Money Talk with Lucy Werner, PR Expert and Founder of The Wern

In this interview series we chat about all things money (sans-shame) with an array of inspiring women from all walks of life. Our goal is to break the money taboo, share mutual experiences and learn from our amazing community.

“When I worked in agency land, the men always asked for pay-rises more than women and in a more assertive manner. I think as women we still struggle to command our worth. ”

Hi Lucy! Please give us a little background about yourself. 

Hello! I’m a talkative Londoner. Live in a franglais household with 3 dudes. Work from a garden office and love all things small biz.

What are your passions?

Magazines. Not just because it’s my job I like sniffing and feeling the paper.  And. Trying out new stuff. This year I’ve done a gong bath and I’ve booked myself on to the Wim Hof experience - because getting into an ice bath with strangers seemed like a good idea after I watched Goop Labs.

What’s your secret to career success?

Only working with people I like. Evolving. Resilience and not being afraid to walk a different path. 

What’s your relationship like with money and personal finance? 

Mixed. I’ve never been someone that gets into debt. But I’ve also not been a great saver. I sometimes go extreme on cutting costs wherever I can and it becomes an obsession. But I have been guilty to occasionally splurge when my spirits are low to make myself feel better. My worst money habit is Deliveroo. 

Has money ever been a source of stress for you? If so, how did you manage?

Yes, when I launched a creative arm of my business with my partner after he had been made redundant and I was on mat leave and then our baby was critically ill.  Then out of nowhere five clients delayed design work or cancelled their projects. We literally had zero income after spending two out of three months in hospital. I was lucky that I had a writing job pending that I moved forwards, so that I could cover my mortgage for two months and my partner took a consulting gig in Central London for three weeks. 

What do you feel is the biggest obstacle women tend to face when it comes to careers and personal finance?

When I worked in agency land, the men always asked for pay-rises more than women and in a more assertive manner. I think as women we still struggle to command our worth. 

Have you ever experienced a financial epiphany? A sort of wake-up call, where you suddenly think - “I must start doing things differently”? 

Yes, when my children were born. I am not married and so I took out a will and life insurance to make sure that my family was protected if anything ever happened to me. 

What is the best piece of money advice that you received?

Confession: they are a previous client but I remember taking a briefing from the Money Medics and literally everything they told me about investing shook me up for the better. Before I met them, I didn’t think it was for people like me. 

What does financial independence really mean to you? 

Being financially astute.

What’s the one thing you don’t feel guilty indulging in? 

I’m an overthinker so there is always some guilt but probably experiences. I prefer to spend money on making memories than tangible items. 

What is the best financial decision you have ever made? And your greatest long term investment? 

Keeping a house I owned with my ex-boyfriend for a further five years after we split up - being able to maintain that friendship was the most cost-effective thing I have ever done. My current mortgage is until I’m 71. Gulp. 

If you could travel back in time, what single piece of advice would you give your younger self (relating to money or otherwise)? 

Don’t use the BT chargecard your Dad gave you to make phone calls because it actually triples the cost and he is going to be very angry when the phone bill comes in.  

What does Vestpod mean to you?

Makes me feel like it’s my money posse. 

What are your plans/goals for the future?

To care less how much my peers earn and realise that for now my goal is keep things afloat but prioritise family. I want to continue to grow the branding and design side of the business, continue to push my book and support as many small business owners with publicity training either in one-to-ones or workshops. 

@wernchat - for publicity tips & biz insights.

Favourite book and podcast?

I have to be shameless and plug my own book because I don’t have the biggest following or the biggest publisher but really want to help as many small businesses as possible, so Hype Yourself.

Podcasts - Badass Woman’s Hour for entertainment. Janet Murray for learning.  

Lastly - where can we find you on social? 

@wernchat on all handles usually dishing out a lot of publicity tips.

Thanks for your time Lucy!