Personal User Manual

Below are a set of notes about how I PREFER to work when possible. All items subject to change. Last updated: March 2023.

Conditions I like to work in

• In my office at my house or at a non-chain coffee shop
• Music playing lightly, usually hip hop or movie scores in my headphones
• A drink nearby (black coffee with cream or an iced tea) 

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The times/hours I like to work

• Monday - Friday (sometimes Saturday but I'm working on not doing that as much!) 
• Early in the morning (6 am - 9 am)
• Late at night (9 pm+)

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The best way to communicate with me

• Via Slack (DMs preferred, also a fan of jumping on a quick Huddle!) 
• Via email
• Via Zoom

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How I like to get feedback

• Direct feedback is best starting with areas of improvement first

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The feedback I find most helpful

• How my output is not aligned with the intended goal of the work/project with specific examples highlighted
• Any high level suggestions on how/what to improve
• (Optional) A deadline to help boost accountability

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What I need from my environment/company to succeed

• The “Why” behind the work. What is the goal? What is the rationale for this project?
• The humility to be open to new ideas
• The flexibility to be creative in problem-solving
• The support to grow as a professional while leaving room for mistakes

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How I learn best

• Understanding the “Why”
• Diving right in!
• Creating spaces/channels for questions & ideas

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Things I struggle with

• Not knowing why this work and how it connects to the larger company mission
• Being micro-managed
• Being left a series of steps to just execute with no room to improve it

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Things I love from work

• The ability to start new initiatives (e.g., projects, partnerships, projects, teams, etc.)
• Public speaking (in person, virtual)
• Mentoring others to succeed & grow

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My favorite emoji

👀

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My favorite meal(s)

• Xi'an Famous Foods - Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles (NY) 
• Bar La Grassa - Pappardelle with veal ragu (MN) 
• Trestle - any of their tasting menus (SF) 

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My favorite quote

"I shall either find a way or make one." - Hannibal (although precise attribution is still historically lacking)