Natasha Howard describes what it’s like to work as a Studio Manager for Kanga. She takes us through her typical working day, how she balances her managerial role with her young family at home, and why she just loves working at Kanga!
What is your role at Kanga?
Studio Manager.
What enticed you to become a Studio Manager at Kanga?
The opportunity to change my career path in a business where my experiences would be valued, and my voice heard.
How is Kanga different from your previous workplaces?
Previously freelance, I was hesitant to go back to an employed role, but I hardly noticed the difference due to Kanga’s flexibility to work and the way they empower their staff to run autonomously with their roles.
How would you describe the Kanga team?
Kind and caring. We’re not a team, we’re a family. Even though we are largely remote, we stay connected and knowledge-share regularly. The passion for excellence in every area of the business is inspiring.
What is your typical working day like?
I work part-time across 3 days to allow me to spend time with my young daughter.
I’m usually online from 08:00 to review the studio team’s workload on our planning system, and be able to follow up with our Project Managers about any changes on time scales and scope. It’s all managed in an online real-time tool so our team can see all the updates and get on with their work without endless emails or instant messages.
I will then have some 1-1s with the studio team to check in on how they are – personally as well as professionally – and provide a space for feedback to support them in their roles.
We are constantly looking at ways to improve our outputs, so I’ll spend time reviewing our processes or working on systems to help better the way we work.
I usually have lunch at my desk while I catch up on emails and check up on any notifications from our studio planner.
I take part in ideation sessions with our Account Managers & Commercial Director on new projects to help ensure the best creative response is being considered and will pull in the relevant studio team to support building our responses for our clients. As well as helping to review final documents before they are presented.
I try to keep some time in my diary free to ensure I have time to troubleshoot as there are always questions or support needed for various parts of our business to help fulfil our client projects.
I try to finish at my desk by 16:30 so I can take some time to myself before I collect my daughter from nursery. I then feel refreshed and able to enjoy some time with her before the day ends.
Sounds busy! So, how do you manage a healthy work-life balance?
Condensing my working hours works best for me, so I’m not working later in the day, to allow for family time.
I also make sure I get outside for fresh air and run quick errands on foot, or I will walk to collect my daughter rather than driving. We also have a mad cocker spaniel who needs walking.
Life is certainly crazy for me having a young family but Kanga completely respects that they come first.
What does Kanga do to encourage flexibility amongst the team?
Kanga implicitly trusts their people to complete their work. How, where and when isn’t a concern as long as they are meeting the demands of the job and supporting their co-workers as they need.
I have a chronic health condition which means I often have to attend hospital appointments and it is never questioned, as I make it work around my work commitments or my Kanga team will step in and support me if I need them.
What would be the one thing you’d say about Kanga to potential candidates?
If you are passionate about doing great work in a supportive and caring environment, then Kanga is the place for you.
How do you like to spend your free time?
With my family. We like being outdoors and exploring. I like to cook, and we love trying interesting restaurants. When we can get a babysitter, we like going to watch live music.
And finally, some quick-fire questions!
Money or happiness?
Happiness
Apple iOS or Android?
Apple all-day
Finish the phrase “the way to my heart is…”
Kindness
What did you want to be when growing up?
A dancer
Do you want to know more about life at Kanga? To learn about to learn more about Kanga’s culture, and to view our current and prospective job vacancies, please visit our ‘Work With Us‘ page.
