Natalie Herscu is the co-founder of The Daily Routine, a sustainable personal care brand that is on a mission to reduce single use plastic.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
I started off my career in digital marketing working in ‘agency-land’. I call it agency-land because it feels like Disneyland, until it doesn’t.
The glitz and glam of working in an agency wore off, and I eventually realised that being told what time I needed to be at my desk, or what presentation I needed to pull together at 10pm, just wasn’t my style.
So, after leaving, I decided to spend the following years travelling and working in different parts of the world. From China to Israel, I quickly learned how fast and furious the start-up world could be and it was one I wanted to be a part of.
Coupled with mine and my co-founder’s passion for sustainability, we founded The Daily Routine, a sustainable personal care brand that is on a mission to reduce single use plastic.
I am currently the CEO of the biz – Chief Everything Officer. From creating content to running the numbers, I dip my toe in all aspects of The Daily Routine.
2) What does a day in your life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
Oooo my favourite question! A day in my life looks…full. It begins with a solid block of me-time; drinking hot water whilst skimming the headlines, 20 minutes of Vedic meditation followed by 5 minutes of journaling. Once this is done, I feel ready to mindfully start my day.
A typical workday could include checking in with my marketing team, responding to emails, sourcing our next product and my favourite – catching up with one of my incredible mentors.
At 5pm, the laptop shuts, and the exercise begins. I try my best to switch off after that. But if I have something pressing or playing on my mind, I’ll jump back on after dinner.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
I wouldn’t do what I do if I didn’t have either of these things. My team works 100% remotely, and I don’t expect them to be online when I am. It’s 2022, flexibility is in.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
I don’t necessarily believe in a work-life balance. If you love what you do, then it shouldn’t be seen as work. These days, personal and professional lives run in parallel and that is okay.
Yes, I live and breathe The Daily Routine and I think about it when I am in the shower most evenings. However, I also allow myself to sleep in on a Monday or take even a few days off if I need to.
A part of making that possible is also about the people you choose to surround yourself with, who understand and can appreciate a similar outlook in life.
5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?
The most important routine which I recently introduced is something called ‘planning’. Simple in theory but is often overlooked as business owners.
I spend at least 30 minutes every morning planning out my day. It has helped me become more laser focused and productive – I highly recommend giving it a go!
If I finish my to-do list at 3pm on any given day, great! It’s time to go for a run, and that is work-life balance.
6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts, or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?
One of my favourite books is called The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin. It is a simple reminder to enjoy life and not to take things too seriously.
My favourite podcast is called ‘What the Flux’. It’s a bite-sized business news podcast that is fun and engaging – what more could you want?!
7) Are there any products, gadgets, or apps that you can’t live without?
My daily digital planner is called TeuxDeux and is constantly open on my desktop. Its simplicity is what makes it so enjoyable to use and I think it’s only $24 a year to join!
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
Gary Vee. Does he even work?
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life, or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
There is no right way of doing things. The idea of working 9-5 is so heavily ingrained in our society and should be quashed. We are all different, have different needs and ways of working and that autonomy should be encouraged.
If you need to clear your mind – go for a walk, listen to a podcast, or call a friend. It may take an extra hour out of your day, but you’ll thank yourself for it.
Finally, I’ve found that if you work on something that you’re passionate about that is also making a difference to our world, then you’ll be truly fulfilled. So, get out there, take a risk and take ownership over your life!
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