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#WFH Diaries: Wanda Pogue of VaynerMedia
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to upend life across the globe, we’re checking in with creative people to see how they’re faring. Here’s an update from Wanda Pogue at VaynerMedia.
Give us a one-line bio of yourself.
A passionate chief strategy officer (woman, mother, friend) dedicated to understanding people to drive compelling, relevant work that works.
Where are you living right now, and who’s with you?
In our home in Manhasset, N.Y., with my husband, daughter, son and very cute elderly dog named Demi.
What’s your work situation like at the moment?
I am now finishing up week four of WFH so it’s becoming the new normal, but it has certainly been an adjustment. First few weeks were pretty intense, as we helped many of our clients pivot and change go-to-market strategies that had been planned for months. Now that everyone is adjusting to this situation, we are finding some equilibrium and I am finding a new rhythm. My days start early and go long. I spend about 10 hours daily on Google Hangout.
Describe your socializing strategy.
We have a weekly happy hour with my VaynerMedia teams. I’ve also been having happy hours on Zoom, at least two a week with friends. I have a new found appreciation for virtual board games and Q&A with a glass of something in hand.
How are you dealing with childcare?
My kids are older and relatively independent, but I have seen an increased need for emotional support. It’s hard for them, life on hold, plans coming to a halt, proms and graduations canceled. Just helping them get through that.
What are you reading?
Between work, taking care of my family, and virtual board games with friends, it’s been hard to find time to pick up a book.
What are you watching?
Anything that offers comic relief: Schitt’s Creek, Tiger King, rewatching Season 2 of Fleabag in hopes of a third season, and anything with John Mulaney.
What are you listening to?
Love my music. My Spotify playlist is my backdrop, my sanity, my energy, my escape. Some of the artists who have been on repeat are: Tom Walker, Billie Eilish, George Ezra, Hozier, and of course Jack Johnson. When I want to pick it up, I play J Balvin, Danny Ocean and Bad Bunny.
How are you staying fit?
I’m walking at least 3.5 miles every other day, and doing a daily 7-minute workout, which I can squeeze in between calls and do in jeans.
Have you taken up a hobby?
Cooking (I’m trying a bunch of new recipes and getting creative with alternative ingredients because I never seem to have all that is called for) and learning about wine. Well, mostly drinking wine.
Any tips for getting necessities?
Sign up for every single delivery service possible (Fresh Direct, Peapod, Instacart, Amazon) and always have a cart going.
An awkward moment since all this started.
I updated my computer right before an important video call and wasn’t able to log on. It emphasized how reliant we are on technology during a time of no in-person meetings.
Best work email you got since all this started.
Gary Vaynerchuk’s check-ins, mostly texts, which are motivating and an example of great leadership during these times … the perfect balance of empathy, humanity and guidance.
An aha! moment since all this started.
I really like my family. Enough to be with them 24/7 without wanting to kill them or myself.
What’s your theory on how this is going to play out?
Not sure there will be a “back to normal” or “back to business as usual” per se. I believe the pandemic will change the way we work, the way we socialize, the things we place value in, permanently.
