Erin Collis on creative boundaries, reclaiming time, and resisting the cult of hustle

In this edition, part of our Work-Life Balance & Boundaries theme, we speak with Erin Collis, executive creative director at Red Antler, about protecting peace, rejecting performative hustle, and why saying no can be an act of trust.

As executive creative director at Red Antler, Erin Collis leads high-impact creative across some of today’s most recognisable brands, often in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. But beyond the work, she’s just as focused on how creativity fits into a well-rounded life.

From strategic calendar boundaries to quiet breakthroughs while walking her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Charlie. Erin is a firm believer that the best ideas come when you step away from the desk. In this thoughtful Q&A, she reflects on balancing leadership and life, resisting the pressure to “always be on”, and making space for creativity to breathe.

Have you ever struggled with setting boundaries in your career, and how did you handle it?

Definitely. When you’re in a role where people constantly need your input, and your calendar fills itself before you even open it, it’s easy to put yourself last. But I’ve learned that setting boundaries isn’t about doing less – it’s about not giving more than you reasonably can. That might mean saying no to travel, blocking time for a doctor’s appointment, or just protecting a sliver of your day that’s yours.

Ironically, when you start enforcing those limits, it opens up opportunities for others. Saying no gives people around you the space to step up, problem-solve, and grow. So, instead of feeling guilty, I see those moments as acts of trust in my team and a way to show up as my best self both at work and outside of it.

How do you protect your creative energy while managing deadlines and demands?

For me, it’s about using time wisely and recognising when I’m most creatively productive. I’ve learned to lean into the “in-between” moments, like walking my dog, doing dishes, even grabbing a glass of water. Those breaks are often when the best ideas click into place.

The busier I am, the more focused I become because I know how to use those quiet moments to let my brain work things out. I could spend an hour stuck at my desk forcing it, or I could let go and let the idea come to me while I’m moving through my day.

Have you ever felt pressure to constantly ‘hustle,’ and how do you push back against that?

Early in my career, I saw people staying late just to be seen staying late. That kind of hustle culture was baked into the industry, but it never felt right to me. I believe in working hard and staying late when it’s necessary, but if your only source of inspiration is your screen, that’s not enough. Great creative work comes from being out in the world, paying attention, and living life. We can’t make work that connects with people if we’re disconnected from the world ourselves.

What does a balanced life look like for you, and how do you work towards it?

Balance is a constant work in progress for me. My brain has a hard time turning off, and mentally, stepping away from work is something I still struggle with. But I’ve learned how important it is to protect my peace. When I’m with my fiancé and our dog, I want to be there—not spinning on something I can’t solve by obsessing. Creating boundaries around my attention (even imperfectly) is how I stay grounded and present in the moments that matter most.