Amy Foyster is the Head of Content at WorkForClimate, a climate change start-up, supporting employees to take climate action within the companies they work for.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
I studied journalism at university and took a job straight after graduating as the editor of a small, industry trade magazine.
From there, I moved into the education sector as a content coordinator, before landing my dream job at Intrepid Travel. I started out as a copywriter for the APAC marketing team, eventually working my way up to the role of Global Content Manager.
During my time at Intrepid (a B Corp focused on running sustainable, small-group travel and supporting communities and the environment through their not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation), I was inspired by the way a for-profit business could use their power for good.
Then in early 2021, due to the challenges that COVID-19 inflicted on the travel industry, I made the tough decision to leave Intrepid, and shift my focus full-time to fighting the climate crisis by taking a Head of Content role with WorkForClimate.
2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
My role is a remote role, so a lot of my time is spent by myself, in my home office on Zoom (even when we aren’t in one of Melbourne’s frequent lockdowns!).
But WorkForClimate also gives me the option to use a co-working space in Collingwood, called The Commons, if I need a change of scene and want to see some other faces in real life!
WorkForClimate is brand new, in fact, we only launched officially earlier this month, so my day-to-day is fairly ad hoc at the moment – anything from interviewing someone in the business space who is doing impressive sustainability work, writing articles, creating marketing content, liaising with agencies and contractors, responding to comments on social media – we’re a start-up, so all three of us that make up the current full-time team wear many hats!
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
As I mentioned, my role is a remote role, but that doesn’t only mean that I have the flexibility to work from any location (although I can!). My workplace and manager are both extremely supportive of taking time off when we need to recharge.
Plus, we get an RDO every fortnight and I am able to schedule my hours around gym classes, family commitments and whatever else I like, providing I get the work done when it needs to be done.
My role and this organisation are flexible in the true sense of the word and I owe a lot of that support to my incredible manager! She recognises the value of trust and treating everyone like an adult, and also how challenging the last 18 months have been for everyone.
I worried before taking the role that I would feel lonely working remotely, but when you have that level of support and positive energy (and an occasional Zoom dance party to break up the day!), it really feels like I have the best of both worlds.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
For me it’s important that I love my work and when I am working I am fully focussed on what I am doing.
But it’s also important to me that I have a life outside of work – so that means ensuring I have time to really switch off from work and do things I enjoy and are important to my physical and mental health like spend time with loved ones, exercise, cook dinner and still have a bit of time to just relax at home.
5) What do you think are some of the best habits or routines that you’ve developed over the years to help you achieve success in your life?
Daily exercise is important for me. I feel so much better physically and mentally if I get even 30 mins of exercise in per day – even if it’s just a walk or something to get me moving. Also, being organised for the week on a Sunday.
As fun as it is to just socialise and relax all weekend, if I go back to work on Monday and haven’t bought any groceries or done any washing or cleaning for the week, I always regret it and feel behind the 8-ball.
So an ‘hour of power’ of cleaning on a Sunday, a basic grocery shop and having lunches for work on Monday sorted out is essential for me, at a minimum.
6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?
Podcasts: I love listening to anything about travel. I religiously listen to Hamish and Andy every week – no matter what mood I am in, they always cheer me up and are just a great escape.
Shameless is also a good light one, particularly their interviews, same as Just the Gist by Rosie Waterland. And then I also enjoy true stories/ crime – who doesn’t – like ABC’s Trace, Teacher’s Pet, Serial, This American Life and anything by Ester Perel if I am in the mood etc
Books: If I had to name my favourite books, I am an old school Harry Potter fan from way back. Otherwise I love most page-turners, interesting biographies and historical fiction. Last year I joined a Book Club, so have been reading a lot more chick lit than I normally would – but surprisingly loving it! At the moment, we are reading Pachinko, which I would highly recommend.
7) What is the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day?
Surround myself with people that bring out the best in me.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
That’s a tough one. I think anyone who works in a busy, high-pressure job and has children is incredible. Not having children yet myself, I am in awe of the supermums and dads out there who do both!
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
I personally believe everyone has a different threshold for what is manageable for them. What is a good balance for me, might not be for someone else and that’s okay.
It’s important that everyone works out what is right for them and finds a workplace that shares the same values as they do.
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