Episode Details

This week’s guest is Zoe Levey, founder of Wildflower Press and editor of Wildflower Magazine. With over two decades in senior commercial roles across major magazine titles, Zoe left Conde Nast in 2017 after her son’s SEN diagnosis to create more flexibility, moved to the Cotswolds, and launched an independent publishing business designed to feel special, seasonal, and collectible. Eight years on, Wildflower is distributed nationally in the UK and stocked by Waitrose, M&S and WH Smith, and has expanded into Wildflower Live events, the Little Green Book for independent businesses, and a Wine Club. Zoe explains her brand-led approach, self-funding and lean resourcing model, the skills she had to rebuild outside a large company (distribution, subscriptions, finance, digital), where AI may help efficiency, and the importance of boundaries, patience, and trusted people.

00:00 Welcome and Mission

00:55 Meet Zoe Levey

02:02 Why Start a Magazine

02:51 Designing Wildflower

04:57 Naming the Brand

06:45 Building the First Issues

08:48 Lean Team and Finances

09:52 Growth Pains and Skills

12:03 AI for Efficiency

14:36 Live Events Return

16:28 Seasonal Editorial Process

18:43 Weekly Rhythm and Balance

22:18 The Turning Point Story

23:31 Chasing Work Life Balance

24:07 Lists And Starting Projects

25:07 Eat The Frog First

25:47 Rest And Self Care Boundaries

27:04 Protecting Mornings And Breaks

28:46 Phones And Blurred Work Lines

30:33 Three Two One Framework

31:00 Worthwhile Investments

34:49 Career Skills And Confidence

36:29 Mistakes Hiring And Structure

39:35 Distribution Lessons And COVID

42:39 Thanking A Key Mentor

44:08 Final Wrap And Call To Action

Find out more about Wildflower here: https://wildflowermagazine.co.uk/

Follow them on Instagram @wildflowermagazine

Support the show

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur

Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com