Robyn Foyster embodies what being an entrepreneur is all about. After starting out in journalism, she went on to found and run her own successful media company, Foyster Media.
Robyn kicked off her career as a journalist in print media working abroad in countries like the UK and US. Later, she returned to Australia where she ran some of the country’s most successful magazines. Think the Australian’s Women’s Weekly, Cosmopolitan and Harper’s BAZAAR.
However, her journey as an entrepreneur could only begin once she decided she was done running other people’s businesses. She was finally ready to build something of her own.
The Move into Digital Media
Robyn’s move away from traditional media came when she noticed digital platforms were becoming increasingly popular with consumers and advertisers alike. This, combined with a genuine fascination for digital content, sparked a shift.
For me, I got excited about digital media and moving to digital platforms. I could see that short form media was a really big thing” – Robyn Foyster
So, in 2014, Robyn launched her own media company, Foyster Media, and the company’s flagship media brand; Carousel.com. This website was a digital-only publication and heavily featured short-form content.
The Realities of Being an Entrepreneur
Being an entrepreneur tends to be sensationalised and glamorized in pop culture. It’s portrayed as this thrill a minute world of high stakes and ingenious breakthroughs.
However, the reality is much more mundane.
Being an entrepreneur means doing everything. It means getting into the nitty gritty of it all and learning as much as you can. For Robyn, that meant learning the back end of her website, content management and SEO.
This was a really special one. Robyn was a dream guest and had no shortage of great tips, and knowledge, to share. I’ve been a big fan of her websites, particularly Women Love Tech, so it took all my determination not to fangirl out!
In this episode we cover:
- Robyn’s career journey from Newscorp Feature Writer and Columnist, to Publisher for Cosmopolitan, Harper’s BAZAAR and Madison, to starting her our own publishing group
- We talk about the reality of being an entrepreneur, and how to manage the highs and lows
- Robyn shares her approach to risk taking
- We talk about her two apps, Vivid Sydney and Sweep, the funding process, as well as the development process and challenges
- Robyn shares her advice to anyone considering building an app
- And so much more!
Episode Resources
- Robyn Foyster on Linkedin, and twitter
- WomenLoveTech.com
- TheCarousel.com
- GameChangers.com
- Happy-Ali.com
- InProfile.com.au
- Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, with Debbie Taylor, Episode 029, The Females in Tech Show
- Digital and Business Transformation, with Wendy McEwan, Episode 032, The Females in Tech Show
- Book, Becoming, Michelle Obama (author)
[Full Disclaimer: Some of these links may be affiliate links, which means we receive compensation, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase through the link.]
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