Welcome to the debut episode of Life & Smile Season Two. As we celebrate the start of our second series, we really want to continue to bring together leaders across multiple industries and hear how they’ve reached this stage in their career, plus of course – how they got there (and crucially, make it work!).  

As many of you know by now, we’re particularly inspired by those who are able to pivot and work across multiple industries combining often varied interests. Life & Smile is a conversation where we can hear about their unique journey and how they have built their success along the way.  

Therefore, who better to represent this and open our second season than Annika Purdey. Annika is of course the Non Executive Director of James Purdey & Sons and she is also a contributing editor of Tatler Magazine. 

With a 360 degree career stemming from the seventh-generation of one of London’s most quintessentially British brands, Annika joins us in our Harley Street studio where we ask how it all began, get the lowdown on her effortless city vs country style, and she gives us the insider look at how people’s perspectives of luxury have changed.

The conversation now continues #lifeandsmilethepodcast

Conversation Show Notes – The Recap

Annika joined Dr Reena on Harley Street, just a few minutes from Mayfair, where she is often based during the week for her role at James Purdey & Sons and as a contributing editor at Tatler, where she frequently works from global locations. Annika begins the conversation by reflecting on how the start of her career can be traced back to her grandmother, “who was very stylish,” and how it was with her that Annika first developed a love for “clothes, luxury, and beautiful things.” She recalls spending a lot of time with her grandmother as a child, observing her prepare for outings, focusing on the quality of fabrics and the timeless glamour of her style. 

In contrast, Annika’s Swedish mother emphasised natural beauty, which helped Annika develop an appreciation for both worlds. This blend of influences is evident in her own impeccable city-country style, which Annika is now known for. 

Annika has always been aware of the importance of the Purdey family name and the iconic brand it represents. However, it wasn’t until later in her career that she decided she wanted to become more directly involved with Purdey. Her main interest was in the creative side, particularly with clothing and accessories. 

An expert at multitasking, Annika has balanced a growing family while being deeply involved in multiple projects, most recently shaping her role as Tatler’s Contributing Editor. When Dr Reena asked how she manages it all, Annika shared that organisation is key. Keeping a rigidly structured diary is a must, but so is the ability to pivot quickly and prioritise effectively. 

The two agreed that career paths are often shaped by a “lifestyle approach.” Annika feels fortunate to juggle various interests, viewing everything she does as part of a 360-degree experience. “I don’t know how good I would be focusing on just one thing,” she admits, as she has a naturally curious mind. Most importantly, her work is deeply interconnected, always centred on British luxury. 

When asked about her proudest moments, being the only woman on the Purdey board stands out. Annika describes it as “a real privilege” and was deeply touched when they considered her for the role. 

The conversation turned to daily routines, with Annika sharing that shirting is one of the most versatile pieces in her wardrobe. By alternating between different weaves and fabrics, she can easily dress up or down, balancing both city and country style. As for her daily inspirations, Annika credits her boundless curiosity for life, which fuels her passions for art, architecture, gardens, and houses. She also finds Instagram to be an excellent creative platform. Meeting fascinating people and learning something new every day, along with the fresh energy her adult children bring, keeps her motivated. 

Reflecting on her journey, Annika admits that early in her career, there was pressure to prove herself, especially as a perfectionist. But over time, she’s learned that the most important person to prove things to is herself. “No one is perfect,” she says, “and it’s impossible not to make mistakes. It’s about learning from them.” She emphasises that the most successful people often owe their longevity and growth to the mistakes they’ve made along the way. 

Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas

Providing you with a true ‘industry insider’ glimpse as Dr Reena is joined for our second episode of season two on Harley Street by Victoria Woodhall. 

Needing no introduction and renowned as an editorial director and journalist, Victoria has built an incredible 360 career across the lifestyle, wellness, health and beauty industry combined. Discussing everything from the ‘consumerism demand for instant access’, to making ‘yoga accessible for everyone’ (as a qualified yoga teacher no less), join the new season conversation and listen in full for a behind the scenes look of a typical day in the life, personal inspirations and of course we get the latest look at the items Victoria can’t be without. 

