As the Founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of The Business of Fashion, Imran Amed MBE has created the ultimate resource for creatives, executives and entrepreneurs all over the world as the voice of authority of the 2.5 trillion-dollar global fashion and luxury industries.
In the debut episode of Life & Smile Season Four, Dr Reena takes the conversation global with one of fashion’s leading writers, thinkers, and commentators. Listen now, recorded live from our Harley Street recording studio to learn just how it all began.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Imran takes us back to day one, sharing how he started his career as a management consultant while studying at McGill University in Montreal. While his friends moved to New York, LA, Paris, and London, Imran decided to remain in Montreal — which he describes as one of the most underrated cities on the planet — captivated by its culture and language, and hoping to improve his French.
This was during a period when the internet was just beginning to take off, still combined with old-school methods. This was ten years before he founded BOF and moved to London in 1999. He then travelled extensively across Europe for work before attending Harvard Business School for two years. This period coincided with the dot-com bubble burst and 9/11, making it a challenging time globally, especially for entering creative industries. During this time, Imran worked at McKinsey over the summer and was later offered a permanent role, where he stayed for three to four years. Eventually, he took a break to embark on a meditation course, which became a turning point, leading him to step away from the traditional business track and reconnect with his creative roots.
The turning point came in 2007 when he decided to remove the password from his private blog about the fashion business — initially intended for family and friends — while sitting on his sofa in London. Within months, his newsletter attracted tens of thousands of subscribers, including some impressive industry names.
After downsizing his Notting Hill apartment and making significant lifestyle changes, by 2012, Imran had to employ a full-time assistant and a part-time editor in NYC, with contributors worldwide. Creating a global media company was never his initial plan, but the growing interest from investors made it inevitable.
Dr Reena discusses how Imran refined his writing craft, which he acknowledges requires practice and dedication. This led to opportunities to write for prestigious publications such as Vogue and the Financial Times, working alongside some of the industry’s leading editors.
Since then, BOF has become the go-to resource for the fashion industry, serving a multi-million-strong community across more than 200 countries. The fashion world is global and constantly evolving, and Imran’s favourite moments come from meeting people and hearing their stories — including iconic figures like Karl Lagerfeld, Yohji Yamamoto, Kate Moss, Malala Yousafzai, and Kim Kardashian. Tapping into their craft and expertise is a true privilege.
Currently, Imran is obsessed with artificial intelligence and how this technology will reshape the world and the way we live.
His advice to his younger self, and anyone seeking to lead a purposeful life and career, is to really understand yourself. Meditation is a key tool that helps process large amounts of information and emotions in the chaotic, noisy world we live in.
Imran admits he doesn’t have a singular “proudest moment,” but what truly connects him to his work is when he receives a DM from someone or is stopped in places like Japan or New York by someone sharing how his stories have helped them during difficult times.
Health and wellness are essential — meditation, diet, sleep, and exercise all make a huge difference. As a natural perfectionist, learning to give yourself a break is crucial. Key rituals, especially when travelling, provide structure during intense schedules. Prioritising sleep enables Imran to continue being the best version of himself.
Finally, Imran shares his mini survival kit essentials: he always carries a notebook, a microphone (similar to the one recording this podcast), and his phone — items that have become foundational to how he built his career and BOF.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Fashion is a truly global industry with the power to inspire and connect people worldwide.
The more you travel, the more you learn; the more inspired you become, the more ideas you generate.
The work you are meant to do often lives within you from a very young age.
Writing is a craft—like any craft, the more you practice, the better you become. Reading and writing consistently are essential.
Meeting new people is a true privilege.
Anyone seeking to live and work with purpose must begin by deeply understanding themselves.
If you can’t align your interests and passions with your work and education, it will take longer to find a life that brings you joy.
Constantly absorbing information without allowing yourself time to rest prevents clarity from emerging.
In this episode of Life & Smile, Dr Reena particularly wanted to focus and explore further the idea of a ‘lifestyle approach’ when it comes to building a successful career. In each of our three previous seasons, it has been so inspiring to hear the often-contrasting day-to-day routines across multiple industries and how they really make it work on a day-to-day basis.
Joined in the Harley Street recording studio for an exclusive conversation is Andrea Thompson, The Editor-in-Chief for Marie Claire UK, a title known for leading the conversation on Empowerment, Sustainability, Beauty and Style.
