LAUNCHING: CHLOE ASHBY
Current Employer:
Monocle
THE BIG QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL TITLE?
Associate Editor, Books
WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
I’m part of a team that produces travel guides to cities around the world. Depending on which stage of the production cycle we’re at, I could be away reporting for a guide or in the office writing, commissioning or editing copy.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD AND WHAT CHANGED?
I’ve always wanted to write (except for when all I wanted to do was play with horses).
WHAT ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?
I have a degree in history of art from The Courtauld Institute of Art. I’ve also completed courses in Italian language at King’s College London and creative writing at City, University of London.
WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
If you don’t ask you don’t get.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY?
My stepdad – he’s a writer and editor. He writes beautifully and simply: every word counts.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT?
The office is great: it’s bright and airy and sat on the edge of a pretty park. The people I work with are also fun and inspiring.
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR DAILY WORK ROUTINE IF YOU COULD?
I’d like to have the option of working from home. It can be hard to write in a buzzy office.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
Doing more of the same: writing and editing. I’d also like to have written a book by then.
DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN BE THE SAME PERSON AT WORK AND IN PRIVATE?
Yes.
DOES DIVERSITY MATTER TO YOU?
Absolutely.
HOW GOOD IS YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE?
I can be guilty of checking my work emails when I’m on holiday but on the whole I’m pretty good at switching off.
WHAT QUALITIES DOES BEING IN YOUR ROLE NECESSITATE?
I have to be able to write quickly and concisely and, as an editor, know when copy needs reworking. I also have to be incredibly organised and aware of deadlines.