Conversation Show Notes – The Recap

Combining a career in wellness and lifestyle through her highly celebrated work as a journalist and editorial director, Dr Reena welcomed Victoria Woodhall into the Harley Street recording studio for a dynamic conversation. Fast paced and incredibly insightful, they jumped straight into discussing how the demands of the media industry have evolved with the onset of digitalisation and the push for instant access. 

Dr Reena asked Victoria how the shifting media landscape had personally impacted her daily role and whether the change had brought her closer to her dedicated audience. Victoria instantly confirmed that she had “definitely surfed the whole digital wave,” having originally trained on local newspapers where she was used to taking “good old-fashioned notes”. Back in the early days of her career, the main pressure was getting her shorthand speed up for court reporting, long before digital devices became commonplace in the newsroom. In the 90s, everything was paper-based. 

Victoria summarised her thoughts on digital as a positive shift, saying she particularly enjoys using Instagram Live, which has allowed her to build a strong, global following for her yoga teaching. She loves how it keeps everyone connected, no matter where they are. 

The biggest learning curve in her career was transitioning from traditional magazine work to writing for digital platforms. Victoria explained that digital demands quick thinking, constantly trying to “figure out exactly what Google wants” to ensure maximum reach. Now, she has perfected the art of balancing writing for both print and digital media. 

Victoria’s journey into yoga came about through her growing focus on wellbeing. She’d always been sporty in school, but it wasn’t until her twenties—during a time of high work-related stress—that yoga was recommended to her repeatedly. She joked, “I must have had a blue flashing light above my head for everyone to keep recommending it!” It wasn’t until her thirties, after a bit of trial and error, that she found the right yoga style for her. She enjoyed the practice so much, experiencing endless benefits, that she eventually became a professionally trained yoga teacher, calling it the “ultimate wellness tool.” 

As for her morning routine, Victoria starts her day at 6:15am with two specific cups of green tea. After that, it’s straight into rocket yoga at 6:30am. Dr Reena ensures Victoria reveals her desk-friendly tips and tricks, particularly focused on breathing techniques that can be easily done while working. When discussing what to wear during yoga practice, Victoria emphasises comfort and the need to be aware of the body. Style is a bonus, but the focus should be on feeling at ease, without attention being drawn to uncomfortable details like zips or bulky pockets. 

Turning to personal inspirations, Victoria shared that she’s deeply motivated by the community around her when teaching yoga. Watching people experience the benefits of yoga—both physically and mentally—brings her immense joy. She believes yoga is a free practice that’s both time-honoured and essential in helping the body return to its natural form. 

When it comes to advice for those starting out, Victoria suggests finding someone further along in their career and seeking their guidance. Having an open conversation with more experienced professionals is often the best strategy for growth. Most importantly, she reminds everyone to keep the conversation open—never spiral downwards. 

Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas

Life & Smile The Podcast brings together business, lifestyle, dentistry and much more. In our second season we wanted to explore the business world in-depth with exclusive first-hand accounts of what success means and how key industry figures achieved it from the ground up. 

As an Entrepreneurial Business leader with 20+ years of experience in managing professional services where discretion is key, Alpesh Patel has built his career to an international level of success. 

Renowned for inspiring others, Dr Reena now turns the tables with a unique opportunity to find out what inspires Alpesh himself, with a flashback on his life so far. Celebrated for strategy development and execution, through to attracting and recruiting high profile talent to grow and establish market leading companies, during this conversation on Harley Street we are rewinding back to where it all began. 

Conversation Show Notes – The Recap

The conversation began on Harley Street, delving into Alpesh’s early life experiences, particularly the profound impact of losing his father. This pivotal moment shaped Alpesh’s mindset, driving him to avoid finding himself in a similar position in the future. He recognises that immense success can often come at the cost of one’s health and well-being. 

At the start of his career, Alpesh chose to enter the corporate world rather than immediately launch his own business. For him, this seemed like the more relaxed option. However, once he immersed himself in the industry, he quickly realised that he had always been destined to be the ambitious entrepreneur he had become. He shared with Reena that his father’s illness acted as the initial trigger, and his drive stemmed from a desire to do something different. Ultimately, it gave him a larger platform to pursue his true ambitions. 

