One of the first conversations I ever had with Rupert was at the business magazine we both worked at when we were starting out in journalism.

“Why aren’t you working at Vogue or some other woman’s magazine?” he asked.

I remember being terribly insulted. OK so I didn’t want to be a business reporter, that was just a way in to journalism. But I wanted to be a foreign correspondent, or maybe a Pulitzer Prize winner who had changed the world, and I certainly didn’t want to write about this season’s shoes or Brad Pitt’s love life.

Now, far too many years on, I finally find myself where I belong; on a woman’s weekly mag. I spend my days happily editing articles about designers, make-up, Zac Efron, but also more serious issues such as the everyday lives of Gazan women and inter-religious marriages.

I started off on the magazine as a staff writer two and a bit years ago. In April I became deputy editor. Yesterday it was announced that I will take over from the editor when she leaves on Thursday. I couldn’t be happier. I have already cut my hair a little shorter and am considering the full Anna Wintour bob. I still can’t afford any Prada, but I find Zara a great substitute, especially the shoes, you can get four pairs for the price of one Louboutin.

During one of my interviews for the job the Editor-in-Chief asked me what I would do if I didn’t get the it.

“Would you be interested in one of the other sections?” he asked.

I thought about it for a minute.

No was my answer, and thankfully I don’t have to think about it any more.

Just imagine, I might have ended up back on the business desk…..

Copyright: Helena Frith Powell 2010