Imagine starting as an intern at one of your favorite magazines, and then years later, returning as editor in chief? Lindsay Peoples Wagner knows exactly how that feels like. In October, she was named the editor in chief of Teen Vogue, solidifying a lifelong dream come true. Peoples Wagner (who is busy prepping the final details for Teen Vogue Summit, which takes place Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 in LA!), talked to VINAZINE about her career tips, why it can feel lonely on top, her tribe and more. Check it out!
Q: Thanks so much for talking to VINAZINE, Lindsay. What’s it like to be named editor in chief of one of your favorite magazines, and a magazine where you started as an intern?
A: Very surreal! I think it’s been a long journey for me in figuring out what exactly I want to do in the fashion industry that will bring about change and now that I’m finally in a position to uplift a lot of voices that may not have been part of the conversation, I’m just excited to get to work!
Q: If you could go back and tell yourself one thing when you were intern, what would it be?
A: Just to keep my head down and work. I think in fashion it can be almost too easy to get distracted by the haze of glitz and glamour, and I always felt a bit out of place in those kinds of spaces but it took me a long time to be okay with that.
Q: What in your career prepared you for this moment?
A: The fact that I’ve always been hungry for the work instead of being thirsty for the fading elements of fashion.
Q: Why is Teen Vogue Summit important to you and the brand?
A: The Summit is really important to me because as a former Teen Vogue intern and assistant, it’s a dream come true to meet our readers and people who have loved this brand as much as I have. I’m from the midwest, so I’m looking forward to meeting people from all over the world and expanding our reach.
Q: Tell us about your tribe. Who are the people you lean on when times get tough?
A: Since I’m not from here, I’ve had to be selective about who is in my tribe because they’re essentially my family. So for me, it’s honestly people that have been in my life for a long time that I know that I can trust.
Q: Who is your bestest friend and what impact has she had on your life?
A: Her name is Jessie and we actually interned at Teen Vogue together! I would without a doubt say she is one of the main driving forces in me staying sane and making me laugh everyday.
Q: Was there ever a time in your life when you felt lonely? Tell us about it.
A: I think being in this kind of position can oddly be lonely! When you are at an executive top level job, it can be hard to make friends or find connections with people because it does tend to seem like everyone wants something from you.
Q: If you could swipe right on any women on Hey! VINA, who would it be and why?
A: If you get Michelle Obama on Hey! VINA, I will swipe right with all my might!
Q: If you had a VINA profile, you’re asked to describe yourself in 5 emojis. Which ones would you choose?
A: 👊🏿❤️🌟🙏🏾 🙄
Q: What is the best career advice that you’ve ever been told?
A: My mother once told me to be what I needed when I was younger, and here I am.
Thanks for talking to VINAZINE, Lindsay!
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