SIC’s Career Spotlights: Meg Fozzard
Meg Fozzard is a freelance producer with a background in writing, video production and audio production. She’s been featured by the BBC, Refinery29 and Stylist Magazine. As well as this, she is a journalist who specialises in disability advocacy, and practises witchcraft alongside her professional life. We’re excited to get some insight into how witchcraft informs her career!
What motivated you to set up your company/enter your field of work?
There are so many strands to my work that this is a tricky one to answer! I have always been a writer—school and student newspapers—but I didn’t have anything in a publication until early 2020. I graduated from film school in early 2019 and planned to be a freelance producer, which had to be put on hold when I became disabled. I started practising witchcraft in late 2020 by buying my first tarot deck and the Disabled Witches Coven came soon after when I discovered a lot of disabled people were also interested in this field.
How do you think being disabled has changed your approach to how you do your job?
Being disabled IS a fundamental part of my job. If you take a look at the articles that I have written and the projects I have worked on since I became disabled, the vast majority are about disability. I also prefer being freelance these days, as it generally means I have better control on what I want to work on and my hours.
What is your career advice for those who aspire to do a similar role?
Again, this is tricky because I don’t have a set role. I have multiple roles. I would say ‘don’t be afraid to seek out opportunities’. I am not shy anymore of asking people if they have any freelance opportunities available for me. If you want to have a career that has multiple different roles, don’t feel bad when one takes up more time, or all your time, compared to another. Most importantly, and especially for disabled people, don’t forget to book in time to rest.
Did you experience any setbacks when you started working due to your disability? How did you overcome them?
Of course. When I first started working again, I really had to manage my fatigue levels. I had to learn that I can’t do things that I used to, like take notes in meetings. Workplace ableism is also rife. Whilst it can be hurtful, try not to let it affect you in the moment. I don’t always think it is the fault of the individual either as a lot of companies don’t train their employees on disability awareness.
How does witchcraft inform your workplace practices?
I find tarot a really useful tool for self reflection and I try to draw a card every day. On the days that I am working, I like to reflect on what has happened that day and how it relates to the card in front of me. Tarot is great for when you are facing uncertainty as many freelancers are. I wish there was more of a market for incorporating witchcraft into corporate life. I think it would definitely make for a more interesting training day compared to most that I have been on!
Are there any specific projects that were improved/created because you practise witchcraft?
Yes, my Instagram account called Disabled Witches Coven. There I share my tarot readings and the books that I read to further my practice of witchcraft. It is designed to be a collaborative place with other disabled witches. We recently had our first guest takeover with Tantum Karmen Swithenbank and we have another one planned for next month. I have ideas for a podcast and maybe one day merch. It is very much a work in progress but one that gives me great pleasure.