LAUNCHING: RETA LEE
Current Employer:
SPH Magazines
THE BIG QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL TITLE?
Group Editor
WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
Simply checking emails, my calendar for the next meetings, searching for trends and any interesting story angles to be shared and discussed with the editorial teams.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD AND WHAT CHANGED?
I really wanted to be a veterinarian because I love animals so much, but my fear of blood was a roadblock!
WHAT ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?
I have a degree in communications.
WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
I can’t remember who told me this recently, but it’s been on my mind a lot: “You do not need to take over the world; you just need a piece of it.”
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY?
I look up, and read her life story with awe, Sheryl Sandberg. There are far and few female role models in tech, and Sheryl is the epitome of femininity and strength in this fast-paced, chaotic industry.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT?
My peers and editorial team members – they’ve been very supportive and inspirational at the same time.
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR DAILY WORK ROUTINE IF YOU COULD?
Fewer meetings!
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
I’d like to contribute more towards social enterprises, and possibly motivational speaking on stage!
DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN BE THE SAME PERSON AT WORK AND IN PRIVATE?
More or less.
WHERE AND IN WHAT ROLES ARE WOMEN IN THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AT YOUR COMPANY?
Managing director roles and senior management level.
DOES DIVERSITY MATTER TO YOU?
Yes it does! There is a lot to learn from one another, by incorporating and respecting each other’s culture, story and experience in our editorial content.
HOW GOOD IS YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE?
Very, very good. I’m adamant of heading to the gym or doing yoga after work hours, and catching up with friends for dinners even during weekdays!
WHAT QUALITIES DOES BEING IN YOUR ROLE NECESSITATE?
My role requires one to be analytical, and translating data to editorial planning. I’ve also learned to manage people across board, and knowing how to articulate my thoughts that will lead to final results.
ANY FINAL COMMENTS?
To make it in the publishing world, I’ve always shared with aspiring writers to stay humble, work hard and be respectful to your peers and seniors. I did three internships just to gauge which industry would best fit me (independent film production house, to TV to a publishing house), and I worked my way up: from an editorial assistant, to writer, to editor, and editor-in-chief for a well-known website. And right now, I’m sharing my knowledge and information with print writers and digital producers, as well as learning from them too – it’s a two-way process!