Andie Tickner is a business strategist and mindset coach, and the founder of The Roar Truth, where she helps business leaders be fearless in their decisions.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
I realised pretty early on what I like and what I’m good at; namely I have a knack for getting shit done, I get my energy from people and I love doing work that impacts culture. I always say, I just want to do cool shit with cool people and so it’s no surprise that’s been my path.
To say it’s been eclectic and a little crazy sometimes is somewhat of an understatement – I’ve certainly had my fair share of making the impossible possible, not without the help of awesome humans along the way of course and I’m still going.
As a quick snapshot, I started out in radio what feels like a zillion years ago! I met the most fabulous man who was running our promotions department. He basically ran around booking talent, doing outdoor roadshows (when they were a thing!) and had the DJ’s giving away a bunch of free stuff on air. It looked like a lot of fun and I wanted in, so that’s how my career in media began!
From there I perfected my craft of managing commercial content, partnerships and integration across one of the largest media organisations in the UK.
This gave me exposure to the machinations of their radio, magazines and television divisions and propelled me into leading their teams and businesses into commercial and client growth.
After a big stint in London, I got itchy feet and looking back, made quite a bold decision to move to Australia without a job or a visa. 13 years later and a proud citizen, I guess you could say it worked out!
Over that time, I feel privileged to have held some pretty incredible roles. I headed up Brand Partnerships for EMI Music and Universal Australia, I’ve led and managed the client services and commercial divisions for three creative & content agencies and most recently, flipped the switch from a 9-5 to being the founder of my own business The Roar Truth.
As The Roar Truth, I’m all about helping business leaders be fearless in their decisions so they can grow and scale their business and make more money. I do this through a combination of business strategy and mindset coaching, as one can’t exist without the other and I do this in a way that I think is a little different to most.
I bring intuitive and instinctive guidance, a straight up approach with practical know-how, coaching strategies and years of leadership, corporate and life experience to help my clients get great results. Try putting that on a business card – but then I’ve never been one for labels!
2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
Thankfully I thrive on diversity, so the solopreneur life suits me fine. As most will attest to, every day is jam packed, somewhat unpredictable at times and no one day ever looks the same!
What is set though, is starting the day taking care of me and that’s either a run by the ocean or hitting my local F45 studio. Setting up your own business, particularly through COVID-19 is challenging, so this has kept me, my head and my body in check. I always say I do my best work in nature – it’s the quickest way to solve any problem or figure out my next step.
Then the diversity kicks in. Most days I’m with clients, which is the work I love to do the most. Literally nothing makes me happier than delivering results for clients. Sounds corporate, is the truth.
Thankfully my business can support clients anywhere in the world, so I’m usually juggling the UK and Australia and can be on site and working from home all in the same day. Top that up with creating my own content and programs, working with my coach and mentors, catching up on study, participating in community groups and networking and the day goes pretty fast!
When I’m not on call to the UK, I try for a sunset walk, early dinner, prepping for the next day and possibly somewhere in between a chat and a pat with my cat Basil and a little Netflix!
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
Totally. Although I go where my clients need me most. Truth is, I get really fueled by people, so I enjoy having the opportunity to work with clients in person and in their environment, yet like many, Zoom has become my friend.
I also really love diversity and change, so having the freedom and flexibility to be where I need to be and for that to look different every day is good for my soul.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
Work-life is just one life for me. I’m still relatively in the early days of my business, so much of my time is devoted to its growth and success, as well as my own.
So that means I’m usually working 7 days a week in some capacity, however I make sure I always make time for myself and I schedule things in my diary that are fun, get me out and about and satisfy all aspects of my life.
I have a huge capacity for working and giving, so maintaining boundaries with myself and my clients is super important otherwise no one gets the best of me.
5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?
100% and I believe in constantly reviewing routines to make sure they really serve you. What works now may not be what works in the future.
There’s been a few adjustments:
I always start the day with me and make sure my needs are met before I try to take care of anyone else or their business. This is a non-negotiable now.
I have bumped up my spiritual practice and outdoors activities to the next level. The ocean is my happy place and I’m there every single day. As I mentioned, I work very intuitively, so this helps ground me into the right energy and have a clear channel to do the work I need to do.
I’m more discerning with the energy and people I allow in my life to ensure that it’s a mutual exchange, a collaborative partnership and good humans working together for an aligned outcome.
Having consistent coaches, mentors and guides in my life to help me work through mindset, growth and expansion as my business evolves.
Showing up and sharing my voice no matter what I feel like or anyone else thinks of me.
6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?
Gosh I am an absolute podcast fiend and could reel off about 20 that I listen to. I pretty much have a handful that help me with different areas of my life from work to relationships, money, self-development, business – the list goes on.
Ones that I’m loving at the moment are Joe Rogan – probably a known favourite, but he gets into the guts of the matter and I love that plus his guests are diverse and offer everything from educational to entertainment. The Miley Cyrus episode was brilliant.
Rob Lowe – my high school crush, what am I saying, still a crush, but I love his humble and insider approach with his guests – you kind of get the real deal from the celebs you love.
Expanded by Lacy Phillips, which is all about the art of manifestation with very practical hands on tips and then I’d go to Lewis Howes, Vishen Lakhiani, Aubrey Marcus and even some recent Pete Evans for broader self-development, educational, sciencey-geek stuff.
Newsletters flow into my inbox by the ton, but I do like Seth Godin’s sharp and succinct tidbits. And Glennon Doyle’s Untamed is an absolute must read for living life unapologetically you, which is definitely a life I subscribe to!
7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?
Right now, I’m all about the tools and tech that can make my life & work run more efficiently – Later, Canva, Trello, Slack and WhatsApp.
None of which are new, but they sure help me get things done way quicker and stay in touch with clients a lot easier. I’m also a lover of essential oils and a good Spotify playlist.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
Ah this is a tough one, but right now, I’d have to go with a round table and invite Esther Perel, Brené Brown, Alicia Keys and Vishen Lakhiani.
I’m interested to hear how those being pioneers for a non-conventional approach to relationships, life and business manage work-life balance, especially when so much of it is in the public spotlight.
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
Do what lights you up, work in flow and don’t force anything. Be fearless in pursuit of happiness and success. Find a good coach.
Work with good humans. Embrace the opportunity for growth and expansion, no matter how uncomfortable it may feel. The reward is worth it!
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