Copywriter and expert zhuzher-upper
Zhuzh. Pronounced \ZHOOZH . Verb. UK informal.
To make something more interesting or attractive by changing it slightly or adding something to it.
My job is to make the complicated so easy to understand that even …you choose a name here… will get it. I love writing great words. I love reading great words. I don’t love cyclists on pavements.
When I’m not working, I’m on the hunt for new books to read, new series to zone out to and new places to visit. I’ve lived and volunteered in a favela in Rio, I’m writing a book about growing up in South Africa during apartheid; and I was TeamShiv on Succession.
My background
My creative agency life began in South Africa and did my toddler copy years at TBWA and JWT in Cape Town. In London, I’ve worked perm and freelance all over from DDB and Elvis to charity, sports, startups and every kind of agency in between. (There was even one place where finance sat in a cupboard. True story.) In a team or solo is all good for me although when it comes to ideas, I believe two brains are better, and more sociable than one.
Over the last 5 years, I’ve been Head of Copy, leading and running client projects, new business pitches and agency marketing; as well as helping to manage the creative department. I’ve also headed up the internal culture, social and diversity programmes as part of the leadership team and mentored women in the wider agency.
CMA International Content Marketing Awards - GOLD 2017
ESA Best Use of Branded Content - Highly commended 2017
The Drum Awards For Content - Best Integrated Campaign 2022
Brand Film Awards 2021 - Finalist 2021
The Marketing Society - Brand Communication > £5M 2022
What and where…
Current - Freelance
2015 – 2023 Head of Copy at WeAreFearless
2014 – Maternity leave
2012 – 2014 Freelance Senior Copywriter (Iris, HeyHuman, TBWA, The Good Agency & more)
2011 – Travelled around South America, Australia and NZ
2007 - 2011 Elvis, mid to senior copywriter
2005 – 2007 Freelance mid copywriter (RAPP, DDB, Momentum and more)
2004 – 2005 Draft FCB junior copywriter
2000 – 2004 JWT Cape Town junior copywriter
“Lindsey is an absolute firecracker of a creative. Intensely passionate about the idea and will cling on to the development until every element of the process has been pushed. She may be diminutive in stature but her heart is generous and voice loud and bright. She lights up any room and ignites any kernel of an idea.”
Jamie Gaiger
Ex-Creative Director of Iris and Creative Partner Blimey
“There is only one word to describe Lindsey. ‘Brimming.’ Brimming with great ideas and brimming with energy. Lindsey is a great writer, that is focused on the detail and gets the big picture. I highly recommend working with her”
Jules Doyle
Global Head of Creative, The Body Shop
“Lindsey has incredible creative intuition, and an immaculate ability to protect the integrity of an idea throughout, always expertly guiding the ‘the big picture” through. She leads with passion, compassion and wisdom. She is a creative and leadership asset, as well as a pure joy. Any organisation would be blessed to be guided by her experience.”
Emma Hosking
Group Account Director, CSM
“Lindsey is a pleasure to work with. Fantastic writer, brilliant creative and brings with her tons of experience. She makes every project seem that much more simple, seamless, fresh and fun. Definitely get her in.”
Alex Kitchin, Freelance CD
“I had the absolute pleasure of working with Lindsey for 6 years. She was the true heart of the agency. Not just creatively, coming up with fun, snappy, beautiful and engaging ideas and copy but also from a people perspective as a great manager and mentor. She has endless enthusiasm, energy and love for her craft AND the people she works with.”
Reka Sardy, Account Director
BillionDollarBoy
“I was lucky enough to work with Lindsey for 3 years at Elvis. She is a naturally talented writer and creative, with a huge vision and drive. Lindsey is brimming with ideas and passion, making her approachable and highly thought-of by creatives, account teams, and clients alike. She is a genuinely kind-hearted person to boot. Highly recommended.”
Clare D’Andrea, Freelance CD