we were introduced she leaned in and said to me, “Oops, I almost arsed over in these friggen heels, SO uncomfortable but god I love them…” and then she laughed and took one off to show me.  I was laughing with her and loved how candid and cool she was. However, I would later discover that whilst Trudy has great taste in shoes, she also possesses the smelliest feet of any woman I have ever known. Ever.

Everyone who meets Trudy – loves her instantly. She has that quality that makes you feel really important and you just want to spend as much time as possible with or around her, without it looking creepy or needy. In fact, I bumped into a guy recently who, after reminding me how we'd met, instantly asked about, “that really cool, cute brunette friend who you worked and hung out with”. Yes, after some five years of meeting Trudy, this guy still wanted to know if she was single and in town. (Trust me here Trudes, even if you were single, I would’ve lied.)

Trudy Godwin – emerald green eyes, brunette, loves rugby, Glee, working hard, laughing, High School fricken Musical, socialising, her family, friends and life in general.  She’s open and honest and she has this huge laugh that is quickly followed by a slap on the table or your arm.  There have also been the rare moments when I’ve also seen her very sad, because even this amazing woman has had her fair share of tough times, the sort of times that scar your heart and soul.  

However I have also seen (and tried to stop) her turn into a slightly cringy, wobbly mess in front of one All Black called Conrad Smith. I’m PRETTY sure she never practiced his surname after her first name, but it was getting close.

But it’s the lesson I learnt from Trudy that motivates me constantly and I doubt she even knows it.  We would often sit at an outside table, sipping our respective white wines in front of Hummingbird in Wellington, telling each other and the universe what we REALLY wanted to do. I wanted to volunteer at Mother Teresa’s house in Calcutta and Trudy wanted to give it all up, move back to Hawkes Bay, live a rural life on her own or with someone, and if it happens, meet a great guy.

Well I’m saving to get to India this year, and almost two years ago after moving back to Hawkes Bay, and purely by coincidence, Ms Trudy met Mr Simon who makes her laugh, warmed her heart....and owns a farm.  Now, doesn’t that just make you smile and feel good? That, ladies and gentleman, is exactly how it feels to know the very wonderful Trudy Godwin. “Know what you want, and never give up on believing you will get it”.