Meet the leaders: Claire Kimball

Claire Kimball is the founder and managing director of Squiz Media, one of the leading independent digital publishers in the country. In this profile she reveals why her Instagram feed is all about birds.

Did you make a New year’s resolution and if so what was it?
I did – it’s the usual… to find the time consistently to do something good for myself each day, whether that be exercise, cooking a nourishing meal, reading for pleasure. And like in past years, I anticipate that to last about 10-14 days.

What are you listening to at the moment?
I’m currently listening to Silverchair’s Diorama album from 2002. The band was back in a big way for me this year after a couple of Australian Story episodes on ABC TV. I know this album is divisive for fans, but ‘Tuna in the Brine’ and ‘Without You’ are two of my favourite songs of all time. 

If you could re-read one book what would it be?
All The Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy, but through the lens of new information about the real-life woman who inspired the main female character.

What is your favourite hotel and why?
I don’t travel much these days, but I remember being impressed by the Parker Palm Springs. It’s a cool place in an iconic city.

Who do you admire and why?
Anyone caring for disabled and older people. There is a lot of joy in doing it, but it’s hard and unrelenting. Most of our carers are unpaid, and those who do it for work certainly don’t do it for the money. Respect.

What is your Instagram feed most likely to be full of?
Bird content. My current favourite is Auggie who features on @the_green_bird_brigade – she does a little dance to a song about bacon pancakes. It’s delightful.

Do you have a favourite designer?
Not really. If you’d asked me 10 years ago before I quit my corporate job to start Squiz, I would have had a great answer. These days it is about affordability and comfort. Everlane is an online favourite.

What is the one thing you spend money on that could be considered an indulgence?
Good olive oil.

Following on from that, what brand is your current obsession?
My colleague Kate Watson found these – Snackachangi Chips from New Zealand. Best plain salted chips I’ve ever had.

What brings you joy?
A Saturday morning walk with a coffee and my dog, running into friends along the way.

Is exercise a must or a grind and how do you fit it into your lifestyle?
It is a must, and I walk every day. However, finding the time to take it up a notch and with consistency is an issue that I’ll have to resolve in 2025.

What do you hope people will remember about you?
That I am giving it a red hot go.

Who are three women you’d like to be in the room with when making a big decision?
Kate Watson [commercial director of The Squiz] and Helen McCabe [FW founder], every day of the week. I’d also like to have Katherine McConnell – she’s the founder/CEO of Brighte and an incredible entrepreneur, and I am lucky to count her as a friend. She gives good advice with my best interest at heart.