Newsletter
#WFH Diaries: Jillian Davis of barrettSF
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the globe, we’re checking in with creative people to see how they’re faring. Here’s an update from Jillian Davis, director of brand strategy and associate partner at barrettSF.
Give us a one-line bio of yourself.
An outdoor-loving introvert raising two little boys and working in advertising.
Where are you living right now, and who’s with you?
I’m at my house in the woods outside of Minneapolis, with my husband Drew, our boys Theo (4) and Wyatt (1) and our dog Tucker (11).
What’s your work situation like at the moment?
Imagine a very quiet, private, well-organized, professional workspace. Now imagine the opposite of that. I work full-time in the second one.
Describe your socializing strategy.
Does waving at people from six feet away while walking my dog count?
How are you dealing with childcare?
We have the kids at home full-time. We’re trying a system called “lower your standards.” There’s a steep learning curve, but I think it’s working pretty well.
What are you reading?
The Overstory by Richard Powers.
What are you watching?
Community when we need a laugh. Ozark when we want to lean into some darkness.
What are you listening to?
I’ve been catching up on episodes of Reply All. I just finished the episode “The Case of the Missing Hit” and it was fascinating. I’ve been recommending it to everyone.
How are you staying fit?
Morning dance parties with my 4-year-old.
Have you taken up a hobby?
Ha. No. I’ve given up several hobbies.
Any tips for getting necessities?
See above, regarding “lowering your standards.”
In seriousness, we’ve developed a great system with our neighbors. We check in with each other before running errands to make sure everyone safely gets what they need. We’re very grateful for our amazing community during this time.
An awkward moment since all this started.
Just as our client joined our video call, a colleague asked me if it was the first time I had showered for a meeting. For the record—it wasn’t!
Best work email you got since all this started.
A calendar invitation for #FondaFriday, a Jane Fonda workout class for the whole agency (via Zoom, of course).
An aha! moment since all this started.
On day 1 of quarantine, I had a sudden and complete understanding of the price of preschool tuition.
What’s your theory on how this is going to play out?
A best-case scenario involves us, as individuals and as communities, using this experience to evaluate which practices and policies serve us well, and which don’t. And to use that information to inform progress.
