Our Monthly interview with one of the ADAPTOVATE team. Each month we ask one of our team from around the world to answer a few questions. While not in the same league as The Proust Questionnaire – we think it’s a great way to share our stories with you.
This month we are excited to interview one of our latest team members – Kayla Cartwright – a senior consultant based in Los Angeles.
First up – how long have you worked with us at the time of the interview?
Just about a month
Why did you join us? Were you in the industry previously, or looking for a new career direction?
A bulk of my career has been in leadership development and coaching, though I more recently have focused on consulting, transformation, and client experience in financial services. ADAPTOVATE seemed like the perfect place to put all of that together and keep learning + growing!
How has your previous experience and career helped define where you are now? Would you have done things differently?
Sure, there are a few times I would have liked to either fail faster/ learn faster. All in all, I think each job I’ve done, from restaurant jobs in high school to working as a science teacher, to living and working in new countries— each experience has allowed me to focus on building relationships and achieving results for ‘customers’ in any environment. So I wouldn’t change toooo much.
How do you balance your work life with your ‘real’ life – Do you have a good balance and how important is it to you?
I think I have a strong “balance”, probably because this is VERY important to me. I prefer to think about work-life “integration” instead of balance. If you can be part of an organization that aligns with your values and allows you to bring your true self to work, then integration is much easier. I’ve been happy to find that here at ADAPTOVATE so far. On a more tactical note, I prioritize and focus on outcomes so that I make sure I use my time wisely; I aim and usually get 8 hours of sleep and try to spend lots of time with my loved ones (including my pup!), usually enjoying good food, hiking or going to the beach.
With so many of our team remote working, we always like to ask how do you have your home office/desk set up? Organised or chaos? Any top tips?
Organized. Empty desk except for a massive monitor which has done wonders for my posture. Large cup of coffee and water. Single spiraled notebook. White pen (it’s a thing).
Do you play music during your Agile workshops with clients? What do you recommend on your latest playlist?
Definitely! Music sets the tone, so I often try to be pretty intentional about matching the song to the objective/theme of a workshop and/or the local crowd. In general though, I am a fan of Motown classics that people want to sing along to, and lively Latin music to wake people up. (editors note: we’ve added some Motown Classics, and lively Latin music to our official ADAPTOVATE Workshop playlist – you can access here)
How do you think technology has best helped humanity and do you have any concerns about our future?
Technology has democratized knowledge in a way that makes me hopeful for students who might not have access to information or experiences based on where they live. At the same time, I have great concerns about how technology is going to impact kids’ (and adults’) ability to relate to one another and interact across lines of difference.
Strategic Foresight allows companies to detect changes early and ensure action is taken quickly. Which companies have you seen able to change and adapt quickly. (and hopefully using Agile methods to do so)
Netflix has transformed their operating model in a way that the surrounding environment had been slow to respond to (I live 15 min from Hollywood, for context). It’s also been fun to be a client with this lense watching companies such as Rover, Instacart and Pandora transform their offerings and features quickly to adapt to the market.
What does success mean to you personally?
Enjoying and learning in as many moments as you can. There’s a popular American beachy musician named Jimmy Buffet; I try to live my life by one of his song lines (among many): “If we didn’t laugh we would all go insane”. (editors note: Song is “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” – you can listen here)
Finally – You’ve time travelled back to your 10- year old self – What advice would you give?
Eat less candy. Wear more sunscreen. Be nicer to your sister 😉
Kayla with her pup Wallace (center) and a friend’s pup getting ready to celebrate the annual pirate festival, Gasparilla, held every February in Tampa, Florida, USA.
