In this edition of Workflow, we have Rachel Segal, Director of Digital at Briteweb, talking about her Macbook x iPad set up, planned chaos, and Pamplemoose.
Working from home and need some inspiration? Grab a copy of our Workflow book. Beautifully designed with gorgeous home office photos and stories from around the world.
Describe what you do: I oversee the digital team at Briteweb, which includes the UX, design, development, QC and content teams. Week to week will typically vary greatly depending on where I’m needed most – being flexible, available and open for my team is a big focus area for me…while still maintaining an eye on the 3-5 goals per week I set out for myself every Sunday night.
How do you like your coffee: Black. Always. Typically at least three cups throughout the morning.
Device(s) you use: 13 inch Macbook Pro, with a paired iPad Pro display. I am rarely hooked up to external monitors, having become quite used to being on the go, and this setup has worked perfectly for me over the years. Slack is on the iPad while my work/calls remain on the Macbook. I try to make it a practice to turn the iPad away so I’m not distracted while on Zoom.
Describe your working style in one sentence: Planned chaos that probably appears erratic and fragmented if you were just observing my calendar, but is a hummingbird-like balance of conversations and deliverables that keeps me motivated and the work moving forward.
What does your workspace look like: We live on a tiny island on the west coast of Canada so our internet at home is spotty at best. We founded a co-working space with a solid internet connection a few years ago – which feels like a luxury given how many people I know trying to work at home, with kids, these days.
Our space is called Makeshift – which comes through in the heavy infusion of plywood throughout the aesthetic. These days, it’s just myself and one other friend who’s part of our quarantine ‘bubble’ who come in to work.
How does your workspace affect your creative process: I appreciate more than ever still having a separate, dedicated space to go to for work. Our internet is finally getting an upgrade in the next month or so and we’re plotting a separate office in what is right now a semi-finished tiny home. When I instead need to tuck in at home I find life is constantly tipping the daily frenzy into chaos that’s less planned, less productive and more distracted.
Do you have a favourite playlist for work: Everything and anything Pamplemoose. The love and light that comes through their music – especially the new digital collaborations – is about as uplifting as it gets.
Who would you like to nominate for the next workflow interview: Rachel Gertz, Digital PM Trainer.
Before you go…
If you’d like to sponsor or partner with Balance the Grind, let’s talk here.
If you never want to miss one of our conversations about work, life & balance, subscribe to our newsletter.
This conversation is brought to you by the Walkolution Treadmill Desk, work healthier with a treadmill desk.
