Wonderful Women Interview with Founder of The Body Image Movement, Taryn Brumfitt

Taryn Brumfitt is an internationally recognised keynote speaker and the fiercely passionate thought leader behind The Body Image Movement.

Best-selling author and director of the inspiring social-change documentary Embrace, Taryn’s global crusade to end the body dissatisfaction epidemic has seen her recognised by the United Nations Women, Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls and the Geena Davis Institute.

Whether motivating the next generation at Google HQ or becoming General Electrics’ highest rated speaker, Taryn’s determination to shift the way the world thinks about themselves and their bodies has the support of high profile personalities including Rosie O’Donnell, Ricki Lake and Ashton Kutcher who famously praised her activism as being, “good for the world.”

Named alongside Beyonce and Emma Watson in Germany’s Brigitte magazine’s ‘Woman of The Year’, Taryn’s positively infectious voice and powerful message has reached over 100 million people via the likes of the L.A Times, Washington Post, The Doctors, Good Morning America and The Today Show.

She loves dancing like no one is watching (even when people are, especially Ellen Degeneres), channelling her inner child at the skate park with her kids and sharing a joyful life with her hubby in her hometown of Adelaide, Australia … oh, she’s also partial to a particular pair of pink and orange glasses!

 

Describe a typical day for you?

I’m not sure if any day is typical. Because my job is global I am working across multiple time zones so it feels like there is no beginning or end to my days, which keeps me on my toes for sure! I spend most of my time communicating with people, whether it be on stage presenting, or on TV or through social media. One thing that is always consistent in my day is cuddles with my three children!

 

What do you feel are your biggest achievements?

I feel like my biggest achievements are the moments when I’ve done things that I thought would’ve been impossible only a few short years ago. For example, Directing one of the worlds most successful documentaries and having zero experience in the film industry! Writing a number one best selling book when English was my worst subject and I was a High School drop out. Being invited to speak to the leadership team at Google Headquarters in Silicon Valley when there was a time that I was so paralysed by public speaking I could barely raise my hand.

Oh and of course having 3 children under 3.5 years and breastfeeding 4000 meals to those three children, that’s a pretty big achievement!!

 

What’s in your handbag/ satchel?

An apple core, a handful of plane tickets, too many headphones, my sister’s Birthday card from last month (s***!) and about 10 bottles of essential oils.

 

What are your ambitions in life?

To create a global movement of positive change for millions of people across the world.
To stop biting my nails.

 

What do you wish you’d known at the start of your career you now know?

That showing vulnerability isn’t a weakness, that strong leadership can be led from the heart and not everything is black and white!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Oh I never think that far ahead! At best I work a year in advance! This time next year I hope to be sitting on a beach, drinking a mojito!

 

What advice would you give a budding global leader/influencer?

When you have something to say that has the potential to positively impact another persons’ life, you have to find a way to say it. Whether you write it, say it, perform it, sing it or dance it, it doesn’t matter as long as you don’t keep that precious gift just for yourself. When I learned to love my body it was like winning the golden ticket, I wanted every woman on the planet to experience the same joy and freedom.

And back yourself! Be your own best friend, be kind, practice self love, and self care, when in doubt be generous. Be confident and proud but it is as equally important to be humble and down to earth. Give, give, give… give more than you take and always remember, as a leader, you are serving people – not the other way round!

 

What do you wish you’d known about motherhood before having kids?

I wish someone had sat me down and said these three things:

1. That you will NEVER get your body back and nor should you try.
2. Your body is not an ornament, it is the vehicle to your dreams.
3. It is not the sole purpose of your life to be at war with your body.

 

8. Finally, happiness is…

Watching my kids play sport, laying on a beanbag at the park, sleeping in, having my Mum come over and wash all of my delicate hand washing, finishing a run and swimming in the ocean!

 

The Body Image Movement has just launched Embrace: The Union Project in the UK. This is an opportunity for 2,000 people to purchase a public licence to screen Embrace, the life-changing social impact documentary that explores the serious issue of body image. In doing so, they will contribute to a greater legacy for the next generation – vital body image education. When this enormous vision is achieved, the Body Image Movement will create the Embrace Education Study Guide and make it accessible to every secondary school across the UK for FREE! This resource supports teachers to foster positive body image in the classroom. Join Embrace: The Union Project Here: https://bodyimagemovement.com/embracetheunionproject/

 

Pin It!