Real People: An interview with Joanna Hassel, Senior Director, Program Management

What’s one interesting thing that everyone should know about where you live?

I live in Portland, Maine, and it’s gorgeous. We had such a nice summer. My boyfriend did some lobstering — you’re allowed to put a few traps out for personal use. We go out on the boat, and he has traps tied to a certain colored buoy that designates our permit. You pull up to the buoy with a long stick and hook it, then pull up the trap. You have to measure the lobsters before you can take them — I think one day we got eight!

That’s the most interesting thing that I’ve been able to be a part of here: going lobstering in Maine like a true fisherman.

What do you love about your job?

Ever since I was a kid, I would notice little details–like if I was reading a menu and there was an extra letter in a word, I would be so proud of myself for finding it, which really lends itself well to program management.

When you work in the creative space, you get to see so many pieces of work and work across so many clients. I really enjoy the actual creative process and bringing things to life. The creative process part of my job is probably the most exciting. And the feeling of accomplishment when you ship something out the door. That’s very rewarding.

Tell me what about our clients inspires you the most?

I feel very fortunate to work with the go-to-market team for one of our clients in the accounting space. They are all just so passionate and love the accounting segment. They want to please them, they want to take care of them, and they want to do everything they can to make their lives easier. I always find that super inspiring.

What would you say is your superpower?

At work, I would say just being able to recognize redundancies and patterns, and streamlining those to save time. I can look at a project and scope it pretty accurately.

I’m also super diligent about the money. Ensuring we’re coming under budget, seeing how we’re burning the hours – I just love a good roll-up report on budget.

Personally, I think I’m good at prioritizing what’s most important and protecting my peace. I can focus on what’s most critical and not drive myself crazy.

What is one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?

I enjoy writing poetry, which I don’t think anybody knows. I’m a journaler, and sometimes I get inspiration from writing the words and putting them all together in a more beautiful way. It just helps me collect my thoughts and feel a little better.

What is one thing that I should have asked you but didn’t?

You should have asked me how I like my lobster!

That’s a good one! How do you like your lobster?

I’m a butter person. I’m not a mayo person. If I have a lobster roll, it has to be covered in butter.