Karla Borland

If we look back at your time at school, when did you attend PLC Sydney, and what did you plan to do after school?

I attended PLC Sydney from 1990 to 1995, and when I left, I was interested in studying law or commerce.

Please briefly tell us what you did after finishing school?

After finishing school, I took a year off to be a bit wild and then completed my Bachelors of Commerce at the University of Sydney. After which, my first job was at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a tax consultant (not so wild).

What does a typical "work" day look like for you?

Each day can be incredibly varied. I will either be working out of a co-working space with my Head of Operations, the road meeting current or prospective clients, or working from home. As a business owner, you have to wear all hats, so I try to allocate my day to current clients, staffing, admin, and marketing.

What has been the proudest moment in your life so far?

Apart from my three beautiful kids (with a pair of twins in there), I would say it was the day my business could pay me a salary. It is a long journey building a business from scratch. It’s certainly a moment when you build it to a point where the revenue can support your staff, operating costs, and finally yourself.

Could you tell us about a mistake you have made and what did you learn from that mistake?

When I think of the mistakes I’ve made when running my business, which may have cost the business or delayed growth, I wouldn’t change those decisions. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and the opportunity for success. Through these mistakes, you create a stronger foundation for any business whilst further improving your personal development.

What's the most significant piece of advice you've received, and who shared it with you?

I listen to a lot of podcasts of influential founders who have created successful businesses, and the one that has stuck with me was that of James Dyson, who founded Dyson vacuum cleaners. He said, “Everyone gets knocked back; no one rises smoothly to the top without hindrance. The ones who succeed are those who say, right, let’s give it another go.” I have had many moments when I thought of quitting, but these words stayed with me, which pushed me to forge ahead.

If you could travel back in time, what would you say to your younger self at the age of 20 or 30?

Take more notice of the opportunities you thrive in.

What tools or activities do you go to for inspiration and balance?

I love listening to music as one of my little side hobbies is djing; walking is the best to clear my mind, and my favourite podcast is ‘How I Built This' by Guy Raz for inspiration.

How has your education at PLC Sydney shaped the person you are today?

PLC develops your mindset and skills to build a strong social and academic competence. That social competence plays a vital role in everything you do, from how you treat people to how you collaborate and connect.

Please share some of your most vivid, favourite or amusing memories from school.

For the Harper House Concert in Year 12, I dressed up as Michael Jackson, and for the Year 12 Muck Up Day, I dressed up as our maths teacher who loved sandals with socks. Of course, the great friendships.

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