Describing his academic journey as “pretty average,” Alpesh opted to join a boutique corporate firm rather than compete for a role in a larger organisation. This experience taught him how to compete, overcome bigger firms, and acquire the valuable skill of managing multiple tasks. From there, Alpesh was headhunted by a global accounting firm, where it became evident early on that he would never fit their conventional pathway. His entrepreneurial mindset set him apart from the standard approach. 

As Alpesh built a global career and operated at the board level, he oversaw impactful business expansions across regions, including Germany, the Middle East, and India. Dr Reena shifted the conversation to his greatest milestones. For Alpesh, these began with becoming the youngest equity partner—a goal he had relentlessly pursued. He had aimed to achieve this not in five or ten years, but within two years, a feat that set him apart not only as the youngest, but also as the first Asian partner at his firm. 

The second significant milestone was transitioning from an individual who knew how to generate revenue (and contributed significantly to his firm’s profits) to someone capable of leading and managing people. 

 
When asked if there was anything he would have done differently, Alpesh discussed how he made his mark by driving change, without being overly concerned about the consequences. He surrounded himself with exceptional individuals who were brilliant at what they did. Alpesh’s approach was fast-paced, results-driven, and set a high standard—being average was simply not acceptable. He naturally gravitated toward selecting high performers, which some found intimidating, but it was integral to his success. 

Dr Reena then turned the discussion to mentors and coaches, inquiring about the guidance Alpesh had sought throughout his career. He explained that the first step was identifying what he called “Beacons of Excellence”—individuals with skills or traits he aspired to possess. The next step was honing those skills, where coaches and mentors came into play. Alpesh noted that many high-level professionals struggle to accept change, so adapting to and thriving through change became a key focus of his professional development. He shared with Dr Reena how he trained with top-tier coaches to ensure he could perform at the highest level in the international business arena. 

When the topic of networking arose, Alpesh emphasised its critical importance in building his career, treating his network as both assets and liabilities. Dr Reena added that the people you surround yourself with, especially your core group, have a profound impact on your success. 

Dr Reena then asked Alpesh about his top priorities when starting a new business. Alpesh acknowledged that while it may seem easy to list three essential steps, the reality is that every business is unique, with different challenges and individuals involved. The key approach, however, is to first define the end goal and then work backwards to develop the strategy for achieving it. 

On the subject of retirement, Alpesh admitted that it was initially a daunting transition. Going from a high-profile role, where people constantly required his time, to a quieter lifestyle was a drastic shift. To cope with this, Alpesh redefined productive time. Now, it involves doing things for himself and his family—whether that’s traveling to Thailand or taking a golf lesson. Conversely, unproductive time post-retirement is simply working without the need for constant engagement, though he still ensures intellectual stimulation when necessary. 

Although officially retired, Alpesh continues to run businesses, but now only when he has downtime, like during car rides to the airport—often all through his iPhone. He’s reached a point where he has designed a lifestyle that allows him to make the most of his time and enjoy the rewards of his impressive career. 

Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas

On this episode we really wanted to direct the Life & Smile conversation to health, lifestyle, entertainment and what it truly takes to turn this into a successful career. As we move into our favourite season which is of course ‘Strictly Season’ we are so lucky to have brought a very special person back to Harley Street. 

As the first Welsh professional to take part in BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing her sheer talent is combined with the warmest and most caring personality – it is of course Amy Dowden. 

Listen now as Amy joins Dr Reena in conversation discussing how it all began, daily routine, and of course those items she can’t live without. 

Conversation Show Notes – The Recap

Instantly highlighting the successful career Amy Dowden has already built today, Dr Reena welcomed the globally recognised professional dancer back to Harley Street. Together, they rewound the focus to the beginning—how it all truly began for Amy. 

Amy laughed, confiding how, as a child, she could ‘never keep still.’ On a holiday in Cornwall, where she stayed in her grandfather’s caravan, she won a dancing competition at the kids’ clubhouse (which, in retrospect, may have been due to the large birthday badge she was wearing). From that moment, dancing captured her heart. Amy loved the spotlight, the attention, and the thrill of winning—and that was the start of her passion for dance. She was hooked. 

Dancing classes officially began every Saturday morning, and little did Amy’s family know, this would soon take over their entire lives! The dance school Amy attended would go on to play a major role throughout her entire career. Her teachers remained integral in her journey, even attending her wedding. Amy credits them for moulding her into the person she is today. 

