Teodora Bertorelli is the Head of Sales at Packfleet, a company on a mission to empower independent businesses across the UK to offer the best deliveries on Earth
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
I was born in Romania, in Transylvania, and graduated as an Economist during the last recession. I took a gamble and moved to London, and ended up working in some of London’s most iconic hotels where my role was to organise events for the London elite. I loved every second of it, except the 14 hour long shifts. That’s when I saw the opportunity to move into startups.
The last 9 years have taken me through 6 different startups, and a couple of unicorns: Deliveroo, ShopBack. At the moment I head the Sales department at Packfleet – a logistics/tech startup on a mission to disrupt the UK delivery market.
2) What does a day in your life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
I start my days around 6. It’s vital to me that I allocate time to get some fresh air, a strong coffee and lots of cuddles with my son before I sit at my laptop.
My first hour at work is for catching up with emails and LinkedIn messages, then a mix of client meetings + reaching out to new prospects via different channels. I’ve recently started in my role at Packfleet, and I am sure my days will look very different once I hire a team.
My days pass so fast I always always wish there was more daylight and time for everything I’d want to achieve
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
It does. We are so lucky our team is really respectful of everyone’s preferred way of working. We tend to meet at least once a week at the office, and end that day with team drinks/fun activities.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
You know, I have been thinking about this a lot. So far in my past I’ve come across companies that promote a toxic environment, where you would feel anxious and judged for leaving your desk before 8pm and turning off your Slack before midnight. Hyper growth can be so rewarding, but it does come with a cost.
Balance for me at the moment means I can leave the office at a decent hour, and IF I decide to do any extra work at home, it is my choice and my choice only, and it is not expected or encouraged by the company.
I’ve also learned over the years how to use my time in a much more efficient way. I prioritise. I’ve learned to delegate and I’ve learned to ask for help when I need it.
5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?
I think the pandemic has definitely encouraged new habits: I try to walk to the local park to grab a coffee before work every day, it clears my head. I feel like fresh air + a good strong coffee sets me for success
6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?
I don’t have favourites. But I can tell you that I am currently reading The Promise by Damon Galgut and I’ve recently listened to a great podcast with Luciana Lixandru, partner @ Sequoia Capital and an early investor in Deliveroo. I think it was called 20VC. She was born in Romania like me and I find her super inspiring.
7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?
My avocado hydrating mask from Origins. I am currently addicted to grocery delivery apps, I use them more than I should.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
It’s cool to look after yourself. Make sure you regularly set aside time to do the activities you love. If you go through weeks that are extra challenging at work, balance them out with an evening or weekend of pampering.
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