Ilona Jurkiewicz的动态

Some thoughts I put together on my latest gig, as founding engineer at MatterMore, working with Mathew Lazarus and Matt Shenker. ----- At work, I’ve both struggled with challenging managers and struggled as a manager myself. And I’ve learned, especially lately, that this experience is all too common (more on that below). I’ve also experienced, from both sides, what comes of a positive, emotionally open working relationship based in trust and mutual understanding; the effect this has on productivity, sure, but more important on wellness in the workplace – something I think I’m finally understanding the impact of at this point in my life and career. I’ve been lucky enough to have taken a few extended periods off of work, and have used each of them to step back, reflect, and get something I needed at the time. In past breaks, after investment banking and startup grinds, I’ve focused on setting boundaries and shifting to finding meaning primarily outside of work.?In this most recent period after leaving my last job, though – from a place of newfound stability and groundedness – my understanding of the role of work in my life evolved again. I want – need – it to be a source of meaning, purpose and connection. Not the only source, but a significant one, and one that’s in balance with the rest of my life. And so: I’m excited to be part of this young project at MatterMore, which is focused on helping workplaces become that positive source for more people; for managers who want to effectively lead their reports but aren’t always empowered to do that well, and the individual contributors who are so reliant on and affected by that leadership. Personally, I’m feeling renewed purpose and connection: because of the nature of working at an early stage startup, because of what we’re building, but also – very importantly – because of the working relationship I have with my two emotionally thoughtful and engaged cofounders; my “managers”. And I’m just thrilled by the idea of deploying that wisdom through technology to bring that same connection to others.

?? As Reputation continues to celebrate Women’s History Month, we are proud to spotlight our very own,?Shannon Heath, Senior Product Marketing leader: ?? "To all the young women and girls considering a career in tech, I say: GO FOR IT! Whether you're into coding, design, marketing, or project management - behind the scenes or center stage - there's a place for you here. ?? What I love most about tech are the endless possibilities and the chance to blend creativity with problem-solving. It's not just about numbers and algorithms; it's about finding innovative solutions to real-world challenges. ? The best advice I can offer is to follow your passion. Don’t be afraid to explore the areas of tech that excite you…then dive in! Surround yourself with mentors and allies who will cheer you on and help you grow; remembering to always believe in yourself and be confident in your abilities. The tech industry needs your unique perspective, your creativity and your passion. Tech needs YOU!" - Shannon Health

We did it!! I am so very proud of us!! ?? How many times have you thought, 'Someone should do something about that,' only to move on with your day? That happens to me all the time and I may get as far as starting the conversation but with my busy schedule, too often I drop the ball. But this time, I couldn't let it slide. Two years back, in a chat with Steffi Freedman (@freedmanteamrealtors), we discussed the need for real estate agents to thrive despite life's interruptions. Often, it would’ve been too easy to stop the conversation, drop the ball and let it go but in the true spirit of “she persisted“ we refused to let it go! the program has been developed, and, as of yesterday, our program is live! ?? our hope is that this program makes it’s way across all markets! I am sharing the words from Steffi's post: "?????????? Official rollout of the TAG Program today! T.A.G. stands for “Trusted Agent Group”. @jenna_leggette_realtor and I co-founded this new initiative to help fellow agents navigate life's ups and downs - from expected events like "Parental Leave" and "Aging Parents" to unexpected challenges like illness, accidents, or the loss of a loved one - all while maintaining and sustaining their business. As agents, we often lack a safety net during these times, but that ends now. We can do better, and we will. Huge thanks to our cheerleaders at Compass (tagged the ones I could find on IG and shoutout to Jeff Bedard, Aliyah Powell, and Marc Pina!) Special gratitude to Nikki Gerling and Scott Kenkelen who helped shape our ideas into the cohesive TAG Program we're launching today. Startin g in the Philadelphia / SJ / DE region, with hopes to expand to all our markets soon! #agentsofcompass #wearecompass #tagprogram #collaboratewithoutego #dreambig #movefast #learnfromreality #wallingfordrealtor #swarthmorerealtor #mediapa #delco #philadelphia #agentsofcompass #compassgreaterphilly #compasscares

?? Reflecting on a Decade at I/O ?? Ten years ago, we started I/O with nothing more than a bit of camera gear and two workstations. What started with two passionate creatives rolling up — okay, ripping off — their sleeves, ?has blossomed into a studio that collaborates with some of the world's most renowned brands. From directing intimate crews to managing productions on a global scale (30+ countries), the journey has taught me the art of storytelling through every lens and location imaginable. Every project, whether delivered early or just under the wire, has been a lesson in resilience and creativity. Along the way, I've witnessed the incredible ways in which stories connect people across the globe, highlighting our shared human experiences and bridging diverse cultures. It's clear that today, technology is revolutionizing the ways we connect, communicate and create faster than ever. Which is why I think, now more than ever, it's crucial to engage through authentic stories and genuine human connections. Dropping this —Oldie but a goodie — HR recruiting video we made for Tweed (Canopy Growth) back in 2019. Created for a burgeoning company with dozens of locations across North America, our goal was to showcase the shared emotions and feelings throughout the organization, fostering a sense of connection. For me, this is one of those that stands out as a testament to the enduring power of authentic storytelling and how it connects us.

