Take 5 with Pioneera is a series of micro interviews with key business leaders on wellness, leadership, productivity and workplace culture.
This week we’re taking 5 with Kylie Frazer.
Kylie is Co-Founder and General Partner at early stage venture firm Flying Fox. Flying Fox makes it easy for angel investors to build their own diversified technology portfolios.
Previously, Kylie was Founder of Eleanor Venture. She has over 20 years of experience in technology capital raising and M&A across Australia, Asia, and the United States. Throughout her legal career, Kylie has advised ASX200 and international companies on landmark deals across sectors including technology, agriculture, and consumer products.
Welcome, Kylie!
1. What does your workday routine look like?
I have kids in primary school, so it’s largely about maximising the power hours between 9 and 3. I’m an early riser and can usually squeeze in a few hours before the kids wake up, although if one of them has snuck into my bed during the night, I tend to opt for the extra snuggles. Flying Fox has been fully remote from day 1 so there is no commute to manage. Occasionally I will go into the CBD, mostly so I remember how to wear clothes not made of lycra.
2. How do you stay focused and maintain a positive mindset when things get crazy busy?
For me it’s a combination of time in nature and a healthy mindset. A walk with the dog or a quick dip in the ocean are excellent resets for me. As for mindset, focussing on the fleeting nature of things really helps me - the old “this too will pass”. I think my background in M&A gives me a pretty high tolerance for intense work velocity. I don’t get overwhelmed easily.
3. What are your three must-haves for a healthy work-life integration? And why?
1. Clear communication and boundaries with partner. My husband and I are both juggling full workloads and without respectful communication and flexibility on both our parts, the whole thing falls apart quickly. No one likes getting that call from school advising the kids have been forgotten.
2. Diary blocking both work and play, and trying to plan each week so there is a healthy balance of each.
3. Kindness to self. Some days you just aren’t as productive as others. You can beat yourself up - or you can finish the bare essentials quickly and go have some fun.
4. What’s your top tip for creating a thriving workplace culture?
Align hiring processes to values.
5. How do you bounce back when things don’t go as planned?
I’m pretty obsessive at post-mortems. If I can frame “losses” as learning experiences, they don’t hurt as much.
In the pain of the immediate aftermath, I’m a fan of white carbs (ideally potatoes) and a family-friendly Netflix binge. Everything looks better after 3 episodes of Schitt’s Creek.
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