Jo Elvin: The Media Powerhouse Who Redefined Glamour & Influence

From launching the UK’s biggest-selling women’s magazine to shaping the national conversation on style, celebrity, and culture, Jo Elvin has been at the forefront of British media for over two decades. As the award-winning editor behind Glamour and YOU magazine, a respected broadcaster, and a sought-after media coach, Jo’s influence spans print, digital, and television. Whether she’s hosting the hit royal talk show Palace Confidential, writing for top national newspapers, or advising CEOs on their public image, Jo continues to set the agenda in an ever-evolving media landscape.

You’ve had an incredibly successful career in media, launching and leading some of the UK’s most iconic magazines. Looking back, what do you consider your proudest professional achievement?

Something I’m proud of is just getting on a plane, aged 21, and just going for it. I’m not sure if it’s bravery or naivety, or a bit of both, that comes with youth and makes you so wide-eyed and motivated to just try things. I was so drawn to British media that I became focused on getting to London and trying to work in magazines here. It took a few months, and a lot of keeping myself going with bar jobs and waitressing, but I got a job in magazines eventually! I’m proud of myself for persisting and working hard and carving out a career here. I’ve had some incredible experiences in the work I’ve done, but none of it would have happened if I hadn’t dared to make that first journey.

In 2022, you took on a very different challenge—leading Children With Cancer UK as CEO. What motivated that shift from media to the non-profit sector?

I had started to think long and hard about how I wanted my 50s – and beyond – to look. I decided that I wanted to try out other avenues beyond magazines. By this time, I’d edited Glamour for 17 years and then went straight into editing You Magazine for four years. I was just itching for a new challenge. This opportunity was presented to me, and at first, it didn’t seem like a natural pivot at all. But the more I spoke to the chairman of the charity, the more I realised there was a lot of overlap in what the charity needed and what I could bring. I focused for two years on raising its profile attracting more celebrity supporters, and launching new fundraising initiatives for them. I’m proud of my achievements there and I met some incredible young people whose resilience is just awe-inspiring.  I’m delighted to say I still do work with the charity on occasion. 

You’ve become a familiar face on ITV’s Lorraine and as the host of Palace Confidential. What do you love most about broadcasting?

Lorraine Kelly’s show is live so that always brings with it a specific kind of adrenaline and focus. I always enjoy the challenge of being able to do it, and honestly, I can’t explain it other than to say it’s just great fun. The atmosphere on and off camera on the show is lovely, just professional, super nice people. I love going in there and I love how diverse the fashion we cover is. Our models range from early 20s to women in their 70s and 80s and we make them all look great, which I hope is inspiring for viewers. With Palace Confidential, the audience response is just incredible. People feel so invested in the royal family so the conversations are many – and very lively – with every new show we make. 

You’re now focusing on coaching CEOs and executives on their communication and image. What are the key mistakes leaders make when presenting themselves publicly?

I am excited to help people with this, especially when it comes to public speaking, which terrifies so many. I wouldn’t call it a ‘mistake’ but I think a lot of people struggle with discovering how to be their authentic selves when they’re presenting themselves. That is the key to being at ease in important situations like presenting at a conference or appearing on social media or television to represent your business. I can help with that through media training and helping someone to focus on exactly how they want to come across. 

Throughout your career, you’ve worked with some of the biggest names in media, fashion, and entertainment. Who has had the most profound impact on you, and why?

It’s the women who have dared to be exactly who they are and succeed because of it. From Madonna to Michelle Obama, the women who refuse to apologise for being their incredible selves are so inspiring. We need those women! 

Having navigated the fast-paced world of media and leadership, how do you maintain a work-life balance, and what advice would you give to others trying to do the same?

I honestly think if you’re doing what you want to, professionally, you’re not so concerned with worrying about your ‘work-life balance’. There’ll be times in your life when the balance is off, but if that makes sense to you at that time, and you can see that it’s worth it, I think that’s OK. I remember apologising to my daughter once when I’d had a couple of weeks of near-constant evenings where I needed to be out for work. She was eight and she said, ‘But when you do have time we’ll have a lot more things to talk about with each other. I can’t think of stuff to talk about to you every day, Mum!’ It made me realise how a lot of my ‘mum guilt’ was just in my head. But if you’re struggling with too much work to do and it’s eating into you having a life, it might be time to ask for help with the workload. Something women are very bad at!