Can you introduce yourself in a few sentences?

I love asking this question, but hate answering it. We’ll talk about work in a minute so I’ll stick to the fun stuff. I was born in London but grew up all over, and hope to give my future kids the same experience one day. I’m a major bookworm (we need a less ick word for this), and my favourite hobbies are drinking Palomas with friends, watching Sex and the City reruns, and blowing 95% of my income on travelling.

What do you do for work? 

I’m the co-founder of Social Capital, and am also a writer and startup strategist focusing on brand and organic growth. I’ve written for places like Harvard Business Review, The Guardian, Stylist and Cosmo. I also do some guest lecturing, and just finished delivering a 6-session module at the Barcelona School of Art and Design.

How did you get to where you are today?

Long story short, I always thought I wanted to be a journalist. But as the media world turned all-digital-everything, that whole scene became less appealing. I joined a Google Startup Weekend by chance when I was 21, and that changed everything — I knew I wanted to be involved in the startup world in one way or another. I did an internship at a tech hub, I went to business school to get my MSc in Entrepreneurship, and have been working with startups on all things brand, content and organic growth ever since. I’ve also been lucky enough to collaborate with some amazing and similarly delusional people on cool projects across Europe. 

What does living a good life mean to you?

For me, a good life is about balance. It can’t be all fun all the time, because that really does get boring after a while. I really value freedom, which is why I love working for myself. There’s nothing better than waking up and getting to decide what you do with your day, whether that’s planning a pop-up event in Berlin, a dinner in NYC, or a collaboration with my favourite brands in Amsterdam. A good life is a busy and interesting one. 

What’s something you wish you’d known 5 years ago?

That the day you plant the seeds is not the day you eat the fruit. I’ve really learned that every single conversation can bring you a cool opportunity down the line — you just never know. I also wish I’d understood the value of consistency. The downside of ADHD energy is that you can sometimes forget to think long-term, and I definitely have not yet mastered this. 

Who’s someone you look up to? 

Kris Jenner. I’m only half joking. She really did take what some might call a talentless bunch of kids (sorry Kim) and turn them into one of the world’s most powerful families. It’s not just the reality TV empire — their impact on culture, from Kylie Jenner’s lips to the all-beige Skims aesthetic, can’t be overstated. I also am endlessly inspired by Emma Grede, the mastermind behind Skims and Good American, who partners with the Kardashians on all their various brands. She’s an incredible businesswoman and also something of a style icon for me. 

What’s the best life lesson you’ve learnt? 

Your network is your net worth! Surrounding yourself with inspiring people is everything. I love that my friend group is so diverse. Everyone comes from different places and does different things, and I am inspired by each one in different ways. I love how one friend jumps into every travel opportunity that comes his way. I look up to another friend who’s really good at saving and investing, and that’s paying off as he buys a sick house. I love how my sister went from someone who barely ran, to completing two half marathons within a few months, by starting with 2km jogs. Insane. They say you’re the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with, so pick wisely!

What do you dream about?

Being so rich that I can go on strangers’ GoFundMes and donate $100k here and there. I don’t know why, but this has always been my fantasy since I was a kid.

What is one thing you recommend?

Consume diverse content. I follow a ton of political accounts from both far-left and far-right profiles, because I find it fascinating to see what people are saying at both ends of the spectrum. It really helps you understand everyone’s perspective better. I also try to read everything from self help books to economic manifestos (not just so I can look hashtag educated on Instagram). 

What song would be the soundtrack to your life?

Either Guilty Conscience by Eminem and Dr Dre, or Fearless by Taylor Swift. 

Finally, give us a hotspot in your city, or a city you love!

In Paris, one of my favourite restaurants is Django. In Amsterdam, you can’t beat the cinnamon rolls from Bakkerij Louf. And in London, the perfect Saturday lunchtime is spent at the food market in Duke of York Square.