Listen now in full to discover how Andrea has built an incredibly successful career to date, attached to some of the most prominent names within media, including Grazia, Daily Mail, Conde Nast, and of course, Marie Claire UK.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Andrea Thompson is focused and poised as she sits with Dr Reena in the Harley Street recording studio, having already completed nine meetings throughout the day, with a long evening ahead.
Andrea shares that she has always loved fashion and beauty, reflecting on how she initially didn’t realise she could build a career in this world. Much of her inspiration stems from that era—drawing from both high fashion and beauty brands—especially during her time at the University of York.
Having now worked with some of the most prominent names in media—including Grazia, Daily Mail, Condé Nast, and, most recently, Marie Claire—Andrea reveals how she steadily worked her way through the industry.
After graduating, Andrea explains how she wrote countless letters and knocked on many doors, but her dedication paid off. Creating a world and platform for fashion and beauty at Marie Claire stands as one of her greatest achievements, particularly as the brand transitioned fully to digital.
The online magazine has since become the ultimate shortcut to style, expertly curating the best lifestyle content with leading journalism. Dr Reena and Andrea discuss how the site offers an exquisite edit, empowering the modern consumer to discover innovative ways to explore and celebrate what they love. Andrea also reveals her favourite picks for the season.
At the core of their brand is simplifying the digital experience—removing the hard work for users—and creating a platform that provides the ultimate digital journey for their audience.
On the topic of being an Editor-in-Chief, Andrea emphasises how invaluable it is to have a dedicated team to share the journey with. With her busy schedule splitting time between the office and meetings across the city, having a reliable team she can count on at a moment’s notice is essential. She also reflects on the generosity of the people in her network throughout her career and how taking things one day at a time makes the process more manageable.
Her family remains at the heart of everything she does and is, personally, her proudest achievement. Juggling multiple priorities has become a way of life, making it vital to grow comfortable with balancing it all.
Andrea finds daily inspiration in the simplest moments. She shares how exercise and mindful eating give her the energy to live life to the fullest and continuously strive toward her highest potential.
Though there is no “typical” week, despite a structured routine, Andrea concludes the conversation with excitement about the many upcoming projects and collaborations in the pipeline, making it clear she wouldn’t want it any other way.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Networking is essential. When you’re passionate about something, connecting with others in that space becomes second nature.
Don’t underestimate the power of exercise. It boosts both mental clarity and creativity.
Leverage your network. Pay attention to who you know, and don’t hesitate to reach out.
Big ideas can start over a simple coffee. Never overlook the value of casual conversations.
Great ideas often stem from solving your own problems. Personal pain points can be powerful sources of innovation.
Just get started. When launching your career, take action—don’t get stuck overthinking.
Seek guidance. Asking for advice and help is not a weakness—it’s a strength.
Embrace the chaos. You don’t need to have everything perfectly under control, especially when balancing founder life and family life.
Life & Smile continues the Season Four conversation as Dr Reena is joined in the Harley Street recording studio with a name that effortlessly merges the media industry with that of the medical and aesthetic world.
Alice Hart-Davis is a journalist and household name, featuring in The Times, The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, and Hello Magazine. She is renowned as an industry insider who is highly regarded for providing trusted advice on tweakments, practitioners & getting the best results via The Tweakments Guide.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Dr Reena opens the show by welcoming Alice, and they begin by recapping how it all started for Alice’s career. She reveals that she landed her first job at Vogue Magazine straight out of university, following an internship. Although the role wasn’t particularly glamorous—she describes it as mostly “putting the commas into the right places”—she calls it the best training ground.
A decade at The Telegraph followed, where Alice moved around in various roles for about ten years.
The pivotal turning point came when her time at The Telegraph ended. This moment, although difficult, pushed Alice to take the leap into freelancing. A self-described “pretty cautious creature,” losing the security of her full-time role actually opened many doors. It gave her the freedom to explore the health and beauty landscape, leading her to write for ES Magazine and delve into the world of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, or “tweakments” as Alice affectionately calls them.
Her introduction to the tweakments space came early in her freelance career, when her second baby was just three weeks old. Although she imagined she’d have time to organise family photo albums, decades later those albums remain untouched, as her freelance life took off quickly.
