Saying Yes to Life

Michelle Ogundehin has contributed to publications all over the world and is internationally recognised as an authority on interiors, style and design.

Trained as an architect, she cut her journalistic teeth at Blueprint Magazine and her energy and enthusiasm led to her being headhunted by style guru Ilse Crawford to join ELLE Decoration as Features Director. She was appointed Editor in Chief of Elle Decoration UK in 2004.

Michelle is also director of her own design consultancy MO:studio.

Michelle was born in Manchester; grew up in London; lived in New York and currently divides her time between homes in Brighton and London.

BHM: As a child, what did you want to be “When you grew up?”
Michelle Ogundehin (MO): I don’t recall wanting to “be” anything in particular… I certainly never went through a phase of aspiring to become a ballerina, or a nurse, or an air-hostess or any other of those idealised female occupations. I think I was always quite content exploring my own world. However, I guess it was clear quite early on that I’d pursue something creative. I roamed around a lot in my imagination!

BHM: Who or what has been the biggest influence on your career choices?
MO: Me (see above!), followed by my father. His constant advice was: “By God’s grace we go, so worry not, just be yourself and do your best… no-one can ask more of you than that.” And so creative roaming led to Architecture (my father’s an engineer) and I was definitely encouraged to pursue a vocational degree rather than a single subject (I’m too squeamish for Medicine and Law didn’t inspire). Architecture led me to NY, where ELLE magazine crossed my path by virtue of a neighbour who worked there; thus my love of magazines became an opportunity, and the rest, as they say is history!

BHM: Best career move?
MO: No single move was the best. It’s all been an organic flow of moving on when it felt right, following my gut and primarily needing to apply my skills to full effect. I have an insatiable need to keep growing, in a spiritual sense, to know I’m alive. I’m motivated by challenge! I can’t sit and be bored.

BHM: How would you describe yourself in three words?
Passionate. Determined. Optimistic.

BHM: Any great ambitions left?
MO: To bring a child into this world: the most selfless thing I believe you can do. And to own a Bassett Hound!

BHM: Worklife Balance? What kinds of activities do you enjoy outside the workplace?
MO: Friends, family and the entertainment of both; love; climbing; decorating; reading; live music, concerts and festivals; a healthy amount of pottering about at home; movies; parties, picnics, champagne and Sambuca!

BHM: You head-up a leading style magazine, how would you describe your own particular leadership and personal style?
MO: Firm but fair! Motivational, and inspiring… I expect people to give me their best, and in return I hope I give them enough encouragement and support for them to realise that goal, for themselves, as much as me and the magazine. I look for honesty, integrity and courage of one’s convictions. And then enthusiasm and energy: we all have to have some fun! No point working hard if you don’t enjoy it.

BHM: Favourite proverb/motto and why?
MO: Say yes to life! n