Nhi Hemingway is the Head of Content, Community & Partnerships at Llama Life, a productivity tool designed to help you increase focus to get stuff done, not just make never-ending lists.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
It’s been a fun ride. A lot of self discovery, trying new things, successes and failures. I remember not having a clue what I wanted to do in year 12, having to make decisions then about what uni courses to apply for, etc. I don’t know how anyone knows what they want to do when they’re a kid but I’m amazed when I meet those who do.
One thing I can say is that I’ve taken opportunities and chances. I’m not risk averse. Travel to the other side of the world where you don’t know anyone? Sure. Why not? Not sure you’re ready for that promotion? Take it.
I fell into recruitment for a while before I branched out to branding, content and marketing. I’ve also owned and ran a cafe in Melbourne. I’ve worked for large corporations and now a startup as their first employee. I’ve always been people and relationships focussed and that remains.
My current role looks after Content, Community & Partnerships for Llama Life, a tool that helps you have calm, focussed productivity. There is a world where we can be productive without feeling hectic, stressed and burnout, and we want to help as many people as possible.
2) What does a day in your life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
Let’s go through today. I’m awake by 6.30am, I get my boys ready for school, then I’m off for my morning 3km walk. Then it’s a quick breakfast before I’m working through my priorities for the day.
Today was focussed on continuing to get media coverage for our pre-seed raise, as well as working on our blog, Ambassador program, with some HR thrown into the mix. There are always brainstorming sessions throughout the week which are great as I love being creative.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
Yes absolutely. We (the founder and I) both work remotely and often async as well. It allows us both to work when we’re most productive, and also to factor in what else is going on in our lives.
There are days when we’re both working quite traditional hours, then there are days I may be working once the kids are asleep because it’s worked out that way.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
It means I give myself time to focus on all the things that matter. And that I’m realistic about how productive I can be.
Work-life balance means I feel that I’ve had enough time to work on and deliver what I need to at work, but also spend time with my family and friends and give myself time.
The reality is that you don’t always feel there is a balance – it’s important not to beat yourself up when this occurs, and to reflect on what’s gone off course.
5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?
I had my second son, went on maternity leave, left my corporate job and then joined a startup in a new role. I think I’ve started and stopped quite a few routines in that time. Some things I’ve really tried to focus on are: being kinder to myself, walking more, and allowing myself to stop and do nothing at times!
6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?
I highly recommend Nesslabs.com– it’s all based on neuroscience, and is always an interesting read.
It’s very well written and researched. I’m slightly obsessed with productivity and there is often a focus on improving and understanding how productivity works.
7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?
I’ve been playing around with TikTok quite a bit so am experimenting with various video editing apps like InShot and Splice. I’m not about to quit my day job just yet but am having fun whilst learning new skills.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
I think Zoe Foster Blake (Go-To Founder & COO, author, and all round superstar) is incredible and would love to read an interview on her thoughts. Her branding and marketing prowess is impressive.
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
Take risks! Be open to new things! Often we are the blocker stopping things happening. As hard as it can be sometimes, remove yourself as the roadblock.
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