Key career turning points include Amy turning twenty-one, when she started dancing with her now husband, Ben. This new partnership led them to travel back and forth to LA to train with their coach. In 2016, the couple was poised to win the British Championships as the first all-British couple to take the title in over 20 years. 

But fate had other plans. At the same time, BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing came calling—a timing that clashed with their upcoming British Championships. It was the hardest decision Amy had ever had to make, torn between the two dreams she had nurtured. But Strictly only asked for Amy and she couldn’t bear to make him give up on his dream, even though he encouraged her to take the Strictly opportunity. 

At the time, they were working several jobs to afford dance lessons in LA, and a spot on Strictly would have been incredible. Despite receiving contrasting advice from friends and family, Amy knew she had to follow her heart, standing by Ben and their shared dream. Her Crohn’s Disease—which could cause flare-ups at any time—added another layer of uncertainty, risking her ability to even make it to the championships. 

After calling Strictly in floods of tears, the production team agreed that continuing with the British Championships was the right move. In 2017, Strictly came calling again, and Amy admitted that joining the show was life-changing. 

However successful her career may look now, Amy shared that there were also dark moments along the way. Being hospitalised for six weeks and missing Blackpool due to her Crohn’s disease was one of the hardest moments in her life. 

Dr Reena then asked Amy for advice for others starting out in any industry. For Amy, it’s simple: “You don’t need to compare yourself to others; you’re only in competition with yourself.” 

Amy’s day-to-day is incredibly goal-focused, with a balance between personal goals and career objectives. A significant focus has been building up her hugely successful dance academy and expanding it even further, alongside creating her dream home and marrying her husband, Ben. She describes herself as Strictly ‘through and through’, and it’s clear she has found her ideal role in the show. 

Her daily schedule is often vastly contrasting. She frequently travels across the country for her multiple projects. Media appearances are also part of the package. 

Being super organised is key to managing it all. Amy acknowledges that she’s lucky to have the support of her agent and PAs, who help manage her schedule, allowing her to focus on what she truly enjoys. 

The biggest luxury, however, is finding a few minutes in the day to have a cup of tea, gather her thoughts, and relax—whether that’s watching the world go by, diving into a good book, or catching up with her family. Amy concludes that family always makes everything better. 

Dr Reena and Amy agreed that it’s often the simple things in life that make a big difference. 

Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas

Famously described as “the most interesting commentator of the new generation” and renowned for often placing an unusual perspective into the commentary box, in this episode of Life & Smile we welcome to 75 Harley Street a household name in broadcasting.  

You will recognise his voice immediately from his role commentating on cricket for the BBC as part of the Test Match Special team and regular updates on 5Live and that’s just the start. Join Dr Reena in conversation with of course Daniel Norcross.  

Conversation Show Notes – The Recap

Bringing to Harley Street one of the most recognised voices in broadcasting, Dr Reena took the conversation back to the beginning and asked how it all started. Daniel confirmed he had completed “broadly speaking, a useless degree in Latin and Greek,” which didn’t have many practical applications, apart from actually teaching these subjects. However, teaching was not a realistic option for him at the time. He spent a year deciding what to do next and eventually started working with the internet—this was in 1994, just as the internet was beginning to emerge. 

Daniel went on to become involved in multiple projects, often as a project manager. This role, however, was precarious, particularly during the financial crash, and he found himself made redundant up to three times. It wasn’t until he turned forty that he realised he hadn’t actually achieved anything he had set out to do in the sixteen/seventeen years since leaving university. 

The one thing he had always adored from the age of seven was cricket—he had grown up surrounded by its noise and commentary. When the Ashes cricket was about to commence in 2009, Daniel was focused on creating a new business idea: an alternative online cricket commentary service. This would allow people worldwide to hear commentary using the internet. Of course, the real focus was to make money, but Daniel was also using his redundancy money from 2008 to indulge in watching the Ashes. 

What started as a small venture ballooned into something far beyond his expectations. They attracted high-profile names from comedy circles to join in. The success, however, began to upset the BBC, as the growing attention was hard to ignore. Yet, as Daniel put it, “what always happens in these situations, especially in Britain, is that once the establishment realises it can’t stop you, they ask you to join them instead.” 

