Lynne Testoni - Mover, Shaker, Content Creator
Photo Credit: Jade - Hipster Mum
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands - one for helping yourself and the other for helping others ”
Lynne Testoni is a mover, shaker and content creator who delivered a TED Talk at the inaugural TEDx Newtown entitled ‘How Freelancing can Empower the Older Woman’ in 2019 – a deep dive into ageism and how women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s can take control of their career and the next chapter of their lives.
A freelance content creator, writer, mentor and co-host of the Podcast The Content Byte on Apple Podcasts, Lynne has over 20 years working on magazines that include Home Beautiful, Inside Out, Super Food Ideas and Vogue Entertaining & Travel.
She is a strong believer in collaborating with other creatives, building networks, creating good quality content and sharing people’s stories with a wider audience. With a love for Australian design, she is especially passionate about promoting local creatives and mentoring young aspiring writers to find their own place in a rapidly changing media landscape.
What’s one of your greatest accomplishments to date and what impact did it have on you, others, society or the world?
My greatest accomplishment has been my three daughters - Clare, Isabelle and Dominique. Balancing work and family was a challenge in the early years, but I’m glad I’ve been able to serve as a role model for three dynamic and strong young women.
Career-wise it would be 15 years ago when I decided to do an MBA not long after I became a magazine editor. I felt I needed more business skills – I felt comfortable with writing and editing, but leading and management were still new to me. I’d originally done a cadetship as a journalist, and didn’t have any academic training and it was always something I felt was missing.
It was a tough juggle, but I managed to complete my masters in two years, while working full-time and parenting two teenagers. It was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I learnt so much about business, management and the greater financial world and it gave me the confidence I needed to become a leader in media. I achieved a distinction average and then went on to serve on UTS’s advisory body, giving me experience in board level discussions.
What’s one of the biggest challenges you’ve experienced and/or overcame in your journey as a leader? (we understand there may be more than one - please pick the that had the biggest impact on your journey, and one that you are passionate about other women or leaders learning from)
Three years ago, I lost out on a much-wanted job to a younger, less experienced candidate. It was a job I worked hard for and I thought I was the front-runner. The decision was quite devastating and, when I was asked to stay on as the person's second-in-command, it was difficult to know whether I should stay or leave. It was a courageous move, but at that point I decided to leave and set up working for myself - it was the best choice I made and a story I shared when I took the stage for the opening of TEDx Newtown in November last year - highlighting that good things most certainly come from our lessons and (perceived) failures.
What do you love the most about being a freelancer and what’s your advice to anyone who’s thought about going out alone, but been too fearful for the lack of financial security?
I started freelancing by accident following a devastating setback, but I’ve since discovered working for myself (in the gig economy) has given me all the autonomy and freedom I wanted.
While my former colleagues face redundancies and struggle through an ever-shrinking media landscape, I’ve carved out a successful business writing articles and content for a variety of clients who value me, my skills and my experience much more than my previous employer ever did.
My years of experience and contacts have been a bonus and I definitely believe it's a great fit for the older woman - we get shit done!
Three years later, I’m happier than I’ve ever been - and, despite the fear of earning enough for retirement, I’m earning more. Turns out working for a variety of clients, across different industries, it’s possible to spread the risk and keep regular cash flow.
Who do you turn to for guidance, advice or support?
Over the years, I have worked with some wonderful people and have maintained close contact with all of them. I co-host a podcast (The Content Byte on Apple Podcasts) with a colleague, Rachel Smith, who runs a jobs board for writers and freelancers. Offline Rachel and I regularly trade stories and workshop ideas to support each other.
I also have three sisters – Sandra, Diana and Wendy – two of whom work in media, so they've a great understanding of what it’s like and are a great support. Wendy and I will often run and nut out any problems we’ve got over a few kilometres!
Complete the following statement: A Leader is someone who...
“A leader is someone who inspires everyone they meet - a role model for others”
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnetestoni/
Website: lynnetestoni.com
Twitter: @lynnetestoni
Instagram: @lynnetestoni