Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Sharon Lillywhite: Ultimately, I must be available for the team and our clients, so it can be hard to switch off – but I am getting much better at it. I now have a wonderful senior team in place who have lightened the load considerably. This means that now, when I travel, I can ensure a little time for rest and relaxation alongside my work commitments. It’s a revelation! When I am away from the studio and with my son, it is very important to me that I am present and there for all the important stuff. I love being a mum and this time is precious, so I work hard to try to maintain the right balance.
What’s one thing you do after the work day to help you unwind?
At the end of a long day, you cannot beat a hot bath. I am also a big fan of meditation and have found it to be so helpful for switching off at the end of a busy day.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
Being out in nature walking our dog, a spin class or a kitchen disco helps me relax. I also spend a lot of time on the touchline watching my son play rugby, which is one of my favourite weekend activities. Or a glass or two of bubbles with friends. When I am away travelling, I do find the complete change of scene (and some vitamin D!) a great way to re-centre. There really is inspiration all around when I travel, and I find that I come back to the office re-energised.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
As I spend a lot of time in the car, I find it easier to listen to interviews and sound bites. I am loving the Masterclass App, hearing how people I respect and admire tackle leadership. For my own development, I take time out every evening to review the day – where we have had successes, but also where things have not gone to plan. It really helps manage relations within the team and ensures we all remain on track.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space?
I am really lucky to live just outside London with the beautiful countryside on my doorstep. I love being out in nature, it really does give me the space to reset and remember what is important. Oliver Burns Studio has just been awarded the Butterfly Mark, so my daily walks are a reminder of what we are all working hard to protect.
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
Anyone who knows me knows I love a list and a mind map. My Sunday evening is spent reviewing emails and organising the weekly family life/work diary juggle, making sure I have no clashing commitments.
Best reason you've had to turn your Out of Office on recently?
Of course, my favourite time of year for turning my Out of Office on is Christmas. It really is the only time of the year we all get to truly switch off and no one calls me! Otherwise, I am very lucky to travel all over the world with work. I was in Dubai in October, Paris last week and I am off to Miami at the end of the coming week.
Your go-to Out of Office outfit: My go-to outfits are usually centred around comfort because I am constantly on the go! Oversized Frankie Shop jackets are a staple in my wardrobe for their relaxed and effortless vibe. When I want to elevate my style with a touch of sophistication and edge, I turn to Bella Freud.
Your happy place anywhere in the world: I love everything Italian, so it has to be either Palazzo Avino in Ravello on the Amalfi Coast, or Hotel Splendido in Portofino. Both are truly magical. La dolce vita!
Your favourite bar or restaurant: In London, the bar at 1 Hotel is my current favourite hang-out. It’s very luxurious, but has a relaxed vibe – which is unusual for Mayfair. I usually order a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blanc, although I am equally tempted by wonderful English Sparkling Wines (Gusbourne is at the top of my list).
In Paris, I love Gigi on Avenue Montaigne. The food and the views are to die for. I order the Parmigiana and Seabass.
Something cultural or sporting you booked recently that you'd recommend: I would highly recommend the Gucci Cosmos exhibition at 180 Studios. My favourite part of this immersive installation is the recreation of the Gucci archive, which usually only creative directors of Gucci have access to – it is very impressive. I also love to watch the ballet at the Royal Opera House. My favourite is The Nutcracker, it's always on my list in the run up to Christmas.
Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend: Every day I dip in and out of Wise Words for Women by Donna Lancaster, which I cannot recommend highly enough. I’ve known Donna for a long time and she has helped me change my life for the better.
A hobby you'd like to cultivate: It has to be cooking! Cooking for a dinner party at home fills me with absolute fear, I would love some fail-safe, but ‘wow’ recipes up my sleeve, so I could enjoy cooking for friends and family. Any recipe ideas welcome!
A luxury that’s actually a necessity: A hot bubble bath and a beautiful scent! My go to scents are Molecule 02 by Escentric Molecules and Eau des Merveilles by Hermes.
Best luxury under £25: One of my favourite things to gift is Charbonnel et Walker chocolates. They are delicious and the packaging is wonderful too – always such a treat to give, even though I gave up chocolate years ago!