I Never Thought I’d Say This About a Job… When I joined wonderwork, I wasn’t just looking for a job—I was looking for a place that genuinely wanted to make a difference. And that’s exactly what I found. Here’s what I love about working here: We don’t just deliver projects; we build relationships. Every client isn’t just a “client” to us—they’re a partner, a collaborator, and an opportunity to help create something truly meaningful. And I’m proud of that. But what I appreciate the most? It’s the culture of continuous growth. We’re encouraged to bring new ideas to the table, to experiment, and to fail forward. It’s a place where you’re not just allowed to learn—you’re pushed to do it every day. There’s a quote that sticks with me: “Surround yourself with people who push you to be better.” At wonderwork I’m surrounded by a team that challenges me, supports me, and makes me better at what I do. It’s more than just a workplace—it’s a community of people who care about creating impact, and I’m lucky to be part of it.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to read my recent post about my desire to return to corporate life, share it within your networks, and reach out with your support and encouragement. Your kindness and willingness to help have been truly inspiring. As I continue my journey back into the corporate world, I’ve been reflecting on the key management styles that foster successful teams. From my perspective as a senior-level software engineer, I’ve found that the following 5 principles are crucial: 1. Listening: Effective leaders are great listeners. They take the time to understand the perspectives and ideas of their team members, fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. 2. Diverse Voices and Thinkers: Surrounding yourself with a diverse team brings a wealth of different perspectives and innovative solutions. Diversity in thought and background leads to more robust and creative problem-solving. 3. Leading with Empathy: Understanding that we are more than just our skillsets at work is vital. Leading with empathy means recognizing and supporting the personal goals, dreams, and challenges of each team member, creating a more compassionate and productive work environment. 4. Collaboration and Teamwork: The power of collaboration cannot be overstated. When teams work together, leveraging each other’s strengths, they can achieve remarkable results. Great teamwork is built on trust, respect, and a shared vision. 5. Continuous Learning and Training Opportunities: Encouraging continuous learning and providing training opportunities helps teams stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. It fosters a culture of growth, adaptability, and innovation, ensuring that team members are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring these insights into a new role and continue growing both personally and professionally. Thank you again for your continued support and for being part of this journey with me.

Landing a job in IT and tech is changing. Heloise St Pierre, Assistant Vice President Technology at #RobertHalf in Canada, and Maria Sartori, Associate Director at Robert Half in Brazil, explain why #SoftSkills for are key in helping candidates to find a new role or gain promotion.

I remember one day I had a meeting with my team, and asked what our company values were. To my surprise, not many people knew or could remember them. That moment was an opportunity for me to take ownership. Clearly, I did not: ? Share about the values enough ? Embody them enough I realized this likely started with the hiring process. I actually thought about this the other day and realized I went 2 whole years without communicating our values to new hires… crazy to think about, but true. This ended up costing me a lot of time, effort, energy and money in the early days of Dot. So I share this with you: Know your values. Define them. Share them. Talk about them early and often. If you already have a team, I invite you to host a call around value identification. If you’re a new founder, you might not even know your values yet. But I invite you to discover them. This process can be confusing, and many don't know where to start. Use the carousel below to help you discover your core values:

Yesterday, my teams feed blew up. Normally, that means there’s a big celebration... because well, we love a good celebration. But what I wasn’t expecting was the reason—it was for me! Celebrating nine years at Businessolver, my incredible team didn’t miss a beat and and made me feel so appreciated. And knowing I’m a sucker for a good Schitt’s Creek gif, they didn’t disappoint by sharing the best of the best gifs. Reflecting on these nine years, it’s been quite the journey. Coming from the world of physical products into this crazy, dynamic benefits space has been eye-opening, and a constant learning game to say the least. I’ve learned that while the product might be different, the core principles stay the same: empathy, problem-solving, and staying agile to meet evolving needs. From product innovations to employee support, each step has reinforced just how critical benefits are in shaping the employee experience. It’s been a wild ride, no day ever the same... and I couldn’t be more grateful for the team, the experiences, meeting some of the most incredible people and the learnings along the way. Here’s to chapter 10 and I am so looking forward to it.

"Every one in the team does not need to be a geek." I am definitely not the one! Even in a small team of 4 software engineers, there can be diversity. One member can care more about the look and feel of the product. Another focuses more on ensuring best practices. One is wise enough to guide others. What holds the team together, in my opinion, are core values and aligned goals. Each member cares about the growth of the product. Instead of trying to ensure each member fits in, maybe accepting diversity can do better. Thoughts?