One of the most rewarding roles in what I do right now is the role of team leader. When I started this whole agency thing, I had no way of knowing exactly what the future would hold, how we’d grow or if there would even be a ‘we’. Now, just over a year later, we have a team of five (including our intern Nora) and it’s incredibly fun and rewarding. I’m definitely still absorbing this new reality.
For a while now, I’ve been trying to find someone who would act as my ‘right-hand’ to help manage my calendar, free me of administrative tasks and help orchestrate internal processes for our team. This can be a tough job because I move REALLY fast, always have new ideas I want to test and processes that need improving. It can be a lot, and I was beginning to worry I’d never find someone who could move at the pace I needed while keeping all the details (and repercussions connected to those details) in mind.
Cue Taylor Redick. Taylor is a breath of fresh air. She began working with our team at the beginning of this month and immediately jumped in the mix. We brought Taylor on just as we were preparing for a really crazy week:
- My speaking at the Ohio Growth Summit
- Preparing to release a 30-page e-book (more on that later this month)
- Prepping for my first vacation since launching the business
- AND flying team members out to Columbus for our first in-person team session.
Taylor has yet to miss a beat. I’ve been able to seamlessly hand over my calendar and a plethora of support tasks — she even managed my email and supported the rest of the team while I was on vacation. She also likes to work with media!! In short, I’m in love.
So, I thought it would be fun to give you the opportunity to get to know Taylor a bit through a Q+A format. She’s really great and I hope you’ll welcome her in the comments below and on Twitter. ~ Kate
Q+A Introduction with Taylor Redick
Kate: You just joined the team this month, how would you describe your first couple weeks so far?
Taylor: I think I joined Belle Communications at the perfect time of year. During my first week, I was able to work with the whole team in person. I was even able to meet some of our amazing clients! Starting at an agency like Belle Communications is great because the company is still evolving. I love being at an agency that is fast-paced and passionate about learning.
June has been an exciting whirlwind, from onboarding, to being at a conference, and then adjusting to the everyday life. Of course I have had plenty of questions, but the whole team has been supportive and quick to encourage me to jump in. I have definitely learned a lot about social media tools and my writing has improved. One thing that stands out to me about Belle is how tight-knit the company is. Right now we are reading Youtility together and have book discussions every Thursday. Plus, there is talk of a team pilates workout- so fun!
K: What’s your favorite thing about being in PR?
T: My favorite part of PR is knowing that all of my work is visible. I love being in a field that keeps you accountable for your work. I think that PR is really gratifying field because when you are doing your job right, your work will gain highly noticeable media attention.
K: Name your three favorite foods / food brands …
T: My favorite foods are crab (LOVE seafood!) and pineapple. I would have to say my favorite food brand is Chipotle because of all they do from a PR standpoint, plus I am addicted to their bowls.
K: What’s your favorite leisure activity?
T: I love baking desserts and trying new recipes for muffins and cakes.
K: What’s something new you learned this week?
T: I learned about different ways to improve SEO on Youtube. (More on this in a future blog post)
K: What would we find in your refrigerator right now?
T: Right now there is PLENTY of fresh fruit in the refrigerator because I’ve been trying out my juicer.
K: Who’s your favorite TV show and why?
T: Right now, my favorite TV show is Once Upon A Time. I think it’s a fun idea to have different fairytale characters in the modern world. The show is creative in tying together the different story lines.
K: Favorite blog?
T: My favorite blog is “Adventurous Kate’s Solo Female Travel Blog”. The blog is about a young woman named Kate who started traveling for a living at age 26. Her blog is consistent and filled with fun stories. It is fun to read and inspiring to take a peek into her unconventional life.
K: What’s your proudest achievement to date?
T: I am proud of myself for living in France for four months during a study abroad opportunity. It was a great experience to be immersed in a completely different culture and language. Taking day trips by myself to different cities in France made me a lot more independent.
K: What’s one of your 2014 goals that you’re committed to accomplish?
T: Moving into an apartment on my own in the city (most likely Chicago) by the end of 2014.
HOORAY Taylor! Everyone, please welcome her in the comments below and be sure to follow her on Twitter (her tweets are super fun!) ~ Kate
