Richard Gilbert-Cross shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Richard, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Always the same! I rise at 6 am. I then drink coffee and do 20 minutes of breathwork, followed by meditation. I’ll then jog to the gym.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I founded Sideways Poetry Mag on a simple but radical idea: poetry should be free, open, and accessible to everyone. New voices deserve to sit comfortably alongside award-winning poets, and readers should be able to discover work without barriers of paywalls or prestige.
By publishing emerging poets next to established names, Sideways aims to dissolve hierarchies and celebrate the true power of poetry: its diversity of voices.
As for me, when I’m not working on Sideways or my day job, I’m writing my debut novel and a short story collection.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
That I have to be brilliant at everything. It’s not true. Passion, perseverance, hard work and a vision will see me through.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. I’ve hit rock bottom twice, and what helped was a deep will to live. I’m grateful for that, and for learning never to be afraid to ask for help. It’s humbling – you feel as raw and exposed as an oozing wound – but sometimes you need that stripping back to be reborn.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
You could be the most intelligent person on the planet. But when we rely only on our minds rather than engaging our full awareness, we become blinded – we stop listening and stop being open.. True discernment is about curiosity, empathy and stepping into other people’s experiences.
As Eckhart Tolle teaches, it’s also about presence: noticing when the mind is caught in ego and letting yourself be changed by what you encounter.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace in that soft glow after sunset, wandering the streets of a European city. Darkness is about to descend, and the city transforms before my eyes. I grab a book, a cup of coffee and lose myself in people-watching.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sidewayspoetry.com
- Twitter: https://x.com/sidewayspoetry
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