Photo by: Melanie Watson - 303 Magazine
JN: Briefly explain your passion in journalism and how it has contributed to your position at 303 Magazine.
LS: I’ve been writing since I can remember and journalism is a practical, exciting application of it. 303 Magazine is a perfect fit, because, as opposed to other area magazines, we encourage a voicey approach and an artistic, catchy appeal. We always say—despite our strong commitment to accuracy—that we are not journalists at 303—we are writers. I love it.
JN: When analyzing a theme of leadership – to lead is by example… how have you implemented positive forms of governing with emphasis on producing a smooth final product?
LS: I’ve broken all the rules. I’m friends with most of the people on staff. I have strong communication skills—I let people know where they stand with me, what I need from them and that I am there to support them however I can. Since we do not have limitless resources, sometimes I can’t be as available as I would like to be. But, the staff of 303 is incredibly resourceful, intelligent and driven, so we always get the job done as a team. And, “smooth” isn’t really the first word that comes to mind when thinking about putting the magazine to bed every month—but the final product is always quality and it’s definitely more and more a well-oiled machine.
JN: As a leading voice in Denver, how has your team (Ab Aharonian – Publisher and Charlie Price – Creative Director) influenced the progression of fashion, style and culture… And how can it improve?
LS: We are fortunate in that we’ve really earned our readers’ trust—so we’re able to present them with new ideas, and they will consider what we’re putting forth. At the end of the day, it’s hard to say how exactly 303 has influenced anything—it’s hard to point to something happening in Denver and attribute our efforts to its success. But, I know we’re creating more multi-genre, multi-faceted events that allow people that may never have been in the same room before, a chance to get to know each other. And, we consistently spotlight people doing interesting things in Denver so that our residents know all of the many ways our community makes waves. I think Denver is progressing beautifully—I don’t want to generalize on the ways this community can improve, because I’m so happy with it and the direction it’s moving in.
JN: I just recently wrote a blog on time management, the focus shared traits we can use to maximize our life potential. In your field of work, has multi-tasking come with ease or was it something you’ve sharpened over time?
LS: It’s something that improves every day. Although I’m a huge fan of multi-tasking, I think it’s equally as important to focus on starting something and finishing it. I can get so lost in multi-tasking that I realize I’ve started ten projects but finished none. So, in addition to having to wear several hats in one day, I’m trying to reach my goals before I pile more on the plate. It’s a delicate balance.
JN: Colorado’s backdrop blends a beautiful energy of city and mountain life – it is the perfect canvas to provoke art, photography, music and fashion. How has this region affected you and the life you live?
LS: I feel creatively safe here. The people and the artistic openness allow me to take risks and voice my ideas without feeling like I will be ridiculed, ignored or made fun of. That’s the way I’ve always felt, and that’s a major reason I was asked to sit at second-in-command for 303 Magazine. We are a community of happy people—which means people are happy to teach, guide and collaborate without a lot of judgment. It’s one of the reasons that leaving Denver is almost out of the question.
JN: For someone aspiring to become an editor and then editor-in-chief, what information can you suggest to improve upon their results?
LS: I don’t know if the way I did it is the best way, but it’s the only way I know. I’m loud, opinionated, driven and passionate. I’m like a freight train—I come in fast and strong. And, I’ve always tried to put my ego aside. This means I will pitch hundreds of ideas and be rejected hundreds of times, until I get it right. I’m not easily put off, and I have a lot of endurance for crazy hours and a strenuous work load. One thing I would say is—if you can look yourself in the mirror and picture yourself being happy doing anything else in the entire world, you should do that instead of pursue a position as an editor. The only way anyone gets through it is because they love it so incredibly much—it has to be thing you love most in the world. Sacrifice is just part of it. So, if leisure time, shopping, sleep, having a family, exercise, cooking—any of those things rival in comparison to your passion for your work, you might find yourself very disappointed.
JN: One of my favorite business quotes stems from Richard Branson: “A business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts.” Where do you see 303 mag in two years – five years?
LS: Well, there is so much going on right now, it’s absolutely impossible for me to say. What I hope is that we continue to be the family—albeit an insane one—that we have worked so hard to become. I hope we continue to gain momentum, to gain more and more trust in the community and continue to employ and harness the most creative-minded talent in Colorado.
All the best, Mark Nava
