What path has your career taken?
I started out life as an Art Major and two years into the program switched to International Business. I was very open about where I worked and what jobs I had after college to get “experience”. Eventually I landed a recruiting job in a boutique firm and was just really good at closing candidates (accepting the job offer). Eventually I joined a tech company and broadened the scope of the role to leadership and more strategic initiatives within Recruiting and HR. Most recently I’ve been helping tech companies scale their business and really enjoy supporting high growth businesses. I moved to Amsterdam for my job at Uber as the EMEA HQ is in Amsterdam. I had visited a few times before and the timing was perfect to accept a new business challenge and move to Amsterdam to lead a functional business area across EMEA.
How long have you stayed at Zoku Amsterdam and what are your thoughts?
Seven months! So many thoughts and all positive. I love the concept and have been recommending Zoku to all my friends and colleagues. It really felt like an extended family. The minute you check-in and walk upstairs you feel welcomed. I love the design and the convenience of the Lofts and top floor. The food is excellent and the open kitchen concept is fun and social. Zoku has managed to be hip but inclusive, efficient but warm, quality but affordable and (I think) hires really fun, smart and talented people.
What’s a life-changing song, film, event or book you’d like to recommend to others?
What is your top tip for being productive while working from home?
Turn off notifications. When you are working from home you have a bit of mystery (no one can walk up to your desk) and take advantage of that. Take 2 hours (or more) and turn off all notifications and you will be amazed what you can get done with no interruptions. That email can wait.
Which book/product have you gifted the most?
Lately
Le Labo perfumes and products. The scents are gender neutral, the product is high quality and you can personalize the perfume bottle labels.
How do you manage to keep up your mental health/wellbeing while working from home during these times?
It’s obvious but exercise is the most important activity to keep up my mental health. Walks, bike rides and runs. I do a bit of online yoga and pilates (tip
Class Pass just moved to online classes from your favorite local studies). If you haven’t tried Yoga Nidra, I would recommend finding it on YouTube and trying that right before you go to bed...you will sleep very well. Finally, essential oils and flowers. These are small investment items that bring a lot of joy while we stay indoors.
What is the most interesting/inspiring place you’ve been to or have visited and what was so special about it?
South Africa. I did a 54K run called the
Two Oceans Marathon in April of 2019 in Cape Town. I was so focused on training that I didn’t realize how much I would get out of a safari post Cape Town and the running event. I actually teared up leaving the bush. You are immersed in nature and there was very little electricity and (thankfully) no WiFi. Seeing elephants' huge eye lashes up close, lions bathe each other and roll in the grass....so many beautiful wild animals, plants and birds….not to mention amazing sunrises and sunsets. It was a life changing experience.
