In this edition of Workflow, we have Jana Firestone, a therapist and podcast host of The Curious Life talking about how she juggles her two roles and counselling people remotely.
Working from home and need inspiration? Grab a copy of our Workflow book, featuring beautiful home office ideas and workspace inspiration from around the world.
Describe what you do: I am a therapist and a podcaster, splitting my time between the two roles. This involves working with kids and their families three days a week and interviewing and editing around that.
My partner and I also recently launched a new business called The Sneaky Treat Co., after his career in Events Catering came to a screeching halt, thanks to COVD-19.
We created a home delivery service, offering decadent, irresistible treats such as the Lockdown Lemon Cake and Salted Quaramel fudge brownies to make quarantine life a whole lot sweeter. We’ve thrown all our love and energy into creating the most delicious products and beautiful eco-friendly packaging, complete with handwritten notes to let loved ones know you’re thinking of them.
It’s been incredibly heartwarming to see the love and community support out there, with many people sending Sneaky Treats as gifts to clients and family or friends, to help stay connected in the strange time of uncertainty.
How do you like your coffee: I am wholeheartedly addicted to Prana Chai. I consider myself a bit of a chai connoisseur (without wanting to sound pretentious at all!) and this local Melbourne business, hands down make the best chai around. Cannot start my day without a strong, milky chai.
Device(s) you use: Laptop and iPhone for all three of my streams of work these day! Counselling is happening by remote (over the phone or Zoom), interviews for the podcast are taking place over Zoom – which has been ideal for international guests! And of course, The Sneaky Treat Co., is all operating online so the laptop and phone have become instrumental to the business.
Describe your working style in one sentence: A frenetic charge with my mind in ten places at once – and that’s just in the rare moments when the kids are NOT around!
What does your workspace look like: I try to keep my desk as clear as possible. Working from home has meant I have had to compartmentalise more strategically than ever. The filing systems have sharpened up, my boundaries are clearer and I have to physically remove whichever role I’m not performing in, in order to fulfill the other ones.
How does your workspace affect your creative process: My workspace is absolutely reflective of what’s happening in my mind. If I feel chaotic, my desk will be a mess. I try to keep my workspace as clear as possible, free of junk and the inevitable build up of notes or receipts or papers of any kind – file them away and work with a clear mind. If I don’t do that, it all feels much more difficult!
Do you have a favourite playlist for work: I actually have to work in silence in order to edit the podcasts, but my family and I have been rocking out to George Ezra in my downtime lately. My four year old calls “Shotgun” our “fam jam” and we’ll all have a little boogie every time we play the album Staying at Tamara’s. George has been on repeat during lockdown and a great tension breaker when it’s all getting a bit too much at the end of the day.
Who would you like to nominate for the next workflow interview: Prana Chai.
Before you go…
If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Balance the Grind, let’s talk here.
Join our community and never miss a conversation about work, life & balance – subscribe to our newsletter.
This conversation is brought to you by fwards, an app to help health professionals thrive at work and home.
