How I Succeeded: The Big Smoke’s Alexandra Tselios


How I Succeeded is a regular series on Lifehacker where we ask business leaders for the secrets and tactics behind their success. Today: The Big Smoke‘s Alexandra Tselios.

Current gig: CEO and Founder of The Big Smoke, television and radio commentator

Location: Sydney

Current mobile device: iPhone X

Current computer: Macbook Pro

One word that best describes how you work: Industrious

What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?

While I do use apps to make it easier to work off my phone like HelloSign, Trello and banking apps – the only app I couldn’t live without is my email app.

What social network do you find the most useful?

Facebook.

What were the most important lessons you learned while growing your business?

That trying to do everything in the business doesn’t make me a champion but instead means I end up fragmented and unfocused in my efforts. I have learnt to hire the right people into the company and then trust them to do their thing and produce results in their areas. To date, I have not really had any team member than was under performing; everyone is pretty much in this to row the boat with me.

What has been the most surprising part of your business journey?

The way people start to build with you. It is quite remarkable to have a concept and launch it on your own, but it’s a whole different ballgame when people from all skill sets and corporate backgrounds actually buy into the vision and start to help the concept become a viable company.

What everyday thing are you better at than anyone else?

Not needing to be motivated, I just ‘go’.

What’s your sleep routine like?

Inconsistent.

What advice would you offer to other businesses on how to succeed?

Honestly? It would be to sideline the whole concept of a work/life balance. I watch other CEO’s agonise over trying to maintain a healthy work/life balance. I don’t get it. There is just ‘go’, and I don’t see the point in separating the two. For many with their own businesses, it becomes an extension of their family and fulfils them in such a way that it makes no sense to try to draw the line.


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