Her Story
About Natalia
I started my career in education but made a career switch during the pandemic, using that time to invest in myself and renew my journey back into design, which I've been doing for over 6 years now. I work as a project manager in design agencies, currently freelancing depending on what projects come up. My day usually starts by checking emails and communicating to make sure everything is going to plan, followed by internal meetings with the team on different projects and brand designs we're working on, and then client meetings as well. My role is really about taking care of the team and making sure everything within the project is on track, ensuring they have everything they need to do their job, that their workload is balanced, that they feel supported, and that the team is running well with those socio-emotional elements in balance. On the client side, I make sure clients know what's happening with their projects and what's coming, and I really empower them to know that they are key creators in this process. In design, we're always iterating and looking at how we can improve based on what the client is looking for, so I make sure they're really involved. One of my most notable achievements was being brought on to open up the U.S. account for my last branding agency, where we started working with Medtronic's ear, nose, and throat operating unit, and within a year grew that to 5 operating units, which was a really big moment for myself and the team and led to expanding the team rapidly.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Natalia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think just always being inspired. I really love what I'm doing. If I don't love it, then I know that I'm not doing what I should be doing, so just always really trusting that inner alignment, just based on what lights me up and what inspires me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I think just kind of go for it, whatever it is that you want to be doing. Whether it means that you might have to take a course, or do multiple things at the same time, kind of the idea that just trusting the process, that everything will work out. Say yes to the things that interest you, the things that light you up, just go for it, because everything has a way of working out in the end.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
At the moment, I've seen a real shift towards AI as kind of the one-size-fits-all solution for companies, whether they're looking for copywriting, marketing, assets creation, or graphic design. There's this real sense in the industry that AI is gonna take designer jobs. And really, those of us who work in design, we embrace technology and embrace AI, we use it to make our work better and to bring our ideas to life. So it's not something that we fear, and it's not something that's not true, but there is a lot more behind what we do in terms of strategy, in terms of bringing an idea to life, and making sure that that idea guides the values of those who we're working with. So, it's not just about something that looks beautiful, it's something that connects and drives and brings life to and meaning to other people.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say that the main value is just reflection, just making sure that you're always thinking about what you're doing, and thinking, you know, how can I do better in the future? What did I enjoy about this? Just constantly reflecting on what's going on in your life, and being aware of yourself.
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