Hardly any other industry is as characterized by constant change as the creative and media industry. And this raises the question of how people over 50 can survive in this rapidly evolving industry and what opportunities does it offer? I spoke to Luiza Philipp, co-founder of Press Factory, about this exciting topic. She has been working in the industry for almost 30 years and shares her experiences and insights with me.

The importance of age and expertise

The boundaries of ageing blur “It matters very little how old you are. What matters more is what experience you have and what opinions and thoughts you have on certain topics,” Luiza reveals. This attitude creates an environment in which expertise and specialist knowledge are valued more than biological age. In an industry often dominated by young talent, experienced professionals can bring their deep understanding and valuable perspectives to the table, and intergenerational collaboration can deliver innovative solutions and creative ideas.

Dealing with beauty ideals

In the media world, there is an unmistakable pressure to conform to certain ideals of beauty. Luiza believes that we are very much exposed to certain beauty ideals, especially in the media world. These ideals are reinforced by social media, media and advertising, which can lead to a distorted self-image and unhealthy behavior: “Personally, I sometimes find it frightening how naively cosmetic surgery and ideals are glorified without much questioning, although it is well known that the constant confrontation with perfect bodies and faces leads people to critically question their personal appearance and make them feel inferior. Young people in particular are susceptible to these influences. I would like us humans to treat ourselves with more compassion and acceptance and promote a positive self-perception.” In this way, we create a basis for a happier society in which every individual feels valued in their uniqueness.

Technological developments and constant change

She sees one of the biggest challenges in the rapidly advancing technological developments. “There is constant change. There’s always something new. And that’s actually what I love about the fast-paced media industry,” she explains enthusiastically. For her personally, it’s easy to adapt to new tools and technologies, even if she doesn’t always see the sense behind every innovation, especially in the social media sector. She simply cannot understand why you have to constantly share your private life and especially your food with the public.
With her experience, she has learned to face crises more calmly. “The media industry is like a wave. There are ups and downs, and it repeats itself over and over again.” This calmness helps her to keep an overview even in stormy times and make smart decisions. Knowing the cyclical nature of the industry allows her to stay calm and think strategically rather than react impulsively.

Passing on knowledge and experience

Another important topic is passing on knowledge and experience to the younger generation. “It’s actually very, very important to me,” she emphasizes. Through her coaching training, she supports young colleagues in developing resilience and gaining self-confidence. She sees making mistakes as an essential part of the learning process: “I always say that if you stop making mistakes, you’re half-dead.” This mentoring role allows her to pass on her extensive knowledge and at the same time benefit from other perspectives and ideas from the younger generation.
Overall, her story shows that working in the creative and media industry at over 50 is not only possible, but can also be enriching and fulfilling. With a positive attitude, openness to change and a willingness to pass on experience, it is possible to be successful and happy in an ever-changing industry. The challenges of the industry also offer many opportunities, especially for those who are willing to continuously develop and contribute their expertise.