Craig Lawson is the Managing Director of Craig Lawson Communications, an agency specialising in online strategy, marketing activations, product launches and brand building.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
I was drawn to the fabulous world of fashion while living in Sydney. I thrived upon organizing events, running promotional campaigns and reporting live from runway shows. My creative edge was quickly called upon by small businesses that desired a stylish brand message to stand out from the competition.
In 2011 after a move to Melbourne, I launched my own agency Craig Lawson Communications, where I’m currently Managing Director. We specialise in online strategy, marketing activations, product launches and building brand awareness.
Our clients include personal brands, celebrities, small businesses through to shopping centres and traders associations.
I also run riot online under the alias Mr Fashion Man.
2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
Setting up my day is the most important, I find it’s crucial to get in the right mind set. Begin with meditation, write down a quick gratitude list and set my intentions for the day.
Then I’m ready to hit the ground running! Morning is when I’m at my creative best, brainstorming ideas, writing, creating pitches, checking in with the team and overseeing projects.
In the afternoon, I like to get out and about. This includes visiting clients for meetings, sourcing inspiration for digital content, planning marketing activations and events.
Before clocking off, finalise the agenda for the following day.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
What I love about my work is I can do it from anywhere in the world. I’ve been at New York Fashion Week and working with my clients back home as if I was still in Melbourne.
I plan some of my day around what I need to do in the office, then what I can do on my phone either outdoors sometimes sitting in the park or in a café. It’s this type of flexibility that’s a fantastic perk of running my own agency and being the boss.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
This is something I do struggle with, I love my work a bit too much at times.
When I have the time to relax – I really do make sure I switch off. It’s really about listening to my body, eating well and enjoying quality time away from my business. So when I’m in work mode all cylinders are firing!
5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?
In 2020 I really started to pay attention to my mental health.
I started meditation to help unwind and bring myself into the present moment. I’m starting to reap the benefits by finding that I let go of stress much faster. Plus it helps to tame my crazy creative brain for a short space of time.
I’ve also taken up pilates and yoga – this helps me to connect with my body and bring a sense of calm into my life.
6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?
Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway by Sussan Jeffers.
I read this book about 15 years ago and it turned my life upside down. It taught me to just do it. To stop procrastinating, you’re better off to have tried and failed than to have never tried at all. It helped to give me a kick ass attitude!
Emotional Agility by Susan David.
This book has been a massive help over the recent year. I follow Susan on social media too. I found 2020 to be full of big emotions and her knowledge has helped me to navigate these crazy times. Her expertise has helped me to not get caught up in these emotions so I can run a small business with a calm yet productive mind-set.
7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?
For my health and well being, my top apps are:
- Good Vibes. My favourite go-to mediation app. Pop in my earbuds, click a track and take a moment to recharge and refresh.
- Elevate. I use this brain training app on a daily basis, it helps keep my mind sharp.
- Centr. Fitness app, gives me the ability to do a work out anywhere, plus it has great recipes.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
Jeffree Star. I’ve enjoyed watching his beauty empire grow. Jeffree’s schedule must be crazy hectic. How do you just switch off from having millions of followers, you’re always making headlines and still continue to grow a global empire?
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
Continue to try switching around your daily routine and find what works. Put your health and well being first. Surround yourself with other like minded people that inspire and motivate you.
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