At Persona, we're incredibly proud of our amazing team. We think they're smart, funny, and kind, and we're sure you'll think the same. That's why we started this blog series to help you get to know the people behind Persona.
Today, meet David, our people operations business partner who loves coffee, Peloton group rides, volunteering, and dogs. He shares his personal mantra, what he thinks people should know about Persona, and more in this Q&A:
What does your typical day look like at Persona?
My typical day at Persona, whether it’s at home or at the office, starts off with a giant cup of coffee. I then open my laptop and go through my calendar to review my schedule and make sure I have an agenda for each of my meetings. At some point, I’ll take some time to grab lunch with coworkers in the office, or if I’m at home, I’ll use our lunch stipend to get some fresh air with the pup and grab food around my neighborhood.
After a long day of meetings, I’ll use the free time to go through any open projects that I have to make sure they’re still on track to be completed by their respective deadlines. I often end my day by pinging our Peloton Slack group to see who is in for a group ride.
Why did you choose Persona?
I chose Persona because of how authentic and honest everyone was throughout the interview process. I was also incredibly impressed by everyone’s passion for their craft and was excited to help partner with such thoughtful and brilliant individuals to help tackle projects through the lens of Persona’s leading value, People First.
Tell us one thing that people may not know about you.
A lot of people do not know that I’ve been volunteering in the youth and education nonprofit space since I was 14. I was the first in my family to go to college, and I know first-hand the difficulty in navigating an unfamiliar process that could positively impact your future. It’s a passion of mine to help fill the knowledge gap when it comes to applying to college for students of low-income backgrounds and supporting them in reaching and achieving their dreams of attending college.
What has been your favorite memory at Persona so far?
One of my favorite memories at Persona is when we had our Personerds at the Park event and I got to meet everyone’s cute dogs.
Do you have a personal mantra or perhaps motto that you try to follow? If so, what is it?
Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle. ✨
Who is someone you look up to or admire at Persona and why?
Shannon has been an incredible manager, mentor, and leader since my first day at Persona. She is a clear communicator and great listener who constantly displays trust in the team to successfully accomplish any task she sends our way. She’s also incredibly mindful and cares deeply about everyone at the organization both professionally and personally. I am excited to continue to learn and grow as a leader under her stewardship.
What advice would you give people who are currently job searching?
If you don’t think you check every box under the qualifications section, still apply and shoot your shot! You shouldn’t disqualify yourself and let the imposter syndrome win!
What do you think people should know about Persona?
Persona is exactly what people say it is in the Glassdoor reviews and during the interview process. The leadership team is incredibly humble, everyone across the org is brilliant and beyond passionate about their craft, and every decision that’s made is always evaluated through the value of People First.
What is your favorite Persona Slack channel and why?
My favorite Slack channel is #pets because I like any opportunity to share pictures of my 10-month old Bernedoodle, Bruce.
If you were asked to create a playlist that describes you, which songs would you pick first?
1. “La Vida Es un Carnaval” by Celia Cruz
2. “Mi Gente” by J Balvin & Willy William
3. “All I Do is Win” by DJ Khaled
What's your favorite restaurant?
I really like going on a “me date” once a month and often find myself at Foreign Cinema in San Francisco. I enjoy grabbing dinner at the bar and trying something new from their wine list each time.
If you were to start a bucket list right now, what would be the first thing you would write on it and why?
I’d definitely put getting my driver’s license on the top of my bucket list, and I don’t think I need to explain why. I should probably be more embarrassed about this than I actually am.
Stay tuned as we continue featuring more Personerds in this ongoing series!
