I really admire teammates who… cover image
Ana Cruz's user avatar on Candor
Ana Cruz

I really admire teammates who are…

Firm in their time and priority management.

Because that helps me focus my attention on what really matters and helps me grow by forcing efficient communication on my end.

Ana Cruz's user avatar on Candor
Ana Cruz

Personality type

ENFP

The quote on top of the profile description alone (https://www.16personalities.com/enfp-personality) makes me proud: "It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for – and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing." I'm motivated by big aspirations, creative endeavours, and I enjoy collaborating with different kinds of people. Open-mindedness is key.

Ana Cruz's user avatar on Candor
Ana Cruz

Me when sh*t hits the fan

Ana Cruz when sh*t hits the fan

I'm at my best whenever there's a fire: During the international roll-out of CV-19 features on Google Search to 78 markets, I had to quickly build clear communication channels and feedback loops across time zones and functions. It was all very last minute and up in the air, so being able to identify priorities based on user needs; clarify goals in a language that tens of stakeholders would understand; and move the project forward by keeping a tight execution timeline was paramount for success. We launched CV-19 features and custom in-product promotions at break-neck speed during the start of the pandemic, reaching above average click-through rates (as high as 3.5%) and 144M+ impressions in the first three months of the campaign.

Motivations cover image
Ana Cruz's user avatar on Candor
Ana Cruz

Things that deeply motivate me…

Helping others ❤️Getting things done ✅Work to make the 🌎 a better placeLearning as much as I can 🤓Having unique experiences ✨Working with people I love 🥰

These are a great summary of what makes me tick

Ana Cruz's user avatar on Candor
Ana Cruz

The best environment for me is:

time for deep work in the AMzero back to back meetingsno swiss cheese calendarmostly team timelots of in person collab

If I had it my way, no meetings would EVER be booked before 11AM: This is sacred deep work time, email reset time, reflection & breakfast time. My ideal day looks like a quiet AM closed by an 11AM team check-in, followed by a fun in-person lunch with colleagues and short, to the point meetings in the afternoon.

Ana Cruz's user avatar on Candor
Ana Cruz

I like to get feedback when its given…

in the moment1:1face to facewith kindnesswith contextwith examplesweekly

I'm very conscientious so I appreciate good feedback. If I feel you have my best interest in mind, I will definitely listen and work on it, and I feel the best way to demonstrate that is via the ways above.

Values cover image
Ana Cruz's user avatar on Candor
Ana Cruz

My core values

AchievementAuthenticityAdventureAutonomyFunCommunityChallengeCreativityFairnessHonestyHumorLearningMeaningful WorkOpennessRespect

Teehee I feel I ticked ALL THEM BOXES!! Going deeper on my top 5: Achievement - to me, an external, measurable way to validate whether my efforts have gone in the right direction or whether I need to adjust course. Autonomy - this is one of my deeply held values and one I pride myself in easily maintaining, for me and for others Authenticity - as an ADHDer and recovering people pleaser, this value is super dear to me and yet super scary to practice. I'm learning to be vulnerable and real everyday. Challenge - nothing motivates or excites me more than doing something different, daring, something I haven't tried before, specially if it's for a good cause Fun - It's what takes the weight away from all the seriousness of a challenge and allows for easier collaboration. Like, it's marketing, we're not saving the world here.

Ana Cruz's user avatar on Candor
Ana Cruz

I learn best by…

doing itwriting it downpairing with a teammateTeaching it to someone else

I will become an expert in anything if you give me a deadline and a presentation. Nothing helps me learn faster than having to explain something to others. Written summaries that have to be standalone also work (i.e. I have to write a brief that will likely travel way beyond my reach)

How to make my day cover image
Ana Cruz's user avatar on Candor
Ana Cruz

You will make my freakin day if you…

private praise / thank you!take something off my platejam with me

Specially if this is someone I admire, a well crafted, specific thank/you praise makes my day all the way <3 Likewise, taking something off my plate means I've done my job well: I've articulated the vision and project goals so clearly you were able to execute independently and in alignment with the plan - DREAM Finally, I LOVE a good brainstorm. One of my favourite things to do is to have an afternoon aside with a couple of colleagues to deep dive in a topic and hash things out to end the day with a joint understanding of a problem and clear cut insights or goals.

Ana Cruz's user avatar on Candor
Ana Cruz

My superpowers

Maintains clear long term vision that drives decision makingMotivated by making community/world impactClearly communicates purpose and visionCollaborates effectively with teammatesStays composed throughout conflict or difficult situations

Impact is more important to me than output. To me, that means having a strong strategic vision, built as a team, and staying true to that as a north star in order to guide decision making. It's fine to adapt and iterate as we execute, as long as we're having rational debates steeped in mutual respect and intellectual honesty - in my experience, a "data driven" mindset alone can easily be co-opted by personal bias, which is why honesty matters. This way of working ensures psychological safety, and in my POV, enables long-lasting, maximize business impact. I try to embody these principles by being respectful of my colleagues' POV and time, while sticking to objective criteria to steer the discussion into a productive space.

Ana Cruz's user avatar on Candor
Ana Cruz

I work best as a…

Strategist: I love managing projects. High-level strategy convos is where I show up best.
Ana Cruz's user avatar on Candor
Ana Cruz

I'm energized at work by…

getting sh*t done.in person worksolving problemsjam sessions