In the lead up to our biggest event of the year, we’re taking a peek behind the desks of the influential women speaking at 9 to Thrive. We ask them everything from how much coffee they drink to how many tabs they have open on their computers right now. We kicked off the series with Eleanor Pendleton and Sally & Maha , and deep dived into the beautiful world of fashion illustrator, Megan Hess. Read on to catch up with social entrepreneur Celina Lazarus, and read more about this epic woman here.
What does your workspace look like?
I don’t have a ‘workspace’ per se, I have multiple places I work out of and from. The most frequent are my kitchen counter at home, the Maillard Atelier, airport lounges and on coffee farms!
What time of day do you do your best work?
I’m a night owl. My best work is done between midnight and 3am, when I should be asleep. It’s when I get my ideas and can do my best thinking. Maybe it’s a psychological thing, I feel like the rest of the world is asleep so I have the world to myself and things seem clearer.
How many cups of coffee are you averaging?
Even though I’m a coffee trader, surprisingly coffee is something I can live without. But tea on the other hand… I think on a regular day I average at about 5 or 6 cups and if I’m really stressed it’s definitely more. There’s just something so comforting and loving about a cup of tea, like getting a cuddle from your grandmother. I always feel like everything’s going to be ok.
Where’s the weirdest place your work has taken you?
Kenya, not because it’s a weird place but because no matter how bad a situation may get, they have this incredible calm, are always smiling and positive.
How do you keep your day on track?
I can make all the lists and set all the alarms in the world, but that doesn’t mean I will get things done. That’s what my husband is for – ha! He is constantly reminding me of all things I need to do and my deadlines. And how urgent the task depends on his voice, so if he doesn’t sound frustrated I know I can push it a little longer!
What do you do to forget about work? Recharge?
I’m a creative, so anything I can make with my hands helps me forget about the millions of things I have to do. Most recently, I’ve been watercolour painting, it takes extreme patience which is something I know I personally lack, so I’m not just escaping, I’m working on myself too.
Celina is joining our Do Good panel at 9 to Thrive in Sydney.
You’re coming, right? Grab your tickets here!
Images: Supplied.
