Dayle Haddon: author, activist, L’Oréal spokesperson

How have your motivations changed through your life stages?

I find that every age has gifts to give us. I’m convinced that when you get to mid-life, you become more reflective. I find I am more tranquil. There’s less to prove and we move through life more gracefully. Because I have been given so much, I want to use the wisdom, knowledge and understanding I have gained to help others. And if my ‘celebrity’ helps with this, that’s a bonus.

What is your role as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF?

One of my favourite five principles of ageless living is that of ‘staying connected’. All of this led me to become a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, which has taken me across Africa reporting on atrocities committed against Congolese women, and interviewing women in IDP camps in Darfur, as well as spending time in Angola. I also attend events at the UN, and report and write for CNN, CNNI and CNN.com. During my travels I have seen how many women ‘fall through the cracks’. This then motivated me to establish my not-for-profit ‘WomenOne’, to help – one by one – women in developing countries through outreach and micro-finance.

Four generations of Haddons

I am a small part in a bigger story, and I try to see us as one. I can claim even-handedness, a lot of humour, understanding of human nature and most of all, I see the world in a positive light. Even though challenges don’t feel so good at the time, I will always find something positive in it; learn from it. Each of us is here for our own particular lesson. We’re not here for a free ride.

What is your favourite career highlight?

Coming back after 40. I’d been told I was over the hill. It was like having a second career, and much sweeter this time.

(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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