Enjoy this 441-word “Micro-Interview” with copywriter, Diane Wiredu.

Thanks, Diane.

Let’s get started:

1) "Do you have a work routine?”

Kiiiinda. I follow my energy. I’m at my best in the morning for everything and a sluggish lump in the afternoons. So I try to fit in a workout and critical thinking before my brain shuts down. Sometimes I peak again in the evenings. When I can, I roll with it.

Morning: crossfit, writing, deep work, client work Lunchtime: eat, read, chill or nap, recharge Afternoon: calls, networking, lower-energy tasks Evening: wine time, social stuff, creative projects.

2) "What do you wish you'd known about your work when you first started?”

That it’s impossible to know everything. Which sounds ridiculous. But for recovering perfectionists and obsessive types, it can be tough as a creative consultant. The more you learn, the more you realise you don’t know. And that’s okay.

Sometimes a project, study, outcome, method, will come along and rock your boat, leaving you questioning everything you thought you knew. (Hello existential crisis!) It’s important to remain humble and flexible. Doing your best work is a journey of constant learning, and unlearning.

3) “What did your biggest professional failure teach you?”

To trust my gut. My intuition is usually right. To ask for help. It isn’t a sign of weakness. To be kinder to myself.

4) “Has anything helped you shorten your craft's learning curve?”

Plenty. But the thing that had the biggest impact? Learning from the best. Not only those a few steps ahead.

I remember studying my ‘copywriting idols’ and then seeking out who they learned from. Having mentors like Joanna Wiebe, Amy Posner, and even yourself Eddie, helped me get real good real fast. Joining masterminds also helped me think bigger and discover what worked for me, which led to Lion Words becoming the messaging consultancy it is today.

5) “Do you have a book recommendation?”

Oh my god, loads.

Alchemy by Rory Sutherland is probably my most-recommended book.

Finding The Right Message by Jen Havice would win most-highlighted-and-scrumpled practical book.

The Magic Of Thinking Big helped change my mindset when I needed it most.

6) “Any parting piece of advice?”

From personal experience – until you define your own version of success, you’ll just be chasing someone else's dream.

Also don’t be so afraid to put yourself out there. Most people are kinder than you think. And the rest don’t care that much anyway.