Realising he’d rather have his travel expenses paid and be heard by millions, rather than the hundreds of thousands he’d initially reached, Daniel’s journey into the world of cricket and broadcasting was born. What a journey it had been! 

Dr Reena noted that Daniel’s voice is often known for providing quite unconventional commentary in the commentary box. Daniel confirmed that what he personally finds so intoxicating about the game is that cricket is a game that stops and starts, allowing for moments of reflection and spontaneity. 

Daniel also revealed the famous names and faces he meets on a regular basis. Cricket, particularly, tends to attract a vast variety of talent, and the travelling that comes with the sport is constant. Daniel jokes about how being away for many weeks at a time can cause you to become so settled in one place that it’s difficult to return home! 

Live sport requires preparation for every scenario, especially the unexpected. Things can go wrong live on air, and the media landscape is just as unpredictable. Daniel stressed how, in a way, you’re “always prepared for it”—and at the time of this podcast recording, the world was still reeling from the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. 

Dr Reena also turned the conversation to how Daniel handles nerves before broadcasting. Daniel acknowledged that nerves could play a role, but he found that “as soon as you start speaking, it’s easy and the nerves just go away.” This, no doubt, further confirms how perfectly suited he is for his profession. 

Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas

In the global lifestyle industry Nathalie Schyllert is the name to know. 

Having successfully established her reputation within fashion and health circles combined, as the CEO of international wellness brand Bodyism, Nathalie joins Dr Reena in conversation on Harley Street. 

Having been signed to Models1 since aged 17 and starting out as a former ballerina with the Swedish Royal Ballet, during this highly inspiring episode, Nathalie provides us with an insider insight of how she developed the mindset and drive to achieve the role of CEO and reveals how she effortlessly juggles a fast-paced career with city living and family life. 

Conversation Show Notes – The Recap

Blending fashion, wellness, health, and luxury with a true lifestyle approach, Dr. Reena kicked off the conversation with the iconic first question: How did it all begin for Nathalie? How did she get involved in the industry, and what led her to become Co-Owner of Bodyism? 

Nathalie explained that growing up in Sweden had a profound influence on her natural inclination toward a healthy lifestyle. From the start, healthy, home-cooked meals were the norm, with no need for low-fat diets or restrictive eating plans—everything was simply natural and wholesome. As a ballerina, Nathalie was expected to maintain a certain body type, but there was never any pressure to obsess over weight or follow a rigid diet. 

When she transitioned into modelling, her focus remained on health and strength. Nathalie emphasised that, as a “sporty” model rather than a traditional catwalk model, she was always athletic and well-built, which allowed her to maintain a balanced lifestyle. This foundation helped her pivot towards personal training as she advanced in her career. 

Nathalie’s successful modelling career served as a stepping stone, enabling her to pursue personal training in 2007. That’s when she first encountered Bodyism. Starting as an intern while completing her personal training degree, Nathalie quickly learned the ropes in a small team of just three people working from a mews house. Her hands-on approach to learning, combined with her passion for math and business, eventually saw her overseeing membership sales. From there, she progressed to General Manager, overseeing what had grown into four studios. Soon after, at that stage she took full ownership of the business and became CEO, where her rise to the top was a truly organic journey. Nathalie’s comprehensive experience in every facet of the business has made her exceptionally well-suited to lead the team. 

Nathalie shared how Bodyism takes a holistic approach, emphasising not just aesthetics, but overall lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, and well-being. The philosophy isn’t about quick fixes but about making sustainable lifestyle changes. She mentioned that new members often require re-education, as they may not have the correct information about health, fitness, or diet. With a gentle approach, Bodyism helps members reshape their understanding of wellness. 

As for the growth of Bodyism, Nathalie noted that media and social media have played significant roles in its rapid expansion. Collaborating with high-profile influencers and seeing a rise in membership numbers has been instrumental. However, the one thing that hasn’t changed is the power of word-of-mouth recommendations. When members achieve great results, they share their success with friends, which keeps the Bodyism community strong and vibrant. Despite the company’s growth, Nathalie stressed that Bodyism will always maintain its small, exclusive feel, setting it apart from larger competitors and making it all the more desirable. 

