S5, Ep2 – In conversation with Jo Ellison
6 September 2024
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.
Listen now as Jo takes us behind the scenes of how she makes it work on a daily basis, career advice for those just starting out in the industry and, of course, reveals those items that she can’t live without…
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Jo started the show by giving us insider insight into how she first became involved in journalism, how she moved to Ireland after falling in love, and how her career brought her back to the capital, where The Independent and British Vogue came calling.
Persistence is key; being able to follow up at least three times is essential. It’s all about making at least an impression on that person. It’s always worth putting your hand up, and Jo admits this is often easier when you are younger, as you’re not as afraid of making a fool of yourself.
The landscape of luxury and media is constantly evolving, and the conversation turns to all the topics Jo has been involved in. One of the joys of being EIC of FT How to Spend It is that the focus is on their audience taking pleasure from the subject and enjoying the content; there is no pressure to ‘move the needle’. Jo describes key standout moments throughout her career and how inspiring it is to be in a room with people who have such a level of power and influence – Bernard Arnault, for example.
In terms of what Jo would say to her younger self, or for those looking to go into journalism or content creation now, being interested in the landscape around you and being sociable is key. A simple conversation during a dinner can lead to many things—curiosity is essential, and ensuring that you remain informed. Being out in the world and being a part of the world is where the stories are; they won’t come to you sitting in front of a screen.
When it comes to her proudest achievement, the inspiring team that surrounds her at HTSI is at the forefront—collaboratively working with a point of view that is very recognisable. Having a vision and all working towards that together makes all the difference.
Regarding her daily schedule working in print production, on one side Jo is working to a very specific schedule. She follows a timeline where she knows exactly where she needs to be that week. She then navigates the likes of fashion weeks, dinners, and events, and while that side can be very far-ranging, the publishing schedule remains very exact, running in two parallels, knowing exactly what is happening most days down to the minute. Journalism can be very addictive, Jo advises, as there is always something new—each issue is a completely blank canvas.
Dr Reena and Jo align when it comes to a lifestyle approach with work; being an EIC can be all-absorbing, and Jo admits that she tends to be on most/all of the time, with the culture world being a perfect backdrop to recharge. When it comes to the generational shift, Jo loves to get ideas and observations from her daughter.
And the three items she can’t live without, which are always in her handbag—sugar-free gum is essential (oral hygiene is crucial when meeting people and at shows etc.), a bottle of water to avoid dehydration, and of course, a pen and paper, which goes back and forth with her everywhere to use alongside her laptop.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Opportunities that you never think will happen often will.
Be persistent. Knock on the door / send an email at least three times. Even if you register in someone’s mind as being annoying, at least you have made an impression.
When pitching, clarity of thought is crucial. Keep it simple and have a vision of how it would appear on the page. Exclusivity is vital. Your ideal needs to be unique and to be able to bring something new to the table.
Curiosity is essential. Be as curious and as interested in the world around you as possible.
Organisation is key – especially when your schedule is a parallel of being both organised to the minute and then very far-ranging with events and travel.
The beauty of a magazine is that each issue is a blank canvas with no two articles the same.
Try and go out and see things that are not part of your daily life – theatre, movies, long walks these are all good tactics for recharging.
It’s good to challenge ideas, people don’t want you to always say yes.
We all need an editor and for someone to say the things that you don’t always want to hear.
You might also like
Previous episodes
S5, Ep6 – In conversation with Bridget March
Joining Dr Reena in our latest episode is Bridget March, the award-winning multi-platform Beauty Director for Harper’s Bazaar UK, overseeing all beauty content, including wellbeing.
S1, Ep8 – In conversation with Rishi Nanavati
If there’s ever going to be one episode to listen to whilst you’re eating, it’s this one.
