Simon York is the National Sales Manager at business-to-business publishing company, The Intermedia Group, where he looks after Hospitality Magazine.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
I’ve been in advertising and marketing for around 15 years. I started off in advertising at the big publishers but decided I much preferred the smaller independent publishers. I then moved from advertising to marketing and have done full circle back into advertising.
My current role is taking care of Hospitality Magazine for The Intermedia Group. It’s a B2B title for the industry. I also own a boutique media agency called 3rd Wheel and have three side hustle businesses that have nearly shifted into full operations.
2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
My day revolves around communication. Building and forging strong relationships with my clients. Understanding what their real objective is and producing a strategy that is going to hit their goals.
I am constantly working with my colleague AK on the digital side of business and our editorial team and publisher on commercial solutions for future campaigns. Before and after hours I’m working on my side hustles or putting together a social media campaign or creative solution for a client of 3rd Wheel for example. That part changes daily. And of course changing newborn nappies!
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
Yes I work remotely at home. It’s been quite good given my current position in the circle of life. I have a toddler and newborn so being home to help has been helpful. Also I’ve seen more stages of growth in my son (toddler) which I may have missed.
It works well. I’m up early around 5am and am pretty much on until 5pm. Then back on around 9pm for an hour or so. I take my breaks through the day so I’m definitely not grinding out 14 hour days. I’ve found working from home to make me more time efficient.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
Work life balance is ensuring that you get the job done to be able to enjoy the down time, the family time, the friends time. Achieve that goal with effective work during work hours. Being detailed in responses, minimize mistakes, create a seamless workflow to get it done and feel satisfied when you hit the off button.
5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?
Biggest one is working from home when COVID-19 started.
6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?
I’m a huge sports fan, especially NBA. I listen to No Dunks. Also the old school Roy and HG weekly. I also like a comedic podcast called Somewhat Related. My toddler has part owned my phone these days so screen time and listening time has taken a hit.
7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?
- Cozi – it’s a household organizer. Has a shared calendar, lists to do and tick off.
- Ecwid, Squarespace and Shopify – I use one for each side hustle. They are e-commerce Apps.
- Candy Crush – been addicted for quite some time
8) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
It took a good amount of time to work it out but it’s so important to ensure a work life balance. Maybe it was when we started a family it became even more important. You just don’t want to miss out on the good times because of work.
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