"Don't try to do everything perfectly:" Q&A with Conz Preti, Insider's parenting and health editor

To help our readers get to know the people that power our newsroom, we’re hosting live Twitter conversations on our @InsiderInc account with reporters and editors from our Business, Life, and News sections. 

We kicked off our new Twitter Q&A series called #TheInsideStory with Conz Preti, Parenting + Health Editor at Insider. We spoke with Conz about her journalism background, her candid and honest storytelling approach, and her best tips to juggle parenting while working full-time. Stay up to date on new stories from Conz by following her on Twitter & Instagram @conz and checking out her recent articles on Insider.

When did you first decide to pursue a career in journalism?

When I was little I used to tell my parents I wanted to be a war correspondent. After graduating from university in Argentina with a degree in communications I went into the advertising world and didn’t really love it. I wanted to tell stories, to talk to people, and so in 2010, I applied to Columbia Journalism School for a master’s in online journalism. Since then I've been working in media.

What were you doing before joining the team at Insider? Tell us a bit about your background.

I’ve had so many fun jobs in media. I’ve been a fellow at Mashable, social media director at ABC, regional director at BuzzFeed, and most recently content director at Motherly. All these roles have helped me really learn how to best present a story for a certain audience.

What does a typical day working at Insider look like for you?

I’m always looking for stories to tell, so I first check to see what our audience is already interested in and if there’s a way to expand the story. I’m on my email 24/7 assigning stories, looking at pitches, sending edits and when I have time, write my own content. I build stories, edit them, publish them and keep track of how our audience is responding to our content. Whenever I get a chance, I snuggle my twin daughters for a second before getting back to editing.

When you do have time to write your own stories, where do you find inspiration? We loved your recent Insider article on your family switching from toilet paper to using a bidet. 

Thank you! I really have no filter, so I like to tell stories that others might find taboo to speak about publicly, but would otherwise read. I find inspiration from my own life, from the conversations I’m having with those around me.

Is it ever hard for you to open up and write personal stories for Insider on subjects like ‘free bleeding’ and stopping to breastfeed?

I had such a hard time when I first became a mom, felt like no one was going through what I was going through because I couldn’t find my experience written about anywhere. When I started talking openly about my postpartum struggles, I realized I wasn’t alone. And since, I’ve spoken candidly about the highs and lows of parenting. I don't want any new parent to feel like I did those first couple of months.

You recently wrote an essay for Insider about your outrage over people complaining about vaccine passports. What motivated you to share your experience from the perspective of a US immigrant?

I got SO much hate for this piece. Here’s the thing, immigrants and children constantly have to show proof of vaccination, many don’t know this. The outrage towards American adults having to do the same felt ridiculous to me. I wanted to share my story to maybe enlighten some of the processes immigrants have to go through to be able to stay in the US, which includes full immunization.

You must have your hands full being a mom of three kids under the age of 4. How do you balance parenting and working as an editor? 

I have an incredibly supportive husband. He does all the childcare during the day so I can have a full-time job. He lost his job at the beginning of the pandemic and we decided that it was better for our family if he stayed home with the kids and I worked full time. It is still hectic, especially early morning and in the afternoon. I’m trying to be better at not checking my phone when I’m with the kids, they can totally tell when I’m not being present and that’s when they start to misbehave.

What is your biggest advice for parents raising their children while working from home? 

Deep breaths. It’s not easy. Don’t try to do everything perfectly. There are days when things align and you can get everything done. There are days when everything falls apart. It’s OK. I’ve had to finish edits after everyone goes to bed because the story was timely. I've pumped breastmilk during meetings (with my camera off!). We are constantly juggling.

Love that advice! Thank you for sharing. Last question: what do you love most about working at Insider?

The people! Everyone I work with is so smart, talented but above all kind. I’m looking forward to meeting my colleagues in person (hopefully soon) and hugging everyone.