Balancing the Grind with Victoria Zorin, Founder & CEO at Nola

Victoria Zorin is the founder & CEO at Nola, an anonymised video analytics software that enables venues and retailers to improve visitor experience.

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

I’m the CEO and co-founder of Nola, a visitor analytics and queues & wait times solution for bars, entertainment venues and retailers. Nola is an AI solution that requires no installation, it analyses a venue’s existing video footage to produce anonymised insights.

I’ve recently completed a raise, and have taken the leap of faith to go full time in my business, after spending nearly a decade in global marketing roles for technology businesses.

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

I prioritise a routine, and doing the things I love every day. I find that I am more fulfilled when I am able to balance work, socialising, health and my hobbies. A routine makes space for me to achieve some career related goals, while doing the other things I love too.

I start my day off at 6AM with journaling, and identifying my priorities for the day. I then respond to my emails and complete admin tasks, followed by the gym or surfing. I use the rest of the day to complete meetings or long term strategic tasks. Once a week, I meet with my team and use this time to discuss our long term goals and how we are performing against them. 

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

I always refer to the phrase ‘will this activity sharpen my tool (being my brain)’ when I take time to do things that may not be business related. I have found there is a strong correlation between being fulfilled and energised, and being more productive at work.

While some days, I might have to work excessively due to a deadline (which I don’t mind because I love my job!), the way I’ve set up my routine enables me to achieve a work life balance. I also use a priority matrix to identify what is critical, what can be delegated and what can be delayed. Do less, but do it well!

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

I do a 5 minute meditation when I wake up, and this really puts me in a positive mind set. Meditation was never my thing, so 5 minutes is perfect for me!

The habit I’ve let go of is creating a huge to-do list, and putting pressure on myself to be consistently productive everyday. I’ve accepted that it’s just not realistic. Instead I prioritise one big challenge a day, and try to get this complete before lunch time.

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

I really enjoy Do You F*g Mind? by Alexis Fernandez and The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes – they both just say it how it is.

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

I would love to hear from Melanie Perkins of Canva!

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

To put it simply – make time to do the things you love! Your brain will thank you for it.

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