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#WFH Diaries: Brent Holt of Dell Blue
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to rage across the globe, we’re checking in with folks in the creative industry to see how they’re faring. Here’s an update from Brent Holt of Dell Blue, the in-house ad agency at Dell.
Give us a one-line bio of yourself.
Head of content production for Dell Blue, Dell’s in-house ad agency
Where are you living right now, and who’s with you?
Austin, Texas, with my fiancée and two cats.
What’s your work situation like at the moment?
Lots and lots of Zoom meetings. It was a little awkward at first, but now, they’ve become mini-reunions because I get to see all my co-workers’ faces again. At times, we get to laugh, joke and have a virtual happy hour drink together.
Describe your socializing strategy.
Online and old-school phone calls only. I hate talking on the phone but it’s become (somewhat) enjoyable again.
What are you reading?
The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson. His books are terrific, and this one is about Winston Churchill during World War II. Very intriguing.
What are you watching?
Just finished Season 3 of Broadchurch and started up the new season of Ozark.
What are you listening to?
On Sirius, I’m listening to the Beatles Channel and Outlaw Country, mostly. Plus, I have a long Spotify playlist of “New Stuff” that I’m finally working my way through. New (and not new) fun album finds are Drive By Truckers, Sturgill Simpson, a Beatles tribute album by Al Di Meola, American Aquarium, and “Booker’s Notion” by Booker T. & the M.G.’s. Also, “A Murder Most Foul” by Bob Dylan really hit home when I finally listened to all 17 minutes of it.
How are you staying fit?
Running, jumping rope, and an app called the 7 Minute Workout. Not that often on any of them, unfortunately.
Have you taken up a hobby?
Luckily, I have a guitar nearby that I don’t play very well.
Any tips for getting necessities?
Don’t go right when the stores open.
An awkward moment since all this started.
Wondering if I should have my mom over for her birthday dinner.
Best work email you got since all this started.
Two emails from Michael Dell telling us how much we are appreciated and also how Dell is helping during this time. The company set aside $4 million in funds and in-kind technology to provide donations for coronavirus-related causes worldwide.
An aha! moment since all this started.
We’ve been working from home since March 11, and after about a week, it really hit home that this won’t end quickly.
What’s your theory on how this is going to play out?
I lived in Battery Park City in New York on 9/11 and for two years after. I’ve seen, up close, how Americans can recover from tragedy. It might take a while but we’ll get through this, too.
