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#WFH Diaries: Lindsey Allison of Engine
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to disrupt lives across the globe, we’re checking in with creative people to see how they’re coping. Here’s an update from Lindsey Allison of Engine.
Give us a one-line bio of yourself.
Lindsey Allison, head of strategy at Engine, previously head of strategy at CPB and Deutsch, lover of martinis and cats.
Where are you living right now, and who’s with you?
I’m living in L.A. on my dining room table, with my new husband, Tom, Monty (old cat) and Grizzly (baby cat).
What’s your work situation like at the moment?
It’s busier than ever. More pitches than ever. More production than ever. Restriction breeds innovation, so I’m finding myself thinking about solving problems in more interesting and creative ways.
Describe your socializing strategy.
Zoom Zoom. A good thing about being in quarantine is that I’m getting to know my work friends more. I see their faces when it would have been a call. I’m getting to know their children, pets and side hustles. Socially, we’ve been using Houseparty to play games with my friends. It’s hilarious. Download it.
How are you dealing with childcare, if applicable?
I don’t have children, but my cats, husband and plants sure are getting extra love.
What are you reading?
I’m reading Bird Box, which is an interesting choice right now, I know, but I’m into it. I’m better able to visualize a world where everyone has to blindfold their eyes.
What are you watching?
Everything. And it’s all blending together. Did the house burn down in Ozark? Are there drug-dealing country folk in Homeland? What’s that show where robots take over the world?
What are you listening to?
I’m listening to books. It’s how I force myself to get out and take a walk. When you get into a story and can’t listen unless you’re walking, well, you walk. Pro hack.
How are you staying fit?
I’ve been doing Zoom sessions with my trainer. In times like these, it’s important to come from a place of gratitude. I’m grateful that I still get to see his lovely drill-sergeant face every day.
Have you taken up a hobby?
No. It’s on my list. Thanks for reminding me.
Any tips for getting necessities?
I’m lucky that a few of my closest friends are nearby, so we’ve been trading out who goes to the grocery once a week for all of us to mitigate the risk.
An awkward moment since all this started.
I was doing a pitch, and all the Zoom faces were blocking the presentation, and I didn’t realize until too late. Had to fumble a bit. My good friend and Engine colleague, Steve Scutellaro, found a way to design presentations with room for the Zoom face bar to fix it.
Best work email you got since all this started.
Subject line: “FYI, covid is hot. True story.”
An aha! moment since all this started.
I realized napkins work as paper towels.
What’s your theory on how this is going to play out?
No one knows what it’s going to be like when we reemerge. But I’m hoping that some things don’t change. Seeing the faces of the people you love and care about more often. Checking in more often. Saying thank you and be well to literally everyone you see more often. I sure can’t wait to give a few big hugs.