Alice is particularly passionate about regenerative approaches, focusing on new, non-invasive methods in aesthetic medicine. She notes she dislikes the word “trends” when it comes to aesthetics, preferring a more thoughtful discussion. Still, she highlights how skin conditioners and similar treatments are currently at the forefront. Her latest research, particularly on fillers, has sparked significant industry discussions.
Her advice to aspiring journalists is clear: becoming a journalist takes hard work. In today’s landscape, in-house teams are often very small, so much of the market is driven by freelancers. She emphasises the importance of getting your work in front of the right people—show editors that you know your subject and maintain a strong online portfolio.
Alice’s platform, The Tweakments Guide, was born after 20 years of writing about tweakments and skincare. As public curiosity grew, people began asking whether toxins or fillers were right for them and who they could trust—she saw a need for better guidance. The space was confusing and lacked transparency, so Alice wrote a book to share trusted, insider knowledge.
This later evolved into an online platform, offering users a way to explore tweakments and skincare options while connecting with highly regarded practitioners.
Alice keeps a very full diary during the week, filled with meetings, filming, content creation, SEO, marketing, and many external appointments. Despite her busy schedule, she aims to maintain a grounded routine—early morning exercise, meditation, cold showers, and as much as possible, avoiding alcohol and sticking to early nights. Walks in Hyde Park with her little dog, especially watching the swans, are a favourite way to unwind.
Her must-have handbag essentials? Among the cycling glasses and selfie stick, Alice always carries eye drops, tinted lip balm, hair ties, and a body cream—all carefully selected as small but effective pick-me-ups throughout her day.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
There is often a pivotal moment in your career that pushes you to take the next step. Without embracing it, you could miss out on valuable opportunities.
Be persistent—keep your work visible to the right people and follow up consistently.
Stay flexible and open to new possibilities; sometimes unexpected opportunities can be truly amazing.
Your career can be multi-hyphenated, blending multiple roles and skills to create a unique path.
On social media, instant feedback is invaluable; understanding your audience’s preferences can greatly enhance your approach.
In this episode of Life & Smile, Dr Reena wanted to link a little closer to home towards the world of dentistry, an industry of course where business clearly remains at the forefront. In this episode we are joined in conversation with Asif Syed, a dentist turned full-time business consultant based in London.
After qualifying from Liverpool Dental School, Asif spent the first ten years working his way up through FD, SHO, Associate GDP, Managing Partner, Principal, and running several multi-surgery practices before quitting clinical dentistry for good.
He has devoted the last ten years to helping both dentists and dental practices in his capacity as a full-time business consultant. Be prepared to take notes – this episode is essential listening for all if you’re wanting to take your career to the next level and be the most successful version of yourself in the modern day.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Dr Reena starts the podcast episode by highlighting the career path Asif has successfully navigated, going against the grain when required and now defining himself as a dental business coach. Many people tend to question how, as a dental surgeon, Asif wanted to go down this route. While actively practising dentistry, he was constantly trying to improve the environment for himself and the team to ensure they had the best setup on a business level. This side project grew naturally from creating such successful outcomes and results.
It was not long before Asif began receiving requests from other practices, through word of mouth, to use the same formula externally. Soon, he was earning more revenue from explaining his systems and ideas than from dentistry itself. This put him in the position to choose which path he enjoyed most—an accidental challenge.
Dr Reena is keen to explore the differences between a business consultant and a coach. A coach is someone who sees and recognises your talent and is able to bring out the best in you, someone you spend time with and feel good about. A consultant, on the other hand, assesses situations, makes enquiries, and provides solutions—someone you trust to give you the answer to your problem. Asif confirms he identifies more as a consultant than a coach.
The dental industry is discussed, with the point made that to be the most successful professional, it is often less about the clinical side. Without also having the skillset to communicate, manage a team, build a brand, and plan the patient journey, you are unlikely to become the most fulfilled version of yourself. Communication is the backbone of everything.
When it comes to social media and Instagram, Asif aims to remain low-key while staying highly in demand. He adds that he started before these platforms became as popular as they are now. For marketing, it’s important to stick to what works—there are many ways to do it, but his focus is on improving what he has and generating more referrals through recommendations.
