Balancing the Grind with Rosie Brennan, Managing Partner at SomeOne

Rosie Brennan is the Managing Partner at SomeOne, a brand design agency, launching relaunching and managing brands worldwide, with offices based in London, Sydney and Berlin.

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

I am the Managing Partner of a brand design agency based in Sydney’s Surry Hills. We specialise in launching and re-launching brands from a range of sectors including education, not-for-profit, beauty, consumer goods, etc.

I am originally from the UK and was working at our sister agency when I was asked to move to Sydney to run our studio over here. The endless sunny days, beaches and chilled out vibe made it an easy decision to make!

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

Recently it has been a bit different for us – as it has been for everyone! We are all working from home but luckily (apart from a few slow internet issues) we have been able to carry on as before.

Generally we start the day with an all agency catch up where we run through the projects and plan for the day. I will check everyone is fully briefed and has everything they need to get started.

I often have a day of calls with clients to review work, discuss new projects and plan workloads before I regroup with the team again to check on progress and make sure they are all on track.

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

Although I can work remotely, as a large part of what I do is managing the team and their workload, it is much easier to be in the office to ensure everything is running smoothly.

I also like to get face to face time with people whether for work or just to catch up on how everyone is – we are a very close team so it’s nice to feel collaborative.

I also find working in the office makes it easier to stop long work days – you have a defined start and end time so you don’t tend to extend your working days so much.

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

Having a good work-life balance is absolutely critical to staying physically and mentally healthy. Work is important but It can also be overshadowing at times – particularly when you are trying to run a business.

Often when it feels all encompassing I will try to re-frame my perspective, to pull myself out of my little bubble and remind myself of the wider world and the incredible things happening. That might be by simply reading a book, watching the news, a good program or doing an exercise session.

I also try not to make a habit of working late or weekends, life in an agency does often require that, so I find it best to reserve that only for when it is absolutely essential and then it doesn’t feel so bad!

5) What do you think are some of the best habits or routines that you’ve developed over the years to help you achieve success in your life?

I’ve got into the habit of writing lists. My memory isn’t the best so I rely heavily on lists to keep me on track. I take great pleasure in crossing out tasks when they have been completed which is why I don’t think I could ever make my list digital.

I also make sure I file away any emails that have been actioned or completed into project folders which has had a big impact on my productivity and ensures I never forget what I need to do next.

6) Are there any books that have helped you improve over the years?

I find books a great relief from work-stress. I’m not one for self-help but I do love a good novel, particularly before bed or on my way to and from work for a bit of escapism in the day.

One book that I read fairly recently that I was totally engrossed in was Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari, if you ever need perspective on what is important in life, this book will give you it!

7) What is the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day?

It might sounds simple but I always feel the most empowered and confident when I dress up for the day.

Working in a design agency, we are pretty relaxed about what we can wear so I don’t need to stick to suits and kitten heels (although that can look great!) but I do love experimenting with clothes and trying out new trends and styles.

I get an email every morning from a fashion blog called Sheerluxe which I will always read with my morning coffee – that is my go-to for a daily dose of fashion inspiration.

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

I think Dolly Alderton would be a good one. I recently read her book Everything I Know About Love which was really entertaining and incredibly well written.

She has managed huge success at a young age and tends to have amusing yet insightful opinions on everyday subjects, so I think it would be a good read.

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

I guess I would say that work, life balance is hugely important but it means something different to everyone. You need to find what feels right for you to stay healthy and happy.

Some people love the grind – it gives them a buzz – and they tend to be the people we idolise as successful. But for most others, switching off work-mode at 5 or 6pm is a welcome break and we shouldn’t beat ourselves up or feel guilty about that.

For everyone though, we should try to remember that life is more then just work – so take a break, read a book, go on holiday (possibly not right now) and try to remember to set time aside to enjoy yourself!

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