S2, Ep8 – In conversation with Paula Lester
18 November 2022
Renowned for her work as Managing Editor & Features Editor at Country Life magazine and appearing on the likes of BBC Breakfast as a voice of true industry authority, Paula Lester joins Dr Reena in conversation to give us the full behind-the-scenes access to her city and country lifestyle combined.
Discussing how she has personally embraced sustainability, advice to her younger self, and how the media landscape has developed dramatically with the demand for instant news accessibility, Paula ensures this episode provides an insider insight of how dedicated hard work and building strong professional relationships can support you with achieving success
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Paula began the episode by sharing that she is a country girl at heart and the daughter of a gamekeeper. The countryside has always been at the centre of her life, and she has a deep love for it. Despite being very shy as a child and at school, Paula harboured a strong passion for writing. However, early on, she convinced herself that a career in journalism was out of reach. She believed the media industry was filled with hard-nosed individuals who weren’t very pleasant to work with.
But after completing a work experience placement at her local paper, Paula quickly realised this stereotype wasn’t true. She was deeply inspired by the experience and decided to pursue a degree in journalism. The program, a newly established course at the time, was taught by working journalists, and the practical, hands-on approach made a huge difference to Paula’s development.
Initially, Paula focused on crime reporting, learning the ropes from the ground up. This eventually led her to write for more countryside-focused publications, allowing her to combine her interests. Her role at Horse & Hound eventually led to an opportunity at Country Life, where the same editor who had hired her previously at Horse & Hound brought her on board. Paula emphasised the importance of building strong relationships throughout your career, as you never know when those connections will come full circle.
When Dr Reena asked Paula what advice she would give her younger self, Paula responded, “Don’t worry so much. Time and experience will give you confidence in yourself.”
Sustainability has become an area of key interest for Paula, and she shared that about four or five years ago, Country Life began publishing an annual sustainability issue. The first cover featured an image of a bee on a flower with the headline, “It’s not too late.” The magazine featured practical sustainability tips, which resonated deeply with readers because of how relatable the advice was. Today, around 40,000 people read Country Life each week, with that number far exceeding due to the magazine’s shareability. The 30,000 subscribers now receive paper packaging instead of plastic, a change driven by reader demand for more sustainable options.
Paula described numerous “pinch me” moments in her career, including working with key members of the Royal Family. Notably, Country Life has published two guest editions with The King, and Paula pointed out with a laugh how The Queen Consort’s edition outsold her husband’s!
When Dr Reena asked about Paula’s daily life, Paula opened up about her routine. She oversees each issue mostly from her home with Paula managing her fast-paced work life with the help of technology that keeps her connected with colleagues. A unique aspect of her role is her preference for working with freelance journalists. Paula believes that building strong relationships within the industry is vital, and her editing style, while firm, is always kind and respectful.
When it comes to essentials, Paula is never without her weekly diary (which we saw was packed to the brim during the interview), a pen, and her phone. She shared a humorous anecdote: “I once went to an interview with a photographer and didn’t have a pen on me. He’s never let me live it down!” Paula is also a self-confessed beauty enthusiast. “When I was studying in London, I used to temp for Estée Lauder,” she explained. The Jones Road Miracle Balm and Beauty Pie’s powder are always within arm’s reach.
Paula regularly commutes to London for work, with a 1.5-hour train ride to her office near Paddington. She uses this time productively, managing projects and staying on top of work. When Dr Reena asked about Paula’s favourite magazine features, Paula instantly replied, “I love interviewing people. I’ve been fortunate to meet so many incredible individuals, like Jeremy Clarkson. His career is fascinating because it’s so different from mine.”
Ultimately, Dr Reena concluded, it’s the career of a once-shy girl from Dorset that is now one not to be underestimated.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Being a journalist isn’t about you; it’s about telling someone else’s story. It’s about portraying their experiences with kindness and accuracy because it happened to them, not you.
You never know who you’ll meet again along the way. Focus on building strong, long-term relationships. Always treat people with respect, whether you’re on the way up or down.
Developing a 360-degree experience in your chosen craft is essential for growth and mastery.
“Don’t worry so much” is often the advice you’d give to your younger self.
As an editor, you never just write a story and walk away. You’ll meet the people behind the stories many times over, so attention to detail and ensuring their happiness is key.
When it comes to sustainability, remember: if everyone plays their part, the collective impact can be significant.
Treat others with kindness and respect, and you’ll go far.
Own up to your mistakes. Perfection isn’t always possible, and honesty is more important.
Believe in yourself, and you can achieve anything.
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