Organisation is absolutely crucial for success, and coordinating and planning your calendar is vital to being as highly successful as possible. Colour coding and scheduling time to recharge first, before planning all other commitments around this, is a highly recommended way to ensure your energy remains consistent.
Have you heard of circadian rhythm? It’s about getting to know your own energy patterns so you can plan to complete tasks at your optimum energy peaks. People often make the mistake of treating every slot in their calendar as having equal energy, when they should be taking this into consideration.
As Asif confirms, if you successfully manage this, it will make you happier.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Scheduling time to recharge is essential. Using colour-coded calendars can help ensure you stay fully energised and focused.
In dentistry, communication is the foundation of everything.
To succeed in today’s career landscape, your organisation must be exceptionally good—unbelievably good.
Successful people get things done. Consistently ticking off tasks and planning ahead is a hallmark of high achievers.
Self-awareness is crucial—understand your natural tendencies.
As you enter the workplace, you’ll learn more about who you are and what matters to you, allowing you to make necessary adjustments for balance.
Everyone has a natural circadian rhythm. Discovering yours and aligning your schedule accordingly can significantly boost stamina and performance.
This season has been incredibly inspiring for Life & Smile, bringing together some of the greatest and most influential names across many contrasting industries – fashion, business, lifestyle and of course media. During our latest episode we are joined by a much-anticipated guest whose work spans health, beauty, travel, and luxury.
Olivia Falcon is the highly renowned Founder of The Editor’s List – the UK’s top aesthetic concierge and has consulted for a number of international beauty brands and cosmetic clients. As a Contributing Beauty Editor for both The Times and Country & Town House, Olivia is the former Health & Beauty Director of Tatler, with a celebrated journalistic career spanning over 20 years.
Join the Life & Smile conversation now as Dr Reena welcomes Olivia to the Harley Street recording studio to discuss how she successfully built and navigated her award-winning career. We discover first-hand how Olivia makes everything work so effortlessly on a daily basis, her journey to becoming co-founder of Spectacle Skin Care and of course, those products and little black book recommendations she can’t live without.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Dr Reena opens this episode by welcoming Olivia and highlighting how, as former Beauty Director for Tatler, Olivia’s impressive background includes working with some of the most prominent names and brands, with cosmetic procedures and anti-ageing medicine as her specialist subjects. They rewind the conversation briefly to the beginning, where Olivia talks us through her early years starting out and how she progressed her career.
Olivia describes beginning her journalism career in 1999 when she attended a general interview at Conde Nast. Fortuitously, the then Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue, Alexandra Shulman, was looking for a PA, and Olivia was offered the role on the spot. She worked with Alex for around two and a half years before being promoted to the features desk at British Vogue. After Vogue, Olivia applied for a job at Tatler, where she eventually became Beauty Director.
One thing Olivia notes from her time at Vogue was how much time she spent around the beauty cupboards, which sparked her passion for the world of beauty. She describes herself as a “beauty junkie.” The beauty landscape is constantly evolving, and her specialist interest lies in aesthetic and cosmetic innovations. In 2003, she started the Tatler Cosmetic Surgery Guide, giving her a front-row seat to watch the industry evolve.
When it comes to building a career and finding direction, Olivia advises looking around for inspiration. She strives to give back as a mentor, reflecting on how well mentored she was in her younger years. She now makes time for others by running intern programs and maintaining links to colleges for those aspiring to enter the beauty industry.
Creating her business, The Editors List, in 2017 stands as Olivia’s proudest moment. After 13-14 years at Conde Nast, stepping out independently was daunting, but pushing beyond her comfort zone has proved incredibly rewarding. Helping people connect with the very best in the industry and matching clients with top doctors is a source of great satisfaction. Yet, Olivia still has many life goals ahead.
Balancing two children and two businesses—The Editors List and her writing—requires careful time management. She also hopes to focus more on charity work, giving back, and potentially further studying social work to help others.
To maintain energy and focus, Olivia finds turning off her phone and dedicating time to spiritual practices on weekends helpful. Every night before bed, she reflects on the little things she’s grateful for, emphasising that gratitude helps keep her positive.
Every day is different, which is why Olivia loves what she does. She works with a diverse range of clients, from A-listers to business professionals, and travels globally to attend major aesthetic conferences.
