Jennifer Cooper, E!Meet the man behind the media mogul!
Adam Glassman is the creative director at O Magazine. Yes, that big "O" stands for the one and only Oprah Winfrey (aka his boss). And as one might expect she likes to keep him very busy. Just how busy? We asked Adam to give us a sneak peek at what his hectic schedule is really like. Here's what he had to share:
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What is a typical day like for you? No day is the same because I am working on three issues at a time, all at various stages the magazine's production. I could be working on the concepts for stories, creating clothes for Oprah for one of our cover shoots, going to trade shows, or working on layouts for the magazine.
How did you get started in your career? My first internship was at Donna Karan, which led to shooting runway looks in Saint-Tropez to styling Maggie Smith (pre-Downton Abbey). Then I became the Fashion and Beauty Director of a Joan Collins-type magazine, called Lear's, which led to shooting ad campaigns with the Gap and then working at SELF, House & Garden and now O.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received? Step back and be the witness to your life while still acting in the play of your life. Oprah's advice to me: "When people show you who you are believe them." This was passed on to her by the great Dr. Maya Angelou. Her next line of advice was, "Don't ever address Dr. Angelou as Maya." She also says that, "if you know better, you do better" and I try to live with this mission in my life.
Tell us about your office décor or creative inspiration. I love to be surrounded by my books; they provide me with such pleasure, knowledge and reference for stories.
My favorite thing in my office is... My pictures of my nieces and nephews and my essential oil sprays that I use to "clear" the air and the energy of my space.
Describe your office style. What do you typically wear to work? I am a creature of habit. I love a good cotton shirt and cashmere v-neck sweater and I also alternate between wearing sneakers or a Chelsea boot every day.
Where do you shop for work clothes? Since I barely sleep, I spend a lot of time on mrporter.com for my clothes and also shop at Barneys New York when in NYC and Fred Segal when I am in LA.
What are your favorite brands of accessories? Watches are another obsession that I have. I believe if you have a good haircut, pair of shoes and a great watch, you are ready to go! I have a Stainless Steel Rolex Submariner which was a gift from my dad many years ago (who is also a watch freak). I wear this watch pretty much every day. I am obsessed with the Black PVD Rolex Milgauss. I originally saw it at Bamford in London, but decided to save a few bucks, buy a new stainless one and send it to the same people. Bamford does to do the PVD coating. I am also always schlepping things around all day, so always need a good simple bag, which is hard to find. Currently I alternate between a suede duffle bag from Lanvin, and a leather duffle from Bottega Veneta.
What are your travel must-haves? Comfortable cargo pants from J. Brand, cashmere sweater from Joe Fresh, my LL Bean camo tote, and a scarf that doubles as a blanket (it's always cold on the plane), Caudalie Beauty Elixir spray in a travel size, a Beats By Dr. Dre Noise cancelling headset and a stack of magazines!
I never leave home without…Cash, my iPad, my blackberry, iPhone and of course a scarf!
What is your guilty pleasure? I love Casa Dragones sipping tequila when I am feeling rich. You sip it out of a wine glass with no ice, no lime and at room temperature. For an every day tequila I now love George Clooney and Randy Gerber's new tequila: Casamigos. I like it on the rocks with half a fresh lime squeezed in.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would be… Meditating in the Himalayan mountains.
Can you share some advice for aspiring career girls? Be the first one in the office and the last one to leave. Always ask, "what else can I do?" Be engaged with your job, know your product and attempt to out think your boss. Being two steps ahead of the game proves to people that you have the potential to be a "star." No one wants to hear excuses but if you don't know an answer, say "let me get right back to you" and go and figure it out immediately. Problem solve before you are asked to do so.