Balancing the Grind with Jane Lay, Talent Partner at Privyr

Jane Lay is a Talent Partner at Privyr, a Singapore based, venture-backed startup that helps consumer-facing salespeople & businesses contact and convert leads into clients, from their phones.

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

I have been in the HR industry for a little over a decade, focusing primarily on recruitment/headhunting in the beginning. Over time, I transitioned into HR business partnerships and then into talent partnerships.

I am currently on the team of a Singapore Sass start-up charged with developing and building our global team, which is located in Singapore, India, South Africa, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, etc. It’s an exciting time. 

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

Usually, I begin my day with a cup of black coffee after waking up around six in the morning, feed my dog, play a round or two of tug of war with him, or maybe we will just catch the news together if it is a cloudy or rainy morning.

My usual routine, once things are done at home, is to head to the gym which is usually either yoga class or spin class depending on the day’s favour, haha. For the past six years, I have been following this regime.

Taking the time to plan out my work schedule while on the mat or bike, as well as internalising some of my work decisions, slowing down and reflecting, works really well for me.

Around 10 /11 am, I’ll head into the office. Will usually skip lunch or grab something on my desk. As long as it permits, I will work until 8pm. Otherwise, I will head home around 5, feed the dog, and continue from home. 

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

Work-life balance is having the ability and flexibility to plan my day. 

In this way, I am able to be where I am needed most and return to work right away. Since we only get 17-18 hours a day, time is everything when we have so many things to focus on. It is important that we do not miss out on the important moment just because we have to be at work at a specific time. 

4) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?

My new routine is to take a walk after dinner – it’s an interesting way to lose weight hahaha. I stopped spending too much time on social media sites like Tink – the endless scrolling is exhausting.   

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

My all-time favourite has to be How I Built This by Guy Raz. The podcast allows me to get a unique perspective on the struggles entrepreneurs face and how they overcome them. As a result, I gained a better understanding of some of my stakeholders.  

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

New Zealand’s prime minister – Jacinda Ardern, is the youngest PM there’s bound to be a steep learning curve. Love hearing how she plans her day. 

7) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?

It is important to find a job that suits your lifestyle (if possible) instead of the other way around. 

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