Lanna Hill

MUM | BUSINESS COACH | COMPANY DIRECTOR | SPEAKER | PRESENTER | MC | RUNNING LOVER

How many identities do you have?

My main ones are mum, business coach, speaker & MC, and media commentator & presenter. It sounds like a lot when you say it all at once like that!

We all know you as the Business Coach Extraordinaire, but what don’t we know about Lanna Hill?

Probably lots of things! Here’s a few… I was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 5 (thankfully it’s very mild and I don’t need to be on medication anymore). As a result I was bullied quite badly in primary school, which in hindsight probably contributed to my tenacity and communication skills! Music was my first love and I spent years in choirs, and music is still a major stress release for me. I got a music scholarship to MLC and fully immersed myself in their arts programs and productions, and my dream was to study at WAAPA and end up in musical theatre, but I chickened out! Ended up studying Commerce after finishing high school, and after 10 years in the corporate world had my own personal training business before starting One Small Step. I’ve packed a lot of different experiences in which I am really thankful for - I’m the type of person that seeks change and evolution so it’s fun to have had a varied journey!

What has been the biggest life lesson you have both learnt so far?

I think most big lessons I am still learning (and hopefully we never stop), but one that sticks out for me is to look for the lesson. Leaning into challenging experiences and seeking growth is something that I have always had an appetite for, but it’s also about looking for the positive and trusting the process and the journey, rather than trying to force the arrival at a destination. I can’t say I’ve fully learnt that lesson - for an impatient personality like mine it will be a constant battle! Trusting my intuition and listening to myself is something that definitely helps (and that I should do more of, haha!). 

What do you do to “switch off”?

Well these seem to fall into healthy and less healthy categories for me! Healthy includes running (it’s like meditation for me), the beach, listening to music (the louder the better), or watching trashy TV. Less healthy includes good food, good company, champagne and a dance floor! In all seriousness though, having the balance of both is really important to me. Feeling joy, being present, having fun are all really big parts of my personality and making time to feel and connect rather than being in my head all the time is really critical to maintaining my mental and emotional wellbeing. Tapping into those more ‘feminine’ or ‘yin’ energies seems to be the key for me. 

What do you believe is your secret to success in balancing your passions and pursuits?

For me it’s about being really clear on what my goals and priorities are. I’m a huge fan of the power of goal setting in my personal and professional life, but also knowing how to prioritise my activities to make sure I’m working smarter not harder. Knowing my strengths and weaknesses is also really key, as is I think having the courage to go after the things I want. I’ve known from quite early on that I’m responsible for creating my own opportunities, rather than waiting around for them to be given to me. Not to say I haven’t had a few guardian angels along the way that have encouraged me or seen potential in me before I could, but knowing how to create your own ‘luck’ is something I really believe in.  

What’s next for Lanna Hill?

That is a very good question! I’m looking forward to doing lots more media work, launching my YouTube series and of course continuing with my coaching, speaking and MC work. I’m looking forward to growing my reach into the east coast and combining travel with my business again, now that my kids are a little bit older. I’m in a really exciting phase in my business where I’m trying not to let the pragmatic planner in me take over and get bogged down in the how - so I’m keeping myself open to all possibilities! I think it’s a really exciting time for entrepreneurship in Australia but particularly in Perth; I’m so thankful to be right in the guts of it working with my incredible clients. I’m never short on inspiration!

What advice would you give to other women out there who want to start a business but don’t know where to start?

Well of course the business coach is going to give this answer - do your homework. If you can, create a really solid, values based strategy for your business from the beginning - but better late than never! Make sure you consider all aspects of your business and really understand your market before you jump in. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help, and also don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth and networking. Connecting with others is one of the most important and sustainable things you can do to ensure the longevity of your business. And finally, try not to put yourself under too much pressure and expect it’s all going to happen overnight. Entrepreneurship is having a real ‘glamour’ moment but it is often far from it - it’s hard work, persistence and resilience. Don’t burn yourself out on the way through.