The conversation turned to how Nathalie manages her career alongside her family life, and she revealed that multitasking is key. Navigating a fast-paced lifestyle in the city has made Nathalie an expert at helping people make small but impactful.

Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas

As Brown Girl Magazine’s U.K. Editor, Sejal Sehmi is a globally celebrated media insider – self-described as a ‘writer and full-time thinker’. Her passion for writing has ‘stemmed from challenging society defined rules created for women of her generation.’ Dr Reena invites Sejal to Harley Street to discuss topics further in depth and she reveals how her role within the industry has evolved since starting out. 

At time where the 360-degree language of magazines and media has changed dramatically, Life & Smile #thepodcast was created to extend and evolve a new conversation. With the onset of digitalisation and consumerism demand for instant access Sejal Sehmi gives us the exclusive view of how this has helped and changed the way she has spoken up about certain topics to bring them to attention. 

Conversation Show Notes – The Recap

Dr Reena kicked off the episode by quoting Sejal, who had previously shared that her passion for writing “stemmed from challenging the societal rules created for women of my generation.” The conversation then delved into the evolution of Sejal’s journey, both personally and professionally, since she first entered the industry. Reflecting on her past, Sejal recalled how she added this quote to her website ten years ago, acknowledging her mixed heritage background. She explained how she and her sisters benefited from a dual cultural upbringing, contrasting it with her parents’ experiences in the ’70s. 

Sejal went on to describe how she was raised with a strong sense of independence, which led to a liberating upbringing. The creation of Brown Girl Magazine was a serendipitous moment in her life, a venture that has since grown into “a global storytelling platform.” This platform gives South Asian men and women the space to tell their own stories, covering everything from identity and politics to culture, food, and beyond, offering a comprehensive, lifestyle-oriented perspective. 

Her path as a writer and journalist began at a young age. As a child, Sejal was always immersed in books. She jokingly recalled how, during her GCSE English studies, her tutor informed her parents that Sejal didn’t need extra help, as she was writing essays for fun—an early indication of her passion. However, when it came to her A Levels and later university, Sejal, as the firstborn child and grandchild, felt an indirect pressure to pursue a “stable” academic career, such as medicine, accountancy, or technology. 

Although Sejal initially followed this path, studying technology and business, and then moving into the financial services sector, she soon realised her true calling lay elsewhere. While she was content with her career at the time, personal and societal expectations began to weigh heavily on her. Growing up in a mixed community, Sejal didn’t feel the pressure to marry right away, but as she got older, she began to feel that pull as her peers started families. It was this societal pressure that led her to question her self-worth and fuelled her insecurities. 

Sejal candidly shared how, after overcoming body dysmorphia in her thirties, she came to realise that many of her insecurities were actually projections from others. She actively challenged these influences, especially after her sister’s wedding, which coincided with her job loss. It was during this turning point that Sejal knew she wanted to carve out her own voice in the industry, speaking up on controversial issues that others might not have the platform to address, specifically the stigma surrounding cultural expectations. 

Sejal also documented these themes through her work on The Evolution of the British Indian Woman, a mini-film series that explores the experiences of British Indian women through the lens of her own family’s three branches. This personal project helped her understand and define her identity, as she shared with Dr Reena how it shaped her both as a writer and a person. 

When it comes to her daily habits, Sejal describes herself as “a writer and full-time thinker.” She took Dr Reena through her ideal day, which includes returning to basics with pen and paper, jotting down thoughts, and using voice notes to capture her best ideas—often in the middle of the night or at unpredictable hours. She finds reading other people’s work to be both inspiring and a way to avoid getting trapped in one particular style or perspective. 

Although the editorial side of her work has dominated in recent years due to the busy nature of her career, Sejal is “slowly trying to get back into writing.” With her forward-thinking, global perspective, her evolving narrative is certainly one to watch. 

Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas

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

As Editor-in-Chief for Harper’s Bazaar UK, Lydia Slater is renowned for her work across the global publishing industry and has been involved with an incredibly impressive portfolio of titles throughout her career to date. 

