5 Minutes With Jen Koide

#TeamMindshare believes in Empathy, Energy and Impact. As we adjust to working differently, we're continuing to empower people to challenge the status quo and drive Good Growth for our clients and the industry. Growth isn’t just a flash in the pan, but it’s enduring, diversified, and more sustainable over time. We’re proud to be unmistakably #TeamMindshare, and make it the place where we do the best work of our career, grow and have fun. Hear from Jen on how she's adapted, what her biggest learning is and how she stays inspired.

Biggest learning from your career?

Take on the assignment / role / job that will push you outside of your comfort zone.  If it scares you a little bit or if you think that you may be out of your depth, that’s where the most growth will happen.

One word to describe the last year?

Enlightening.  Last year I made two major shifts…I moved from Chicago to a very small town in low country South Carolina and I made the decision to leave a traditional consulting firm to come to Mindshare.  The first was enlightening because I’ve always lived in major cities and I learned that I absolutely love small town life.  The second was enlightening because I realized there is a whole world of transformation and change going on outside of the problems global consulting firms are asked to solve – I learn something new every day and that’s super exciting. 

What is the best advice you can give for hybrid working?

Most importantly – build relationships.  It’s all too easy in a world of non-stop Teams meetings to neglect the human connections that are so essential.  Take the time whether you’re remote or in the office to say hello, ask about the weekend, ask about someone’s hobbies or interests. 

My advice when working from home - establish the same routines and rituals that you would if you’re going to the office – like putting on an outfit you’d actually wear to the office, wearing actual shoes and, for me, putting on lipstick. 

How have you stayed inspired?

My inspiration comes from two places…1) staying curious and seeking to learn new things, new perspectives, new ways to solve problems from people that have different skills and backgrounds than me.  2) Putting my right brain to use during my non-work time.  My creative outlets are cooking, digital photography and singing lead vocals in a band.

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