Three items Olivia can’t live without are brow gel, lip serum, and her Performance Cream moisturiser, which she says “polishes skin up like marble.” When in London, Battersea Power Station is a favourite spot, and when off duty, she can be found spending time in nature.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Prepare for competition: Journalism is an extremely competitive industry—like many others today—so expect a challenge.
Give 100% effort: Arrive early, stay late, and fully commit to your role. Many people coast through giving only half their effort.
Be hands-on: Roll up your sleeves and put in the necessary hours to truly make a difference.
Be proactive when starting out: Don’t hesitate to approach people you don’t know who might be able to help your career.
Make time to give back: Even though everyone is busy, try to mentor others and support those following in your footsteps.
Build confidence: If you don’t feel confident, sometimes you have to ‘fake it till you make it’ and push yourself outside your comfort zone.
Focus on gratitude: While it’s important to keep the bigger picture in mind, don’t forget to appreciate the small things you’re grateful for every day.
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.
In this episode of Life & Smile Dr Reena is joined by a figure renowned for making her name in retail as the creative director of her eponymous luxury concept store, which blends fashion, lifestyle and elements of a gallery.
And that’s just the start.
Needing no introduction, it is of course Alex Eagle herself. Listen in full to discover just what it takes to make it work on a daily basis, her work ethic for when starting out in the industry and of course how she created her signature style of elevated classics.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
With a background in fashion media and PR, Alex shares how she has always dreamed of working in fashion and design. From a young age, she aspired to work at Vogue, become a designer, or a photographer — essentially everything she does now. She spent her childhood creating her own magazines and scrapbooks, later studying art history before landing her first internship. She began by assisting a stylist, then moved on to Sunday Times Style, followed by roles at Tank and Harper’s Bazaar magazines.
Alex admits that almost everything she has done has been deliberately aimed at building her career in the fashion industry — it’s all she can really remember.
Hard work was essential: arriving early, leaving late, and embracing the lifestyle fully. The work ethic of those around her became ingrained, requiring a “yes to everything” mentality. In those early years, she made sure to attend every show and be fully immersed, enduring long days running around in heels, back when cameras used memory cards and social media didn’t yet exist to instantly share ideas.
Later, Alex moved into PR for the British fashion label and retailer Joseph. She observes that fashion is always evolving, and when sourcing or designing, she gravitates toward wardrobe staples—classic pieces that stand the test of time. She’s especially drawn to menswear, appreciating the details, structure, and the art of pairing back pieces.
Today, with her own eponymous line, Alex places great importance on fabric quality and sourcing. All her furniture is made in the UK, and most of her clothing is produced in her Soho store, with cashmere crafted in London. Everything proudly British-made.
Over the past decade, both commercial and editorial fashion landscapes have transformed dramatically. The demand for instant news and fast-paced content is now the norm. Alex reflects on how social media has revolutionized the industry — during fashion week, everything can be live-streamed and followed in real time. This increased access has been a positive force for fashion, though it’s ultimately up to us how we curate our newsfeeds.
When asked about her proudest moments, Alex highlights her collection. She’s grown it carefully and deliberately, focusing on key wardrobe pieces that make a lasting impact.
Her weeks are varied. Based in Soho, her mornings typically begin with Pilates, making breakfast for her children, and often taking them to school. But every day brings something different, with meetings all over London.
Looking ahead, Alex wants to continue growing her brand and improving her work. She embraces a lifestyle approach, which includes the Alex Eagle Sporting Club at Oakley Court. Health and well-being are a major focus, and she’s eager to expand this passion by bringing together the best talent in the industry.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
A strong work ethic is crucial when starting out—say yes to every opportunity, and be prepared to be the first in and the last to leave.
Social media offers incredible opportunities today. It’s a powerful platform to broadcast your ideas, build your own identity, and create your own magazines.
Finding your unique voice is essential—there’s ample opportunity for those who stand out.
Don’t be afraid to go against the grain.
When exploring culture, focus on permanent collections—not just current trends—and seek out pieces that spark genuine interest and joy, especially those that aren’t overexposed.
In design, fabric is the foundation of everything.
The fashion industry is more accessible than ever—being an insider matters less now that everyone has access.
You don’t need to buy new pieces every season or chase trends; instead, focus on building a capsule wardrobe you can wear repeatedly.
