Interview with Adriana Hartcher (Director)

From the time she was little, Adriana Hartcher, Director, has been brimming with energy for life. The youngest of five and now a mum of two, she channels that energy into everything she does – at work, at home, and in giving back to her community. Fuelled by both her passion and a daily cappuccino (she swears it’s in her DNA thanks to her Italian roots), Adriana is truly a force to be reckoned with. A lawyer by trade, she’s not one to lose an argument – so when it came to the great Australian vs Italian coffee debate, we wisely stayed neutral and instead turned our questions to learning more about her story.

Question 1: Why did you join commonkind?

Commonkind reflects my belief in the power of community service. As a parent, I’m committed to raising children who understand that giving back – through volunteering and acts of kindness – teaches us gratitude for the opportunities we have here in Australia. I believe that instilling a sense of service and appreciation in young people is essential to building a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Question 2: What were you like as a child?

Being the youngest of 5, if you ask my siblings I’m sure they’d be quick to respond cheeky and annoying! I’d like to think that I was kind, considerate and most of all happy!

Question 3: What was your first volunteering experience?

My earliest memories include helping Mum and Dad at the local primary school working bee – the usual stuff like cleaning the school grounds, mowing lawns, trimming trees and pulling weeds.

Question 4: What has been your most memorable volunteering experience?

A ride along in a Vinnies van handing food out on a Saturday night when I was at Uni. It opened my eyes up to how many people out there were (and are) doing it tough – rather than spending my night watching the footy with friends I was introduced to a totally different side of the city night life.

Question 5: What’s the very first job you had (that’s not on your LinkedIn profile) and what did you learn from the experience?

My first job was as a sales assistant in a women’s clothing store, where I quickly learned the value of empathy and perspective. I saw firsthand how some families struggled to make ends meet – sometimes resorting to desperate measures like using their own kids in an attempt to shoplift. That experience made me grateful for the opportunities I had growing up and reinforced my belief in fairness, dignity, and the importance of supporting others with compassion.

Question 6: What do you do for fun?

Open water swimming has become a regular ritual – shared with a group of like-minded women who bring laughter, strength, and a sense of adventure to every swim. We dive into the unknown together, often laughing at ourselves as we navigate the ever-changing tides, winds, and moods of the ocean. Surrounded by natural beauty, it’s a grounding experience that reminds us of the power of connection, resilience, and joy – even in the face of challenge.

Question 7: What motivates you?

My children are my greatest source of motivation. They inspire me to stay grounded and to strive for a better future. Through their eyes, I’m reminded daily of the importance of kindness, resilience, and responsibility. They push me to be the best version of myself and to model the values I hope they carry forward: compassion, integrity, and a commitment to giving back.

Question 8: How do you practice self-compassion?

By celebrating the small wins, I focus on the effort rather than just the outcome. I take time to acknowledge progress – even when it’s slow or imperfect – because it’s the journey that shapes us, not just the destination.

Question 9: If you could give children and young people one piece of advice, what would it be? 

Just like my thoughts on self-compassion, I think the biggest learning I’ve had is that life is about the journey, not just the destination and most importantly – mistakes are part of that journey – and part of how we grow. Every time you stumble or get something wrong, you’re learning how to do better next time. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Instead, see them as opportunities to learn, reflect, and keep moving forward. What matters most is having the courage to try, to grow, and to keep going.

Question 10: What is your most used emoji?

Learn even more about Adriana and other members of the commonkind team here.