Thoughtworker Spotlight: Samantha Slinko

Few people embody Thoughtworks’ values better than Samantha Slinko, Chief of Staff. A social silo surfer, loyal linguist and resourceful representative, Samantha is constantly pushing the envelope of her craft, experimenting with fun and effective modes of collaboration and communication. To make change management initiatives happen, she leans into leadership and mentorship for inspiration. And did we mention she looks fabulous while doing it? But that makes sense, especially when you consider what her favourite product is. Find out more in this week's Thoughtworker Spotlight.?

Tell us about what you do.

You’ll have to tell me which week you’re referring to. If there’s one constant about my role, it’s variety. Chief of Staff is a dynamic position - it has to be - and? I’m constantly strategizing and experimenting with effective ways to make our executive team efficient and communicate with the organization at large. Fortunately, I’m afforded a lot of creativity and autonomy to do that.?

A few notable examples include the company-wide Quarterly Business and Quarterly Practice Reviews, weekly town halls (dubbed “stand-ups”) and recently integrating Canada into global tools and systems. Of course, new challenges constantly arise, but I try to make sure I can anticipate them coming by relying on project management practices learned from my peers and gathering feedback through listening tours so that I understand the challenge with perspective. This includes project managing our company-wide annual strategic initiatives and KPIs and the organization's broader internal communications agenda.?

What’s the most interesting challenge you're working on?

In my role, I am responsible for many change management initiatives, which are exciting but also very challenging. From leading collaboration between our global and local teams to ensure local processes are operationally efficient, communicating with employees to provide them the information to adapt and make an impact in their roles, and for our leaders to be equipped to handle the change, there are many elements of my role that are interesting and yet very challenging.. I am lucky to work in a culture that is agile and values innovation, meaning change is typically received well.?

What inspired you to have the career you have today??

Discovering my passion for collaborating with others to complete projects was a pivotal moment. My interest in the impact of effective leadership on success has only deepened that passion. Working cohesively with leaders and their teams to attain both individual and organizational objectives genuinely invigorates me.

What achievement are you most proud of in your career to date?

By nature, I usually try to shy away from talking about these sorts of things. Don't get me wrong; it's not that I'm not proud; I'm the type of person who is always looking forward, focusing on what's next rather than looking back at what I've done.?

But knowing that you won't let this question go unanswered, I'd say I'm proud of everything I've accomplished since taking on my current role. Within the past year, I have been heading the communications to employees post-Thoughtworks acquisition, ensuring information is not only timely communicated, but having our values fairly represented in the process and I am proud of that.?

If you could go back in time and give yourself career advice, what would it be??

Seek mentorship early and often. I found that the few career-defining moments I’ve had were due to conversations with my mentors and people of my senior? have helped me tremendously overcome challenges and gave me some perspective outside my current workplace. I make a conscious effort to connect with my mentors and cultivate other relationships. Whether that is someone I’ve worked with in the past, someone I went to school with, or people in my personal life. They all provide a unique perspective and help me with the day-to-day challenges that I am trying to overcome. Mentorship coupled with actively nurturing relationships would be advice I would give my younger self.

What do you love to do outside of work?

I love all things thrifting and home decor. On the weekends, you can catch me creating mood boards in Canva and browsing the aisles of Home Depot for my next big DIY project. My personal goal is to have my home featured in House & Home!

And finally, what’s your favorite product and why?

Knowing my love of thrifting, this is a no-brainer: Poshmark. So many things add to their value proposition, from the authentication of luxury goods to their beautifully crafted and intuitive homepage;? I’m a big fan. So much so that I even wrote a Poshmark: Product I Love. Check it out and start loving Poshmark too.?