Megan Lepper is the Digital Marketing & Communications Executive at Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency for the Taranaki province in New Zealand.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
Straight out of University, I started my career working in IT support and management roles and then moved on to working in the digital media project management space – which I absolutely loved.
Three years working for agencies in London helped launch my career and I used to pinch myself at the amazing luxury fashion brands I would be managing digital campaigns for (Jaeger-LeCoultre, Coach, Lancôme etc).
Upon moving back to New Zealand, I was lucky enough to secure some great contracts with agencies up in Auckland, working on large website projects for Countdown and Air New Zealand.
Then shortly after moving back to my home town of Taranaki, I landed a digital marketing role for Venture Taranaki – the local regional development agency. It’s a dream role for me at the moment as I get to promote my epic home town and get to work on a variety of exciting different projects going on in the region.
2) What does a typical day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
Coffee first (always) then delving into emails and a bunch of meetings – ranging from internal catch-ups, local videographers to talk content, or tourism operators to help them with their online operations. My day-to-day task list will usually involve CMS editing, website and social media planning and a whole lot of other random stuff which crops up!
A few times a week I try to go running or do yoga at lunchtime, as I find it clears my head and keeps me calm and productive for the afternoon.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
As I am the only person doing content for the Taranaki tourism social media channels, it means I’ll quite often attend evening events or be posting in the weekend – this means I can be flexible with my hours e.g. will take longer lunch breaks or finish early on a Friday which I find perfect for my work-life balance.
4) Do you have any tips, tricks or shortcuts to help you manage your workload and schedule?
I am a list person and plot all my tasks in my calendar so I ensure they get done (even if it’s exercise!). I find taking phone calls really disruptive when you’re in the middle of doing something so I tend to let them go to voicemail and respond when I’ve finished my task.
5) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
A great work-life balance is so important to me – especially at this day and age when you’re always connected to emails and social media. Sometimes it’s saying no to unnecessary networking events you don’t need to be at and making a conscious effort to leave work by 5pm. I also make sure my phone is on airplane mode after 8pm every night to ensure I have a good sleep.
If I have an unusually busy workload or urgent jobs I will tend to set my alarm earlier and do them first thing in the morning when I’m at my freshest. I find if I try to continue working late into the night I am constantly making mistakes so I try not to even go there!
6) What do you think are some of the best habits you’ve developed over the years to help you strive for success and balance?
Prioritising exercise and my social life/partner. If you feel like your workload is getting too much or an issue is bothering you, then voice it early – it’s no good to suffer in silence when there are people around who want to help you.
7) Are there any books that have helped you improve over the years?
The book that changed me the most was The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and how using the power of attraction can help you get what you want in life. I absolutely believe in using positive energy to your advantage.
Also, I found Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg and #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso super inspiring – absolute must-reads for women.
8) What is the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day?
Hydrate – it sounds obvious but ensuring I drink litres of water a day make me feel so good.
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
Some days when I feel like my workload is getting on top of me and client demands are out of control, I just have to put everything into perspective and remember it’s just work – no one is dying.
Prioritise your wellbeing and mental health and you will naturally be calmer and productive in the workplace!
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