Name: Sarah Wilson
Age: 34
Occupation: Journalist, author and trend consultant

Sarah Wilson describes herself as tall, highly strung and has worn glasses since the age of four. Sarah was the editor of the world's leading women's mag Cosmopolitan for four years and, "Had the wildest time putting together a magazine about and for women who want to make their life as good as it can be."

She is now writing a book, about what is "cool" (how cool is that?!) and is an opinion columnist for Sydney's The Daily Telegraph. She is inspired by great conversations with people who are honest and give as much of their heart and mind as they can. She loves mountain bike riding, surfing, eating pears and dark chocolate and dancing in her apartment…on her own…at odd hours.

Who was your role model/s when you were a teen?
I admired various female journalists - I wanted to ask as many questions as they did in a way that made their subjects want to open up.

How did your role model/s help you?
A few of them inspired me to read various books about writing and to learn more about how people tick and what matters in life.

What role or influence do you think role models have?
A good role model will share their story - how they got where they did and the obstacles they had to overcome. The greatest achievements generally stem from lessons learnt during tough times. I've always loved learning about how people deal with their lows…it reminds us all we're not alone in our pain.

What were some of the issues you faced as a teen?
Wow! I found it tough being a teenager. I lived in the country and came from a big family that was a little alternative. I was bullied badly for this and for my overall awkwardness. I preferred the company of people older than me and didn't really fit in with friendship groups at school. I also battled a bunch of anxiety problems, including insomnia.

How did you overcome these issues?
I focused on school work, which wasn't the healthiest way to go about things, but it did help build my self esteem. With my anxiety problems, over time I learnt to talk to people about it. Through my discussions, other people opened up and help me with advice. The greatest break-throughs with my anxiety have come from people suggesting a book, a technique, a mantra or a practitioner

What do you remember most about being a teen?
Food cravings and writing in my journal.

What qualities do you think you possess that has helped you succeed in your chosen field?
Tenacity and an ability to dive in the deep end when things aren't moving forward. Also, a genuine interest in trends, people, social behaviour.

Outside of career success, what is it that you are most proud of?
That I can ride up mountains on a bike. And I can talk to anyone and connect.

Your advice to youths about realising their own potential….
I have a saying: "where the mind goes, the energy flows". Keep your goal active and alive and things will naturally steer themselves there…

Do you undertake activities to help others/community?
I am an ambassador with Sister 2 Sister, a program helping disadvantaged teens and I'm working on a project called Agents for Change that teaches young people about meditation and truth.

When it comes to how you live your life, what are the most important factors/values?
I believe most obstacles or arguments or problems stem from within. A disagreement with a friend is usually a reflection of crap going on within you. Don't expect the world to change for you…change yourself. But be gentle and accepting.

Why do you think you make a good role model?
A hard one! I think I've always endeavoured to stick to my principles and be as true as I can. It's landed me in strife at times, but ultimately it's served the world better.