Rose Cocchiaro, founder and executive director of Resolve Divorce law firm, shares how she best lives her life.
What does your idea of the perfect day look like?
The perfect day involves reflection, movement, sunshine, good people, good food and a wine or two.
It starts early. Coffee first, deep brain thinking time and writing or journalling followed by movement. Either, a hike, pilates (hot) or a walk. Then, sunshine. Always sunshine. And a good book, usually something that inspires and energises me like a business book or one on self-development or leadership; I love to learn. And time with people I love. Laughter that gets loud and messy.
I love good food. I was raised in a big Italian family, so food and togetherness go hand-in-hand for me. A wholesome family dinner with my entire extended family, maybe at the river after a day on the waterskiis or a fancy restaurant in an exotic location, I’ll take either. Oh, and I need a wine or cocktail in hand. My faves are a chablis or a negroni.
What is a wonderful moment of kindness you have experienced?
Earlier this year I travelled to Nepal as part of Katrina Webb’s New Day leadership program. I brought my mum, friends and clients with me. Being there, grounded and inspired, I felt gratitude in my bones. No titles. No decisions. Just space, freedom and perspective.
The kindness moved in every direction. From the people we met, the clients who trusted us enough to come and from seeing the impact of doing something brave and meaningful rather than safe and expected.
What surprised me most was how deeply it affected me. Promoting the program felt like a risk. But it paid off in ways I couldn’t have predicted. It reminded me why the work we do matters and why bold decisions, made with the right intention, can change lives. Including your own. That was kindness to me. Katrina understood what I needed before I did. She gave me the space to give.
What is your favourite photograph?
A photo of Mum and me at the top of a mountain in Nepal. She was the eldest in the group and the first to reach the summit – we nicknamed her “The Rabbit”. That moment defines so much for me. Family. Achievement. Never being “too old”. Aiming high. Being proud of your parents. She taught me to aim higher, work harder, never give up, never shrink for anyone and to build a career that matters. Watching her stand there, strong and smiling, so proud of herself, was life-defining for both of us. I’ll never forget it.
If you could own any piece of art, what would it be?
Andy Warhol. Bold. Modern. Boundary-breaking. A little disruptive. That energy inspires how I run my business not doing things because “that’s how it’s always been done”, but because they matter. Because they work. Because they’re human.
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Here’s $500. You have to spend it in the next hour – what are you buying?
A dinner out where everyone sits, eats, laughs and connects. If there’s change left over maybe… actually there wont be – my family is too big and has expensive taste.
A restaurant in SA you’d recommend?
Yakisan. We had our Christmas party there and Nate and the team looked after us beautifully. Great food. Great energy. It felt generous which is my favourite kind of hospitality.
What was the last film or TV show you watched?
Champagne Problems. I love a rom-com. I could watch them all day (ironic, I know). I liked it because it respects that everyone has problems in their own lives, no matter how privileged they are. In our work, we see that daily. Pain shouldn’t be compared it should be supported. And happiness should still be allowed.
Favourite way to unwind?
Movement. Outdoors. Fresh air. Then good food, good company and laughter that goes too far.
Last book you read?
The Summer I Turned Pretty. One of my team bought it for me for Christmas, which says they know me very well.
Last song you listened to?
An 80s playlist, getting ready for my 15-year-old’s birthday party tonight.
There will be 25 neon-clad teenagers screaming in my house.
Wish me luck.
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