Mining tax, Star Wars, opera & more: Q&A with Sky News presenter and DOC15 MC, Julia Wood

Julia Wood is no stranger to confrontation. One of her first assignments as a young reporter was to cover a rally in WA opposing the new mining tax. Since then she has had a successful career as a journalist and sky news presenter and next week will be the Mistress of Ceremony at the annual SuperRatings and Lonsec Day of Confrontation (DOC). Julia tells Industry Moves about her career highlight, first job and hidden talent, and reveals why an assurance from DOC founder Jeff Bresnahan might lead to some very interesting conference Q&As.

What are you looking forward to most about MCing the Day of Confrontation?

The chance to meet and speak with some truly interesting and inspirational people. That, and the fact that Jeff has assured me no interview question is "too confrontational"!

How have your previous roles prepared you for this role?

Part of what I love about being a business journalist is that it puts you in contact with people who are at the top of their game and living their passion. The Day of Confrontation will be a wonderful opportunity to get great insights into a very eclectic group of people from diverse industries who are all extremely passionate about what they do.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Meeting the legendary George Lucas at the opening of The Sandcrawler building in Singapore. I am a big Star Wars fan.

...and the most confrontational topic you've covered as a journalist?

Definitely the introduction of the Mining Tax. At the time, I was a young reporter at the very start of my two-year assignment to Western Australia. One of my first major stories was covering that iconic rally where Australia's richest woman, Gina Rinehart, took the stage shouting "axe the tax!". It doesn't get much more confrontational than that! Over the months that passed, I became an expert on the tax and spoke with many miners who were vehemently against it. It was a very interesting time to be working as a business journalist in Perth.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

When you're at a great height, don't look down. It's one that works both literally and figuratively.

Who do you most admire and how have they influenced your life/work?

Definitely my mother. When she worked as a lawyer in Adelaide, she was responsible for drafting the first equal pay legislation for women in Australia. Growing up in a household with such an incredibly strong and intelligent woman made me question everything. I wouldn't be who I am or where I am without her.

What was your very first job?

From the age of 13-15 I worked as a 'Saturday girl' for my local hairdressing salon, sweeping hair and making coffee. I made $35 a day, cash in hand. I don't think they realised how young I was!

Where did you grow up?

By the age of 6, I had lived in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney! I like to think my formative years were spent toggling between Sydney and Byron Bay. We spent every school holiday there when I was growing up. I now live in Bondi because I got so used to having sand between my toes.

Do you have a secret skill/hidden talent?

I trained as an opera singer. Don't ask me to try my hand at it now though!

Is there a particular charity or cause that you support?

I am a passionate lover of animals. World Animal Protection is an organisation I am particularly supportive of as it seeks to stop the exploitation of animals for the enjoyment of tourists.

This year's conference is being held at The Four Seasons, Sydney on Tuesday October 13. The theme is The Age of Entitlement is Dead! Read all about it on the DOC15 website.