In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Zita West: With difficulty! I try to avoid checking my emails first thing in the morning. Early morning is the best time for thinking and working so I leave them until around 11am. I switch off from work about seven in the evening.
What’s one thing you do after the work day to help you unwind?
I like going out and having a glass of wine and a catch-up with my friends.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
We are very fortunate in that we live in London and in the country, so going back to our cottage in the Cotswolds is our time away. We go out for walks, have Sunday lunch and spend time with my grandchildren – that's all a great help.
View Zita West's Walpole Member profile here.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
I am always looking to expand the Zita West Products range so I’m currently reading about how the gut and vaginal microbiome is becoming increasingly important for fertility – it’s fascinating. One book I am reading is The Second Brain by Michael Gershon, where he writes about his 30 years of research which has led to an extraordinary rediscovery: nerve cells in the gut that act as a brain.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space?
My flat in Oxford Circus. It’s right in the center of Oxford Street, but unbelievably quiet and peaceful. It’s my sanctuary.
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
In the early evening I will write my to-do list and plan for the week ahead.
Best reason you've had to turn your Out of Office on recently?
I don’t ever put my Out of Office on. I am always available even when I am on holiday.
Your go-to Out of Office outfit: It depends on where I’m going. If it’s cocktails then it'll be my favourite Osman dress, which I've had for many years and never lets me down. For something more casual I would go for a nice jeans and shirt combo.
Your happy place anywhere in the world: I love India and we go there every year (apart from during the pandemic, of course). Also Oman, Muscat where I lived and worked as a midwife 40 years ago. My best friend still lives out there so we go out there frequently.
Your favourite bar or restaurant: My favourite bar is around the corner from my flat in London, Berners Tavern, and one of my favourite restaurants is L'Escargot on Greek Street in Soho. I love Sunday lunches, especially in winter, and L'Escargot does a great Sunday lunch: roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, a nice glass (or two) of red wine, and a crème brulee for dessert.
Something cultural or sporting you booked recently that you'd recommend: I love autumn in london, and have already booked some Carol concerts ahead!
Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend: I have a huge fascination with the connection between mind and body and emotional and mental health, so I read a lot about neuroscience. It not only helps me, but it also helps my clients. Clearing up your Mental Mess by Caroline Leaf is a great book with five simple, scientifically-proven steps to reduce anxiety, stress and toxic thinking.
A hobby you'd like to cultivate: I used to paint so I would love to go back to doing that and take some courses.
A luxury that’s actually a necessity: Health, to me, is a luxury. One of my products that I take regularly is Kaneka Ubiquinol which is an important powerhouse of the cell, the mitochondria. It’s a longevity product which helps with cellular repair so I use it for everyday health and energy, but in fertility it can help with egg quality.
Best luxury under £25: A good quality silk sleep mask.
