Eliza Cracknell is the Business Development Manager at News Corp Australia, where she is working across News Corp’s News Women’s Network.

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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?

During my final year of completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) and International Studies at the University of Technology Sydney, I landed a job at Take 5 magazine.

This began a love affair with health, beauty and lifestyle reporting, which I’ve now been doing for over a decade. I soon switched gears to the fast-paced digital world, becoming editor of Madison magazine’s website followed by stints as CLEO, SHOP ’til You Drop and Beauty Directory.

I worked on the launch of 9Honey as the senior beauty editor, before becoming the body+soul editor in 2016. Along with reporting and editing, I also co-hosted and produced body+soul’s podcast Healthy-ish, which was listed as a top podcast for 2018 by iTunes.

In 2019 I became the acting editor of WHIMN.com.au. I now work as a business development manager across News Corp’s News Women’s Network.

2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?

When I’m working from the office I’ll normally get up around 5.30am do a quick workout then get to my desk around 7am. Most of the time I’ll eat breakfast and lunch at my desk.

Days vary, some days I’m mainly focused on interviews and content writing, others reporting and jam packed with meetings. We also have a team stand up at 11am which is a great way to see what everyone else is up to that day. I like the varied work and the ability to think strategically but to also be creative.

I normally leave the office around 4pm and go pick up my two boys from daycare. Then it’s dinner and bedtime routines, followed by a wine!

3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?

At the moment I do a couple of days from home and two in the office. I have two kids and since returning from mat leave I’ve always had a bit of flexibility in my day.

I often start early around 7am so that I can leave the office at 3.30-4pm to pick up my boys in the afternoon. Sometimes this means I might have to jump on emails later in the night but I like having the afternoon with the boys.

4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?

I love working so I want to be able to do a good job. I also love being a mum so I want to do a good job at that too. For me it’s about shifting the times of my day so that I can do both.

Some days if I have a lot on at work I will stay an extra hour and finish it – this way I won’t bring it home and be checking emails and worrying/be distracted while I’m with the boys. Trying to keep work at work and home at home helps me. It doesn’t always happen though!

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5) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?

At the moment I’m reading Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams and I love it. I also think Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo and Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia by Anita Heiss are important ones for people to read in the current climate.

When it comes to newsletters I like the Barefoot Investor one to remind me to think of my finances. I’ve also subscribed to Anti-Racism Daily to get insights and resources on dismantling systemic racism.

6) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?

Audible! Its so hard for me to read books with the two boys around so this allows me to get my book fix.

7) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?

The Iconic’s Erica Berchtold. I interviewed her for the whimn.com.au Power Woman series earlier this year and she was incredible. She not only had very practical tips for new mums returning to work after a baby but also tips on how to juggle.

There is one thing in particular that she said, “It better be super important if It’s going to take me away from my kids” this has made me think about my time and how I want to prioritise it.

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