A few weeks ago we shared perspectives from our growing team, but had so much to say we needed a part II. Get to know us a little better through the questions below, and we look forward to seeing you at industry meetings, on webinars, etc.
Q1: How do you think we complement each other as a team in terms of personalities and work styles?
Gretchen: One thing I appreciate about working with industry members is the fast pace necessitated by the need for real-life and sometimes real-time solutions to food safety problems. This comes at a cost, though, and Jen’s words always ring in my ears: “Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good.” Being a detail-oriented, Type-A person, speed has not always been my friend, though I am learning where priorities matter most. Jen’s approach balances this nicely, as she is the real driver of making progress without sacrificing quality. On the flip side, my artistic side and patience in formatting documents and presentations balance out Jen’s dislike for such projects. I can already tell that Lucy’s energy and upbeat personality will bring a lot to the customer service end of the business.
Lucy: As a recent graduate who has been able to balance two or more jobs at a time with my academics, some may say I am putting too much on my plate. I say I need the experience to grow as an individual. I am excited to focus solely on this business and fully immerse myself in food safety and science. In addition to Gretchen's patient demeanor and Jen's results-driven approach, my eagerness to learn and positive attitude will complement the team by contributing to the customer service aspect of our work. While I am refining my style and learning what works best for me in the workplace, my enthusiasm and adaptability will bring a fresh perspective. This will foster a welcoming environment for clients. With guidance from Gretchen and Jen, I have the opportunity to grow and adapt my work style. This blend of personalities allows us to thrive in fast-paced situations while maintaining a strong attention to detail and a thoughtful, organized process.
Jen: They say you see someone's true colors under stress and pressure. In bringing on both Gretchen and Lucy, it was clear that Lucy should report to Gretchen, not me. Gretchen is much nicer! It's not that I'm unpleasant, but I can be a bit high-strung and impatient. Anyone who knows me knows how this can come across, and it’s probably not compatible with helping coach someone right out of college. But it can be an asset in certain situations, and it’s great to have Gretchen as a counterbalance. We don't exactly take on good cop/bad cop roles, but Gretchen is a calming, even-keeled presence. Lucy is one of the most responsible recent college graduates who “has her act together” and wants to do a good job. I think she’ll see contrasting styles in how Gretchen and I react to stress and pressure, and I look forward to seeing how her style evolves.
Q2: You’re both part time employees. What are you doing when you’re not working with Food Safety Strategy?
Gretchen: Mostly chasing two very energetic boys – Lander (4) and Asa (1). I try to be outside as much as possible, which usually involves biking, running, hiking, skiing, splitting/stacking wood, or other outdoor pursuits. Someday, I hope to get back into watercolor painting and ceramics, but those have been sidelined by parenting right now. I also have a few other small food safety side projects, such as teaching Produce Safety Alliance Grower Trainings and drafting food safety publications and educational resources.
Lucy: When I am not working with Food Safety Strategy, I enjoy spending time outdoors, skiing, and hiking in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Additionally, I love going on little adventures with my partner, Rylee. Some may say I have an addiction (I have 25 plants and counting), but I love growing and propagating plants. When not growing crops in local lots, we use our indoor hydroponics system to grow our favorite herbs and veggies. During the colder months, I also unwind by crocheting and doing indoor weight training to stay active and relaxed.
Jen: I work full-time, so n/a! But I do enjoy traveling with my partner, Doug, cooking, and reading.
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