Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Venetia Archer: I schedule time for contemplation and reflection. I walk to and from work, and I ensure I use this time to wind down from the working day.
What’s one thing you do after the workday to help you unwind?
I have a three-year-old and a new baby, so there’s not much time for unwinding! That said, I think reading is a gift, and it is one of my favourite things to do. I have a few books on rotation on my Kindle and I will always read at night – no matter how late it is.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
I will often spend a couple of hours on the weekend walking quietly with a podcast, which really helps to slow down my mind and to separate myself from my work. The weeks are frenetic with very little time for contemplation, so a few hours on my own always helps. Being a founder is all consuming and it runs in seasons. I try to appreciate the quieter periods as I know they don’t last very long.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to, or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
I love taking inspiration from other entrepreneurs and hearing their stories, so will often have a podcast on the go. My favourites are How I Built This by Guy Raz, Reid Hoffman's Masters of Scale, and – beauty-specific – The Glossy Podcast.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite ‘third space’?
I love places where I feel truly anonymous. That’s why I love an airport and a hotel. One of my favourite places to go at the moment is The Peninsula London. If work is getting too hectic or stressful or I just need a moment of quiet, I will go and sit in its gorgeous lobby, order a tea and take a breath.
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
I’ll always ensure I have a view of the week ahead. I used to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday getting a head start on the week with my emails which worked well, however with two children that’s increasingly impossible. I make sure I am clear on the structure of the week and when I am out and about as this helps me to ensure that the week is organised efficiently. I hate wasting time getting from place to place, and so I take care that my scheduling has been thought through.
Best reason you've had to turn your Out of Office on recently?
Having a baby! My team were amazing and they took it upon themselves to take me off all the emails and set up new Slack channels because they knew I wouldn’t be able to resist checking in. I’m very grateful to them for that. I did think to myself that my email inbox was looking rather quiet!
Your go-to Out of Office outfit: Right now, I’m very into a shift dress, cute little ballet shoe and a great bag. I have my favourites and I wear them to death, and then I move on.
Your happy place anywhere in the world: Whale Beach in Australia. It’s where I grew up.
Your favourite bar or restaurant: Nothing beats China Tang at The Dorchester. I love sitting at the bar and ordering some dumplings and, if I’m with my girlfriends, a glass of white wine.
Something cultural or sporting you booked recently that you'd recommend: I love going to Intelligence Squared events. I like to keep up with international affairs and politics, and it keeps me in tune with what’s happening.
Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend: I’m listening to Slow Mo: A Podcast by Mo Gawdat. I really like his way of thinking. Also, he has a new book called Unstressable: A Practical Guide to Stress-free Living with Alice Law that I’d like to read.
A hobby you'd like to cultivate: I love writing, and would like to pick that back up at some point.
A luxury that’s actually a necessity: Any beauty treatment!
Best luxury under £25: A phone charger in every room.