Dr Reena invites Lydia back to Harley Street to discuss her career journey across the dramatically changing landscape of magazines, luxury, and media, where her EIC role ensures unique access and full involvement across multiple channels. Giving us a behind the scenes insight into how she makes it work, listen in full to learn how Lydia is responsible for generating and editing content across print, digital, supplements in addition to the experiential offering. 

Recognised across the industry for championing the careers trajectories of women, Dr Reena takes this episode back to the beginning, asking how it all began, any advice Lydia would give to those just starting out, and of course those investment items that she couldn’t live without. 

Conversation Show Notes – The Recap

Dr Reena kicked off the season two finale with a classic start, asking the prestigious Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar UK, Lydia Slater, about the beginnings of her remarkable career. Laughing warmly, Lydia shared that her first published work was at the age of four in her school magazine. 

She vividly remembers the “sheer excitement” she felt seeing her work in print for the first time, and it was at that moment that Lydia knew she wanted to pursue a career in publishing. Fast forward to seventeen, and Lydia had her first professional piece published in Harper’s & Queen (the precursor to Harper’s Bazaar). She recalled being asked to contribute to a special teenage issue, where she wrote features—a “fantastically exciting” experience. This led Lydia to study journalism at university, where she entered the prestigious Vogue Talent Content, finishing second. Interestingly, her predecessor at Harper’s Bazaar, Justine Picardie, had also placed second in the same competition. This was the stepping stone that launched Lydia into the industry. 

Starting in newspapers, Lydia worked at The Daily Mail, then The Daily Telegraph, before a brief stint as Features Editor at The Daily Express during a major transition period for the paper. It was then that she heard about an opening for Features Editor at Harper’s & Queen—a career game changer. Lydia loved the role, which marked her transition from newspapers to magazines. 

Dr Reena highlighted the incredible trajectory of Lydia’s journey, from being published as a teenager in the very magazine she would one day lead. Lydia described Harper’s Bazaar as her “happy place,” noting how the publication blends history, culture, and empowerment for its female readers. “It’s the world’s first fashion magazine and the oldest in existence, but it also has a unique power to empower women,” she explained. Lydia also emphasised the magazine’s commitment to showcasing brilliant writers like Margaret Atwood and championing women photographers—a distinction no other British magazines specifically aim to achieve. 

Editing Harper’s Bazaar is, for Lydia, “an incredible privilege.” With 150 years of iconic editors, including the legendary Diana Vreeland, she finds that what makes editing a magazine truly special is the ability to shape it into a title one would want to read. 

As one of the industry’s most high-profile editors, Lydia admits that she faces constant challenges. Yet, she embraces these, knowing her role demands stepping out of her comfort zone. “Every day is a challenge, but it’s part of the job,” she says. 

When asked about her proudest moments, Lydia reflects on her time at Harper’s Bazaar, where she helped launch the Bazaar at Work franchise. Originally a quarterly publication focused on fashion, it evolved into a monthly issue and eventually led to the creation of the Bazaar at Work Summit, a globally renowned annual conference. The first summit, which Lydia designed, marked a major milestone in her career. 

Lydia credits much of her inspiration to the women around her, many of whom juggle demanding careers with family life. These women, including her predecessors, have been a constant source of guidance throughout her journey. 

Combining fashion, art, and culture, Dr Reena is curious about Lydia’s favourite subjects to cover. For Lydia, the joy comes in covering a wide range of topics, surrounded by experts in their fields. The Harper’s Bazaar office, she says, is an exciting place to be, with a team that’s passionate about their work. 

Lydia and Dr Reena then explore the similarities between their fast-paced, demanding industries. When asked about a typical day, Lydia laughs, explaining that there is no such thing. “My diary dictates my day hour by hour,” she says. Fashion month, for example, will see her racing between shows in Milan and Paris, attending dinners, private screenings, and endless meetings. Despite the hectic pace, Lydia wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Interestingly, switching off is just as effortless for Lydia. She makes time to unwind, swapping screens for books, spending time in her garden, and enjoying moments with her children and dog. “You could go out every night, but you have to make time for family,” she says. 

Finally, Lydia shares the three items she always keeps close when working at her desk: a scented candle (because she loves them), a cup of tea, and a Smythson desk diary. “Even on the craziest days, I can see my schedule laid out in front of me,” she says, always keeping one on hand.

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