An Organised Life with... Alison Rice
Absolute power-woman Alison Rice from POPSUGAR, Who What Wear, Byrdie + MyDomaine is the latest inspiring individual to be featured for 'An Organised Life With...'
I chatted to Alison to find out how it all began, what her biggest piece of advice would be and (of course) how she stays so organised in such a fast-paced & demanding role...
Name: Alison Rice
Occupation: Group Publisher, POPSUGAR, Who What Wear, Byrdie, MyDomaine
How it all began…
Ten years ago I worked on a call desk at the media union, answering member calls about workplace rights and giving advice about contracts and negotiating pay. From there I moved into a journalism foundation and got the opportunity to work on projects and programs about the future of journalism. After that I went into lifestyle subbing and writing, then I took a weekend role at Allure Media working on POPSUGAR, and the rest is history. I used to say I had this weird and diverse experience but really, everything I've ever done has shaped the role I'm in today – working in the future of journalism launching global websites in Australia, managing teams, giving advice, setting strategy and negotiating deals.
Biggest pinch me moment of my career to date…
So many! Becoming a publisher at Allure Media didn't feel real for years (thank you imposter syndrome), but it is definitely up there. But it probably has to be leading the launch of the world's most elevated and accessible fashion website into the Australian market. I still get super nervous when I'm around the founders and strategy leads at POPSUGAR and Clique Media Group. I really look up to them and I want to do them proud. Any time I am in the States visiting our partners I am pinching myself.
Biggest lesson I’ve learnt along the way…
On any given day someone will dislike me or disagree with a decision I've made. And as long as they respect me, that's ok.
I’m inspired by…
The work our partners are doing in the US. The bar is high – just where I like it.
Biggest piece of advice…
Sharing two pieces that have really helped me:
- Sit in your expertise
- Don’t lead to be liked just lead by example
My career goals for the next 2-5 years are…
Keep learning. I'm really just focused on honing my leadership and business management skills, and driving the sites forward.
Organised to me means…
Being well read, prepared and ready with an opinion or a way forward.
The top 3 ways I organise my life are…
1. Building collaborative teams who make informed decisions
2. I run my Outlook calendar with military precision. With up to eight meetings a day I’ve learnt a lot about leaving both travel time and extra time for a meeting to run over if we’re really getting somewhere creatively, doing a deal or making a big decision
3. I use my AOL notebook to write down my weekly to do list. My tasks are more themed-based these days, so it isn’t often I can tick something off in a day. I'm actually a big fan of writing a fresh list each week, even if it is re-writing the same list as the week before – fresh energy on the page
I can’t leave the house without…
My glasses so I can see the road.
At the moment you’ll find the below on my desk…
Books written by our founders, crystals – different ones for different needs, the Publish Awards trophy we won for Launch of the Year in 2016, Lanolips hand cream and lip balm, Venustus Ready-Set-Go body balm, my iPhone (face down).
My workspace style is…
Quite personal, organised and offers moments of inspiration.
First thing I do when I get to the office is…
Stand at the front door and set my tone for the day in my head. That means leaving my shit at the door, taking a deep breath and ensuring my body language is open and approachable.
FOLLOW ALISON RICE:
INSTAGRAM / POPSUGAR / Who What Wear / Byrdie / MyDomaine
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ABOUT AN ORGANISED LIFE WITH...
Featuring a curated edit of inspiring people with amazing careers, we chat to them about how they organise their lives, what they are inspired by and what their essentials are at their work-spaces. And... of course, we go behind the scenes around their homes & offices to snap their creative & inspirational spaces.