In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
As someone who started their career in NYC, I am fairly programmed to always be responsive even when it’s inconvenient. It’s only recently that I have started setting some boundaries and taking time to separate myself from work. I try and not check my phone for a few hours or leave it in another room – it's really the only thing you can do to fully switch off.
What’s one thing you do after the workday to help you unwind?
I am still adjusting to balancing work and home life as I was on maternity leave last year. When I get home, I have about one hour to spend with my son before it’s bedtime and there is nothing more important to me than being fully present. It makes all the chaos of the workday feel very irrelevant.
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What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
I bought a Leica Q2 during lockdown and one of my favourite things to do is to go out in London, walk around and shoot. There is something incredibly freeing about using a real camera. It fully connects you to the moment and environment around you. It’s such a different experience than using a mobile phone.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
I received a simple piece of advice from a manager when I was first starting out in my career and it’s something that I have always carried with me. He said, “Lydia, if you don’t ask, you don’t get, especially when it comes to your career. People won’t just give you things.” It has helped me over the years living and working in various cities. Never be afraid to ask, the worst someone can say is no.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space?
I love the London parks. There is something about the wide, open, green spaces that I find calming. It’s probably because I spent most of my childhood living in Texas and if you know anything about Texas, you know there is a lot of space!
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
I refuse to make any plans on a Sunday night. I call it the Sunday night zen. I know it’s anti-social, but there is no way I can survive a work week these days if I don’t have a relaxed evening to help me mentally prepare for the week.
Best reason you've had to turn your Out of Office on recently?
I haven’t travelled much recently, but I do have a few holidays planned this year. I am off to Atlanta to see family and enjoy good old middle America life (i.e. shopping trips to Target!). I also have a few beach trips planned to Skiathos, Greece and Israel.
