Grace Gabriel is the Brand & Communications Manager for SUEZ Australia & New Zealand, one of the leading companies in smart, sustainable resource management solutions.

Balance the Grind spoke to Grace about her role at SUEZ and communicating the brand’s message, using a stand up desk, meal prepping to save time, exercising to recharge and more.

This conversation is brought to you by HelloFresh, delivering delicious ingredients and simple recipes straight to your doorstep each week.

1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your background and career?

I’ve worked in marketing and communications for a little over a decade now, across many different industries.

It’s been an amazing ride so far – I’ve managed to work on some very diverse projects and meet many incredible and inspiring people along the way.

2) What is your current role and what does it entail on a day to day basis?

In a nutshell, my work is focused on helping people – both inside and outside of the business – understand who SUEZ is, what we stand for and why we matter.

SUEZ is a global company working in the areas of waste, resource recovery and water. Water is something that’s increasingly disappearing, but waste is something that’s growing day by day.

Both are two incredibly huge issues that I work on as the Brand & Communications Manager for SUEZ. As part of that role, I look after our social media, sponsorships, events, and content.

3) What does a typical day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?

You’ve caught me at the busiest month of the year, as we are major sponsors of two big conferences and exhibitions. So I’ve actually spent very little time in the office this month!

But that’s not a very accurate reflection of my work. While the work varies each day, I think what is typical of each day is:

• Looking for those stories/communicating the stories that really make our business shine
• Constantly talking about our purpose – and making sure that all our efforts align with that purpose!

I admittedly don’t get to do this everyday, but I also try to learn a little bit more about the business and the people that I work with.

It’s not just because I’m curious about people and their stories, but I think it’s the only way to make sure the brand is represented and embodied across the business.

On a very practical sense, I always make time for lunch away from my desk. And speaking of desks, I am trying (unsuccessfully) to use the stand up desk.

4) In between everything you do and all your responsibilities, how do you ensure you find some sort of balance in your life?

I am unashamed to say that I’ve been part of the cult that is F45 for three years. I absolutely love it and get annoyingly fidgety if I don’t fit my workouts in for the week.

Also, meal prepping. I don’t enjoy cooking, but I do like to make sure that what I eat fuels me with all the good, healthy stuff I need to get on with my day.

So when I do cook, I’m tripling or quadrupling the recipe when I can, and that saves me huge amounts of time later on.

I also recently joined a social sports team, which immediately made everyone who knows me well, laugh. Team sports is not my thing! But it’s been a lot of fun so far, so maybe it is my thing now.

And finally, my husband and I also have scheduled date nights. I was at first hesitant about scheduling/‘forcing’ this in but nurturing our relationship is important and what’s important goes in the calendar!

5) What are some of the things you do to take time out and recharge?

Reading. Netflix. Weekends away. Social media detoxes. F45. Spending time with my insanely cute nephew and nieces.

6) Are there any gadgets, tools or products can’t you live without?

My phone – but only because it contains many photos and videos that I still haven’t gotten around to backing up. I could probably live without a phone if I needed to.

Some sort of device to listen to music, so either my headphones or speakers. Oh, and my runners and glasses. Do they count as tools?

7) Do you have any books that you love and would like to recommend?

I just finished reading Love Does by Bob Goff which was hugely inspiring and a big reality check. I’m also contemplating whether to re-read the Games or Thrones series now that the TV show is all over.

8) What is the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day?

I once heard that you should always start the day with making the bed, so you feel a sense of accomplishment as soon as you wake up.

So in my case that means quickly throwing our doona over whatever might be lying on the bed (pjs, missing pair of sock, iPad) or better yet, asking my husband to make the bed.

Breakfast is also a non-negotiable. Everything always looks better with a full stomach.

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