Behind every successful artist, creator and athlete, there is an inner BOSS. And, allowing us to get to the crux of what created it, BOSS has launched its very own podcast series, Behind the BOSS. Hosted by London-based culture writer Raven Smith, the podcast introduces exciting guests episode by episode, dissecting the peaks, pitfalls and lightbulb moments that led them to their own successes.

Since launching on May 3rd, Smith has already seen the likes of American stylist and TV star Law Roach, metaverse expert and tech futuristic Cathy Hackl and BOSS Global Brand Ambassador Anthony Joshua accompany him in conversation about the key moments that helped them champion their selected fields.

Turning the tables around on Smith himself, we sat with the host to discuss his experience with the podcast so far, his journey into writing and the release of his latest book Raven Smith’s Men.

To explore Behind the BOSS now head to hugoboss.com and for the full interview, head below…

Hey Raven! How are you? How has this past year been for you? 
Not too shabby, my book came out and I bought some amazing loafers as a little treat. 

Looking back on the past two years, how did the pandemic affect your creativity?  
The months of lockdown were tough, stuck at home with my circling thoughts, but I managed to spin that into prose. 
 
Let’s start in the beginning, how did you first get into writing? What sparked the interest? 
Ah, I’ve always had a big mouth. Writing at the start was just me recording being gobby. I’ve become less scattergun and more confident as time’s gone on. My first column was a brash disaster, but I’m very settled at Vogue.

What do you find is the most challenging aspect of being a rising writer? What would your best advice be? 
For me, I need a deadline. I have a writing room in Soho and I do my best piece-finishing when I want to go home. 

And now you’re launching a podcast with BOSS, how did this come about?  
BOSS approached me with the idea to meet with people who are absolutely smashing it in their fields. It was a no-brainer. 
 
What does it mean for you to work with BOSS on this Podcast? What do you hope people take away from it? 
I’ve found the guests fascinating and I’m certain listeners will too. 
 
Your latest book is about what it means to be a man today and the men you’ve met in your life, what made you focus on this? 
In short, the patriarchy. It is more than that, I love and hate men, and being one myself is both problematic and privileged. 
 
In 3 words could you sum up what it is like being a black man in today’s society? 
I can’t, no. 

Who inspires you? 
People who work with their hands.
 
What has been the most defining moment of your career? 
Meeting Ma Sheila was a treasure.
 
What are you most excited for? What’s next? 
I’m currently over-romanticising swimming in open water and drying in the sun.