Welcome back to our Meet the Postie series. Each month I sit down with a fellow member of the Postie team to ask them questions about work, life, and everything in between. These posts are loaded with relatable stories, tips on stress management and work/life balance, fun photos, and more. Last month we sat down with Ambur Cole, a free-spirited marketing leader with a passion for the outdoors and photography. This month you get to meet Cristina Padron, a member of our Operations Team! Cristina works across all the departments at Postie to make sure our clients campaigns are flawlessly brought to life. She also has an amazing sense of style and a love and respect for all people. Let’s dive in more…
Name: Cristina Padron
Location: Las Vegas
Title: Ops Specialist
How long you’ve worked at Postie: 3 Years
Favorite Food: Pasta
If you could travel to space, who would you take with you: My Best Friend
Find Cristina on LinkedIn!
What inspired you to join Postie?
I built my career in a more traditional print house. I saw a couple of my most respected mentors join Postie. As I looked to further my career, I looked to see what they were doing at Postie and I was blown away when I learned about the platform and how Postie’s data science took the conventional model beyond what I thought possible from start to finish.
What do you love most about your job?
I love print… seeing everything from postcards to scented pieces come to life is incredible.
What are you most proud of, professionally, since joining Postie?
I am most proud of how much I have learned across departments. I worked as a bindery manager on the floor previously and now with Postie, I have had opportunities to learn beyond just one specialization.
Tell us something about your professional development journey.
Working in a print shop, you see the printed product and what you need to do to mail it. Now as part of Team Postie, my horizons are much broader. Now I have a full-circle understanding of the entire process.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since joining Postie?
Bill Wieners was such an amazing mentor to me and many others in this business. He taught me so much and supported me along the way. His sudden passing was such a tragedy. I’m fortunate that Sandy Brackbill has continued to also be an amazing mentor and that we’ve all adapted through a challenge we didn’t see coming.
What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?
We are not perfect and mistakes will happen, but we do learn from them and Postie will always do right for our clients. Most importantly, I love that we work in such a collaborative environment where we can reach out to other departments and work together to create the most amazing results.
How has your role evolved since joining Postie?
My role has evolved from proofing pieces to vendor selection.
Where do you think you can have the biggest impact in your role?
I can have the biggest impact by ensuring our clients get the best results while also ensuring Postie has the best margins through careful vendor selection. Moreover, I am a resource to help my colleagues, especially with specs about a piece or any question on the print product or process.
What do you think is the most important skill that you bring to the table?
I am very organized, always detail-oriented, and efficient to formulate creative solutions to opportunities.
What is the most important lesson that you’ve learned from working with the team?
Collaboration is key. Postie has experts across departments and calling upon these immense resources allows us all to succeed and build loyal clients.
What’s your favorite memory from working at Postie?
I’ll never forget my first visit to the NPF with Bill and Sandy. Hearing Dave talk on one of the panels was so inspiring. I’ve met so many people and learned so much. When I have the opportunity to network professionally, I am so proud to say I am with Postie.
Do you have any strategies for dealing with stress at work?
Our job can be very stressful. Every single job must be perfect and on time. When I feel things are beginning to get stressful, I take a moment to reflect on the big picture and then focus on what’s the highest priority. One step forward at a time is one step closer to success… Also, I always remember that I have leaders and an entire team to call upon when needed.
What tips or advice would you give someone starting a new job in your field?
Learn as much as you can from beginning to end, seek to understand the entire process and never hesitate to ask for help.
What industry changes or trends do you think will have the biggest impact?
While we live in a constantly evolving digital world, people will always value the tactile experience and connection only print can deliver. I am confident the power of Postie’s data science will continue to evolve and allow us to be the very best. We will continue to deliver immense value to our clients.
Do you have any mentors (Postie or otherwise) you’d like to shout out? If so, who and how has this person made an impact in your life?
My mom is the hardest worker I know. I followed her footsteps into this business and am so grateful for the inspiration she has given me.
Bill Wieners, as I mentioned before, was beyond a great mentor. I will be forever grateful for everything he taught me as well as his immense kindness and passion.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I am a voracious reader and love to travel. Experiencing new cultures, cuisines, languages, and experiences is so fulfilling.
What would your perfect weekend look like?
A perfect weekend would start with friends and family and then evolve organically with time spent together. Nothing is more precious than time spent together with loved ones.
What’s something surprising that not many people know about you?
People might be surprised to learn that I’m obsessed with Downton Abbey. I’m working through the series for the third time. It’s on my bucket list to go visit the Castle where it was filmed.
Do you follow any sports teams?
I’m not really a sports fan but my boyfriend loves everything sports. It’s fun to spend time with him when major sporting events take place.
What type of books/movies do you enjoy?
I love rom-com movies and books. You know it’s good when it moves you to tears!
Do you have any creative outlets or interests?
Fashion and decorating are such fun creative outlets. I’m inspired here by my mom and best friend. I also love to dress up for Halloween, I like to think outside the box and create my costumes.
What’s a cause that you are passionate about?
Equality. All human beings deserve love, compassion, respect, and acceptance.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try/learn?
I want to learn how to knit, I find it relaxing.
What is the best thing that has happened to you this year?
Within the last twelve months, the best thing that happened for me is having the opportunity to see two shows of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour!
What is something that you are proud of about yourself?
I’m proud to constantly improve personally and professionally. I’m confident that a positive outlook backed with hard work will bring success.
If you could pick any superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation so I can go anywhere in the world and be back in time to start the next morning meeting!
Anything else you’d like to add?
We live in a world full of beauty and inspiration. It’s up to all of us to treat each other well and help us all make the most of it.
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I couldn’t agree more, Cristina. With that, I’ll see you all next time! 🚀
