Lisa Winning is the Chief Marketing Officer at Floww, a platform connecting startups and investors in a network of merit and real data.

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

I am a tech and media entrepreneur, originally from Sydney, based between London and the US. My first startup went viral with 180,000 users on launch day.

From the bedroom floor of a shoebox apartment in downtown Manhattan, I drew wireframes for what would become an online platform that grew to an audience of 5 million millennials. 

Everyone told me I was crazy. But after we launched we raised money from two venture capital firms, and sold our startup’s book rights and IP to Penguin Random House, Simon and Schuster, and Greg Berlanti/Warner Bros. I made so many mistakes along the way, but the people involved who believed and backed it, continue to inspire me.

Now, I’m the CMO of Floww, a platform championing entrepreneurship, and on the Board of Directors for Pride Live Stonewall Day.

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

I am not a morning person, and feel so guilty when I read about Jack Dorsey waking up at 5am every morning to meditate. Ray Daylio too. Having said that, I do start every day meditating because you set the frequency for the day ahead, rather than coming from reactivity.

Our office is close to my apartment in central London, so on a good day there’s enough time to walk and greet neighbourhood dogs on the way to meetings. Most of my time is spent figuring out how to create high level partnerships that support the mission of Floww.

We believe the next generation of entrepreneurs will come from everywhere, and that it’s a game of merit and tenacity, where the best and the brightest founders win.

In the evenings, I’m out and with people a lot – I believe business and life are both wholly relationship based. I can’t code so growth and success comes through connecting with others. Most nights I want to be with friends and meeting exciting people, hearing about what ventures they are building. And how they did it. Hearing stories of challenges overcome is the best part.

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

For sure. We are starting to film interviews with entrepreneurs which means location based filming. In addition, we have some really exciting partnerships to announce in 2022 which will mean more time in LA and NY. 

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

Meditation is huge. Every day, no question. Next up: spending time in nature restores us all, and allows for you to forget everything and enter that “flow” state. I’ve been having polo lessons for a while now, and riding horses also brings me into that sense of flow. Where time stops, and your ego gets quiet. 

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

I’ve stopped going out for the sake of it. Spending time with people that you can genuinely relax with and who are open themselves and able to be vulnerable is so much more refreshing. We’re all ready to be with people who inspire us, accept us as we are, and lift us up. Anything else is counter to a growth mindset. And sucks your energy.

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

Jackie Fast’s Rule Breaker: Rebellious Leadership for the Future of Work. Jackie sold her first company and has launched her own VC. She’s also mega fun and candid. I love Karen Tso from CNBC’s Squawk Box, but who doesn’t?! Arlan Hamilton and Alicia Syrett are both ground breaking investors who I really admire, and feel fired up following their tips on everything entrepreneurship. 

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

A secret lifesaver for when you need to look fresh but actually you haven’t been on vacation for a while is 111Skin. Stick a facemask on in between your last meeting, and going out and somehow you look like you got 9 hours sleep. They have products for guys too! 

Peloton’s yoga classes are simple, but genius. 

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

Sara Blakely. She didn’t need to raise a cent, and she built an empire. But it’s even more interesting that she makes business feel really fun. And inspires people that they could do it too. I love her, and all of my friends love her too.  

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

You need to show up for people authentically and the energy you bring to any situation is important. It’s what brings great entrepreneurs and leaders to another level. Energy is the currency that is most easily transferable. So determining your own energy, goals and values is key. And then you can bring that sense of vision and strength to everyone you meet with. 

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