So Ageism Is Never In Style has joined substack.

It’s taken me a while to get here. I kept putting it off. Since launching Ageism Is Never In Style nine years ago, I’ve written for a bunch of platforms and media publications - not to mention our own blog (you can check out some of my previous writings in the archive).

But in the past few years, writing has taken a back seat. At least, “longer-form” writing. I’m writing emails, keynotes, designing strategies and programs, decks, copy, captions, and content scripts every day. But for some reason, in my mind, anything longer has to be polished, formal, perfect…(thanks law degree). And let’s not even talk about my terrible habit of writing too much and overthinking things for far too long. So, starting a Substack? I didn’t think I’d have the time.

But my mind buzzes every day with ideas, musings, and thoughts about ageing. Where we were yesterday. Where we are today. Where we will be tomorrow. The topic is everywhere - in culture, media, business, commerce (no, ageing is not “niche”). And these sparks of thought are exactly what I want to share with you.

As the founder & CEO, I’ll be writing all the posts (unless we have a guest contributor, of course). This is where I’ll speak directly, raw and unfiltered, about what we see, think, and do, and share more about my own personal experiences with ageing as a 30 something.

After all, Ageism Is Never In Style is about culture and business change — and Substack is a culture platform. It’s the perfect fit, another arm of our community hub. I’ll share what we’re up to, where we’re going, and the developments you might not see on social media. Because behind the scenes, we’re working hard to change hearts and minds about ageing - in business, culture and society - to champion every stage of life, and to drive real cultural and commercial impact.

So, here we go. This Substack might be messy. It might be fun. It might challenge you. It might be enriching. It might be up and down. Bit like ageing, really.

Some quick FAQs to get out of the way:

How did you get into this space “so young”?
My mum was my original inspiration. I was frustrated seeing her feel increasingly alienated and irrelevant, simply because she was getting older. But ageing is one universal experience we all share, so I don’t believe anyone is too young or too old to engage with the conversation, and I look forward to the day when it doesn’t surprise people that someone ‘younger’ is working and a thought leader in this space.

Where can I find out more about Ageism Is Never In Style?
Head to ageismisneverinstyle.com for everything we do.

You’re only 33 — what do you know about ageing, getting older, and ageism?
First, sorry to say but that question is ageist in itself. Second, everyone is ageing, so every experience is valid. Third, being an expert on ageing or ageism isn’t defined by age; it’s gained through insight, knowledge, experience, compassion, empathy, earned wisdom, and intergenerational learning & connection, community engagement, listening and more.

Is positive progress really happening?
Overall, yes I really do think it is. Progress isn’t always linear, and there are often setbacks along the way. But overall, I do think things are getting better. Having been in this space for over 10 years, the rapid, momentous growth is undeniable. Today, we’re working with companies including Fortune 500s - something that would have been unheard of even just a few years ago.

Changing hearts and minds around ageing when youth obsession has been engrained in our culture for centuries isn’t going to happen over night. But the momentum is building at an exponential rate. And even when there are challenges and set backs - of which there are still many - the overall progress and the people keep me going. Seeing individuals and businesses shift their thinking, challenge stereotypes, and embrace ageing with curiosity - that’s what drives me. Every small change, every conversation, every campaign reminds me why this work matters, and why I love doing it.