Tell us a bit about you. How did you get to where you are today? What led you to become a storyteller?
I started out in music journalism. In 2012, while editing NME.COM, I became obsessed with the shift from SEO to social. BuzzFeed clearly understood that shift better than anyone. I felt they represented the future of media, so I reached out, photoshopping what a UK version of the site would look like. They hired me in March 2013 as UK Editor, the company’s first employee outside of the US.
A career moment I’m proud of is …
Launching BuzzFeed in the UK!
Something or someone I’m inspired by is…
I’m a big fan of Alan Watts, the English philosopher with a throaty laugh who became a leading light of the Californian counter-culture in the 60s. I admire his superhuman eloquence.
The time/place I’m most creative is …
Mornings, walking to work, after coffee.
A kind of innovation that excites me is…
Selfishly, I’d say editorial tools. When publishers use technology to solve problems, improving user experience while also making the lives of editors easier. BuzzFeed does this well, which is one of the reasons I’m proud to work there.
I would advise my 15-year-old self …
Don’t bother starting that band.
At Storyology I can’t wait to share …
The story of BuzzFeed UK’s growth, from humble beginnings as a team of three, to a major journalistic force with a staff of almost 100.
The Storyology session I’m looking forward to is …
Upworthy and Twitter.