Meet Laura: Coffee and Fitness Advocate

Team Member Interview  

Name: Laura Radtke   

Role: Account Manager

Time spent at Persolvent: 8 years 

What do you do at Persolvent? What would I come to you for? 

I am an Account Manager and handle communication with our largest firms. I am their main point-of-contact and answer any questions they may have. I also work closely with our Customer Advocacy Manager regarding communication for new programs or email campaigns.  

What’s your go-to productivity trick? When are you most productive? 

I am most productive in the mornings. Scheduling and time-blocking my days/weeks help me stay productive. Having a calendar with everything in one spot helps me visualize when I have back-to-back meetings or pockets of downtime, so I can space things out more evenly. I often just dive in with my blinders on, so it's helpful to have schedule reminders. 

What’s a professional skill you’re currently working on? 

Reading more books – Professional and personal. I love reading self-developmental books where lessons can be applied to both personal and professional settings. This genre of books is spot-on for me as I have a very relationship-based role, so I’m always interested in learning about building relationships. I’m currently reading “Thanks for the Feedback” by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen. 

What company value resonates with you the most? 

I believe our core values are a huge reason why people apply and stay with the company. A big one for me is our “charity” value. I love that we all get to be a part of that value on a day-to-day basis. Our hard work really does help those in need. I appreciate knowing that and being able to take part in charity-related events that happen at work, too. A favorite saying of mine is “you are more blessed to give than receive”.  

What do you like most about wellness challenges? 

Well, if you don’t have your health, you don’t have much. Being a fitness guru myself, I love the idea of keeping wellness at the top of everyone’s mind, especially since working from home. It’s so important to be mindful of moving your body, along with physical and mental health. The wellness challenges are great because it gives you accountability, support, and focus – I'll take it all! 

What energizes you at work? 

Definitely the people. I love the people I work with daily (including firms), but also the team as a whole. The team environment is inspiring. We work as a team, we rely on each other as teammates, and we build each other up, too.  

What is your next adventure? 

I’m crossing my fingers for Greece! I was supposed to run “the original marathon” in Greece, but Covid put a stomp on that. My running buddy and I are hopeful for next year. If nothing else, I would still like to take my husband to California.  

How do you like to start/end your day? 

With a cup of coffee. I look forward to getting out of bed specifically for coffee. In addition to my coffee, I also take time for a morning and nighttime routine. In the mornings, I like to journal, writing down my affirmations and devotions. I find that I’m more productive when I set my day with intention. I also set some time aside at night for self-care and to allow my mind and body to calm down and relax.  

Favorite memory from the past year? 

I have two. My first one is a work-related memory. I loved assembling care packages for Friends of Lakota Nation. Although it was done individually this year, I enjoyed putting together the packages next to my Christmas tree while listening to Christmas music. A personal favorite was visiting California for two weeks. Give me a beach and I am good to go! 

Do you have a spirit animal? 

I took a lot of these quizzes and got a different animal each time! However, the one I resonated with most was a panda. They are said to be powerful yet peaceful. I would agree that is my personality type. Being a peacemaker can be both a blessing and a curse.  

What is your favorite dessert? 

I love a really good pistachio layer bar. My mom makes it for special gatherings. It consists of a nutty crust with cream cheese, whipped cream, and pistachio pudding layers. There is also a lemon-lime sorbet from when I lived in Germany as a child that I wish I could find here in the States. I have not had any luck, but I’m on a mission to find it!