Hi, all :)

 
 
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What advice do you have for striking a work/life balance?
In the first lockdown, I decided I needed office space, and that really helped with my work/life balance. I was able to walk away from work, and home became home again. Recently I haven't had a space, and I really notice the difference. Aside from physical space, I have worked with a coach over the last six months, specifically on boundaries, which means I now hold these close. I set out my working agreements whenever I start working with a client to keep out-of-hours communication at bay etc. This boundary work has been key for me!
 
What anxieties, if any, do you hold about your life/career? And how do you deal with them?
When I started coaching and launching my wellbeing community, I struggled with imposter syndrome. I was inspired by so many incredible teachers, healers and guides in my life that there were times when I really doubted if I could create as much impact as they could. I realised again through coaching and my own continuous development that my self-worth needed to be top of the agenda. And to see that if I always came from a place of authenticity, I would always succeed. Just be yourself!
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How do you deal with procrastination?
I get outside or step away from my laptop. I work by setting my own deadlines. This means I can factor in procrastination time because I know it is inevitable. But it takes away the tie pressure for procrastination to end because sometimes it can go on for a few days!
 
Working on multiple projects at a time gives me a lot of variety, so this helps. I find going for a drive really helps my mind settle.
 
What do you consider your biggest failure? And how did you persevere and grow from the experience?
I don't know if I would call it a failure now, but closing the subscription box side of WILDWOMAN was definitely a huge challenge. I struggled with the shame of not being able to keep the business afloat, and at the time, I definitely felt like I had failed. It sounds a little cliche, but time helped me grow. I fully sat in the experience. I fully embraced that this was just the universe guiding me somewhere else, and I never doubted there wouldn't be something else around the corner. It was that faith that got me through 100%.
 
When working on a new project, how do you overcome self-doubt and fear?
I've done a lot of work on self-worth, self-love and commitment over the years, and I have a whole little toolkit of methods and modalities that help me when I am living in fear. I think it makes us human, and fear sits in our growth zone which is a magical place to be when you are on any journey. So I think having a little bit of fear is a good thing. The key is to keep that fear smaller than the desire to create.
 
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Do you have any rituals that help with your work or mental health?
I love reading and am a huge advocate of uninterrupted time for you. Some call it self-care - I think this term is now becoming very commercialised. But it's not just about the stuff' we do. It's about the way we feel about ourselves. It's giving ourselves time to be bored, to sit, to reconnect. It's about feeling like we have space physically, emotionally, and energetically. It's about creating environments that allow us to be who we are. That whole piece of work on self-commitment is something I have been journeying through, and so now, holding those boundaries in place, taking time out, putting my phone on aeroplane mode etc. - they are all things I do to look after me.
 
Can you recommend any resources that have helped you in your career?
I absolutely recommend working with a coach. This has been extremely valuable for me. I've worked with different coaches in different ways throughout my career, and each one has been valuable. I would also say finding a network of friends who get it will be key to your success. Go along to networking events that actually sound fun, reach out to people on Instagram. These friends will be there for you when the doubt kicks in, as much as when you are celebrating a big win!
 
What's the best and worst advice you've ever been given?
Best advice - done is better than perfect. As a serial perfectionist in a past life, I know that my own expectations are super high. And sometimes too high. Sometimes that cherry doesn't really need to be placed on top of the cupcake if the cupcake itself is already beautiful, you know?
 
Worst advice - fail fast. I'm not a fan of this advice because it sets you up to fail before you even begin! Running your own business is hard work, and if you thought you would fail from the word go - you wouldn't start. So anything that encourages failure is not my vibe!
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Are there any misconceptions about what you do that you'd like to dispel or clarify?
That years of experience and certifications will get you going. It's about the desire to start. The confidence and conviction to say, 'I'm starting this business today,' will get you off the ground. Certificates, training courses and accolades are very valuable, BUT they won't be the thing you need to launch your service or product into the world. Actually doing that is the biggest step to take. I think lots of people (myself included once upon a time!) think you have this tick list of things to do or have before you begin. That's differently a misconception.
 
How do you navigate social media? Any rules or guidelines you set for yourself?
As an advocate of protecting my health in all areas - spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically I use social media in a way that empowers me and inspires me. I have a do not disturb set up on my phone a lot of the time so that I am not distracted. I mute or unfollow accounts that make me question myself or my choices, and I set a time limit on Instagram - because we all know how easy it is to get caught in that spiral! I think it's human and very normal for us all, but we can hold ourselves accountable to get ourselves out when we want to, not when the app decides we can or can't, you know?
 
If you could distil it down to three key messages, what do you hope people learn/take away from what you do?
- The biggest commitment you can make in life is the commitment you make to yourself.
- If an idea is keeping you awake at night, get a massive sheet of paper and brainstorm it out. That's how the best dreams come alive.
- It is possible to build a life that matches your energy. Your authenticity. Your experience. Your freedom. And it doesn't have to look like what everyone else is up to. Embrace who YOU are and create your own normal. Then totally OWN that!
 
List five things keeping you inspired right now.
It has to be five books that have created the most impact for me:

L+A xx

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NOMINATED:
Aiste Saulyte
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Personal brand photographer and mentor
 
 

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