Don’t let the light hearted approach to life that weaves itself through her five books, Funny Mummy column and media appearances fool you, this is a woman who knows what she is doing. Her mind is keen and she goes from topic to topic quickly and efficiently with little pause. 

Born in Toronto of English parents Kathy Buckworth’s childhood was kept on a traditional and loving course by stay-at-home mom and a dad whose business often found him travelling. 

Today with her latest book about to be released you will find her still well grounded. Family, a strong sense of self and the importance of good friends balance out her businesslike persona. Kathy describes herself as very social, her network of girlfriends are important to her. In keeping with the true Buckworth style she has maintained ties with her corporate friends, enjoys evenings with the neighbourhood ladies and is entrenched with the moms that she knows through her children.

Kathy is in her sixth year of volunteering for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. While she gives a lot of time and experience to the organization Kathy admits that she gets a lot back. Not to mention it continues an appreciation for the classical music that she grew up with.

What makes this prize winning author and humorist turn serious? Speaking on topics around children, women’s issues, self-confidence and finding one’s passion. She has wrestled with her own guilts and now moves forward with everything that is important to her which includes making sure there is time to read, work out, enjoy a pedicure and a glass of Pinot Grigio.

It comes as no surprise that Buckworth writes fresh goals for herself each year. So what is on the list for 2010? “This year I'm focusing on expanding my social media knowledge, both for my own and corporate consulting purposes…and starting work on book #6.”

Her corporate background equates to her being comfortable with endorsements but she states unequivocally that there are no grey areas as she has to believe in the product. She recently completed a five city US tour with RIM (creators of the Blackberry) and Verizon. She swept through Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Bridgewater (New Jersey) promoting The Blackberry Diaries. Kathy is currently taking part in the Social Media Moms Celebration at Walt Disney World and she will keep her followers updated on that through her Twitter page.    

I wound down our interview with two of my favorite questions

Which countries do you dream of visiting one day? “I would love to go to Italy and Monte Carlo.  For the food, the setting, the history…all of it”. Relaxing on a beach is not part of her itinerary.

What books are currently on her bedside table? “Finger Licking Fifteen by Janet Evanovich . I also picked up a copy of Paul Quarrington's "King Leary" for my next read. I attended a seminar once on scriptwriting, by Paul, and he was so great. I felt the need to read this after hearing of his passing.”

With writers like Nora Ephron and Dorothy Parker as her mentors Kathy Buckworth is not yet at the pinnacle of her career. While we joked about her writing a ‘Super-Grandma’ book I have  no doubt that will only be a small part of what she will write and speak about in the years to come.