5 minutes with Alexandra Vinci

#TeamMindshare believes in Speed, Teamwork and Provocation. As we adjust to working differently, we're continuing to empower people to challenge the status quo, through what we call Provocation with Purpose. We’re proud to be unmistakably #TeamMindshare and make it the place where we do the best work of our career, grow and have fun. Hear from Alex on how she's adapted, what her biggest learning is and how she stays inspired.

Biggest learning so far in life?

I’ve definitely learned a lot about myself and what I can handle but my biggest learning is about perspective, and reminding myself about having perspective. I’ve always considered myself to be an empathetic person (sometimes to a fault) and these last few years, and last year in particular, has forced me to turn that awareness more inward and remind myself that sometimes things appear to be big, but in the big picture, it is actually something small. I think going through something big (like a Pandemic – and everything that comes with it mentally/emotionally/personally/professionally) makes everything feel bigger so I’ve definitely had work on having perspective. 

One word to describe the last year?

Hard.  I tried to think of something more pithy or something more inspirational, but honestly – it’s been really hard. It’s a relative term, I know, and I have a lot to be grateful for, but it’s been hard. But they say pressure creates diamonds, right?  I really do hope, for us all, that when we’re able to get on the other side of this, that there was a sliver of a silver lining. For me, I was able to spend time with my family and see my niece everyday for a little over a year – definitely taught me the value of patience!

Best advice you gave out about working differently?

There was a lot of content going around about ‘you’re not working from home, you’re at home, during a crisis, working’. This really clicked for me, and helped me level-set expectations of myself and others and for the first time, enabled me to really set boundaries for myself and encouraged my teams to do the same. Nothing about this has been normal, and nothing should be prioritized over your/your loved ones health, safety, and sanity.    It’s something we all believe, but until you’re confronted with it in such a visceral and literal way like now (one example), you don’t really put it into practice. OR TLDR: It’s only media

How have you stayed inspired?

For me, inspiration ebbs and flows, and what inspires me also changes depending on my mood. I have tried to keep up with things I enjoyed doing before like working out, trying new recipes, and learning Italian to be in good spirits. My role has expanded so meeting new colleagues and clients has helped inspire me professionally. Sometimes though, I just don’t feel inspired, and there’s nothing to do but move through it. Other times, you and your brother jump in the pool fully clothed on Halloween night and hope the neighbors don’t rat you out. Whatever works!