In our Staff Spotlight series, we get up-close and personal with the members of the Listen + Learn Research team to find out who they are and what their job roles involve.
Where are you from and where are you based?
It’s always a hard question to answer because I’ve lived in a lot of different places. I was born in Brazil but grew up in Portugal. So I would say I’m 50/50. I’m currently living in São João da Madeira, Portugal.
How long have you been with Listen and Learn Research and what do you do here?
I first started as a freelance Text Analyst in June of 2013, back when we are called “Outtaskers”!
In 2019 I started working as a Coding Manager and my role was recently expanded to People and Operations Manager. I love this new role because it’s a mix of working on developing the culture of the company and making sure we continue to have a healthy environment for our team to grow and develop, plus the operations side of projects, which I also love.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Phew, how long do you have to read this!
I’m a mother of 4 children so my day is planned by the second. I don’t feel like I’ve nailed the day-to-day habits yet, I really want to try and start my workday with a bit of meditation.
My typical day starts around 8:30 after I’ve dropped my kids off at school. I try to do the tasks that require more focus first then stop for an exercise break around lunch. I try to stop working around 5/6 pm. It really depends, but my brain usually starts shutting off after 4:30 pm.
I’m always split between the HR side of my role and helping on different projects with the operations side.
What’s the most challenging thing about being a People and Operations Manager?
On the human side, I think having people from different cultures and backgrounds is not only very exciting but can also be challenging to try and create a culture that is fitting and makes everyone feel comfortable.
On the Ops side, I think the toughest part of this role is how meticulous it is and how much room there is for error. The type of errors that can really become a huge problem if not properly caught on time and fixed.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
Having the freedom to come up with ideas knowing that I’ll be listened to. I feel really respected by my leaders and knowing they believe in me really is what keeps me going.
Describe Listen and Learn Research in 3 words?
Safe, empowering, challenging.
What advice do you have for prospective Listen and Learn Research candidates?
I’ll quote Nike here “Just do it”, it’s such a great team and a challenging job. If you enjoy stepping outside your comfort zone, then this job is for you.
You won’t be coming into a business that has everything figured out. We are still growing and learning, which to me, just makes everything even more exciting.
It’s not always easy, but it’s a great place to work.
What are your hopes for our industry?
That we keep helping brands grow in ethical and sustainable ways. With Covid and climate change this needs to be the focus now more than ever. I know a lot of people roll their eyes and think it’s a very utopian dream. But if we all stop believing that things can get better, they won’t.
Best fun facts about you?
I secretly believe that I’m hilarious but I’m aware that I’m not.
What is something people don’t know about you?
That’s not fun, if I share it, it won’t be a secret anymore.
I always play songs from musicals when I clean or drive. I like to pretend that I’m in a Broadway show. Yes, I’m a grown woman but it makes me happy.
My neighbours must love it lol.
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