S4, Ep6 – In conversation with Lily Worcester
28 March 2024
Dr Reena welcomes you back to the Life & Smile podcast for our latest season four episode recorded in central London at our Harley Street recording studio.
In this episode, we are joined by Lily Worcester, a leading figure in the media and magazine industry. Lily has built an impressive career through her passion for beauty and lifestyle journalism. She began her journey as Deputy Beauty and Lifestyle Editor at ES Magazine, where she then went on to become the Beauty and Lifestyle Editor at Tatler.
Lily is now a writer, editor and creative consultant in addition to serving as Beauty Editor at Large for @hellofashion_uk, where she continues to influence the beauty and fashion landscape with her expert insights. Her extensive experience and dynamic approach bring valuable depth to the conversation on the Life & Smile podcast – discover in full.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Dr Reena opens the show by warmly welcoming Lily, who enthusiastically shares her deep-rooted passion for the industry—a passion that runs in her family, with both her mother and grandmother having built careers in fashion. From a young age, Lily knew she wanted to be part of this dynamic world. By the time she reached university, her focus had sharpened considerably, and she was determined to forge a path within the magazine industry.
Lily’s early career was marked by ambition, as she discusses she secured a series of highly coveted internships with prestigious publications including Harper’s Bazaar, Brides, and NAP. These experiences provided invaluable insight into the inner workings of the industry and helped her build an impressive foundation. One of the most memorable milestones for Lily was seeing her name in print for the very first time—a moment she describes as pivotal and deeply affirming, cementing her desire to pursue journalism and editorial work.
Fast-forward to her former role as Beauty and Lifestyle Editor for Tatler, which Lily looks back on with great fondness. She enjoyed the diversity of topics she covered and the creative freedom the position offered. The variety kept her work fresh and exciting, allowing her to explore everything from emerging beauty trends to lifestyle innovations, all while engaging a sophisticated readership.
When discussing what it takes to succeed in today’s fiercely competitive media landscape, Lily stresses the importance of genuine passion and relentless drive. In an industry saturated with talent, she believes it’s easy to distinguish those who are truly dedicated from those who aren’t. For her, the key is to maintain momentum, stay authentic, and not be afraid to embrace the moment as it unfolds. “It’s about giving it your all every day and living fully in the now,” she explains.
Lily also reflects on the dramatic evolution of the commercial and editorial worlds over the past decade. The rise of digital media and the demand for instant news and rapid content delivery have transformed how magazines operate. Lily’s own career has uniquely positioned her to experience this shift firsthand, having transitioned from working at a weekly publication to a monthly magazine. This change has altered her workflow and deadlines, requiring a more measured pace.
When asked about her proudest moments, Lily is quick to highlight her time at what was then ‘Vogue House’ which had always been one of her ultimate professional aspirations.
On a more personal note, Lily describes her day-to-day routine as anything but predictable. She surrounds herself with a vibrant and inspiring network of women who continuously motivate and challenge her. This support system, combined with her passion for her work, helps her navigate the often-unpredictable nature of her job. “The only predictable thing about my week is that it’s going to be unpredictable,” she laughs, highlighting the excitement that keep her engaged and inspired.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Never underestimate the power of hard work.
Be authentic and let your genuine passion and love for what you do shine through.
You don’t need the highest qualifications—what matters most is your drive and commitment.
Live in the moment and trust that things will work out. Sometimes, taking life one day at a time is the best approach.
Each year you spend in the industry brings new excitement and deeper curiosity.
In the beauty industry, learning never stops. With advancing technology, there’s always something new to discover.
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Previous episodes
S5, Ep2 – In conversation with Jo Ellison
Welcoming you back to our fifth season of Life & Smile. In this episode, Dr Reena is joined by Jo Ellison – as Deputy Editor of Financial Times Weekend and the Editor of FT How to Spend It, Jo is widely renowned as one of the most prominent figures in the world of media and magazines.
S3, Ep4 – In conversation with Peony Lim
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