This week we’re taking 5 with Lana Weal, Marketing Consultant at Market Mindfully.
Lana is a storyteller on a mission to support others making the world a better place through doing good business. With a communications career that spans some of Australia’s most well known brands, local businesses and early-stage startups, Lana enjoys supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs, to amplify their impact and change the world through Market Mindfully and the upcoming podcast In Kind Company.
Welcome, Lana!
1. What does your workday routine look like?
For years I worked with a never-ending to-do list and a set amount of time spent at my computer. When I started Market Mindfully and working for myself, I knew I had to change. When I create more structure to my day, I can be more productive as I’m working on one thing at a time, and I feel more refreshed afterwards as I have a sense of achievement and clear end to tasks.
Now I try to start every work week with three important priorities that will “move the needle” so I have clear focus. Then everyday I use time-blocking to get certain tasks done and I’m aware of how much time and energy I spend on each task.
2. How do you stay focused and maintain a positive mindset when things get crazy busy?
Like many in the startup industry, I love my work and I’ve got some workaholic tendencies. Often when I’m getting overwhelmed or I’m not focused, taking a break and stepping away from screens helps to refresh my mindset.
During lockdown in Melbourne, I’ve had productivity guilt where I wished I had achieved more or was further along. So to help my mindset, I’ve been more dedicated to practicing gratitude daily and I’ve looked back on my career and work so far to appreciate what I have achieved. It’s easy to forget all that’s happened when you’re looking forward to doing even more!
3. What are your three must-haves for a healthy work-life integration? And why?
Being in lockdown for months has forced me to put extra focus on my mental health. I have non-negotiables for everyday - I need to meditate, move my body and consume inspiring content.
Other things that have helped are having separate physical areas and set regular times for work. And reflecting on wins has become really important.
For a quick reset when I’m feeling overwhelmed, I take a dance break or mini workout while pumping good tunes, I listen to podcasts while going for a walk or doing menial tasks, or I read something completely unrelated to work.
4. What’s your top tip for creating a thriving workplace culture?
It’s all about communication. When we understand each other more, we’re more compassionate and respectful of others. In this digital age it’s so easy to assume what others are thinking or doing so my advice is always to over-communicate at the beginning. Establish team rituals, communication channels, authority sign-offs and seek to understand how others work so you can support each other to do your best work.
5. How do you bounce back when things don’t go as planned?
For my work, I try to conduct a mini ‘retro’ session where I try to learn lessons from mistakes or failures. I try to be optimistic and reflect on what I can learn from situations, but often I need to step away to get some perspective.
I try to be grateful for what has gone well in the past, I try to remember to ask myself if this will matter in 5 years, and I focus on consuming realistic and inspiring content of successful people in business who are open about failure.
This conversation was brought to you by Pioneera.
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