08/25/2026
Before you meet Emily, there are a few things you should know.
She is going to ask why. And then she’s going to ask why again, because your first answer probably wasn’t the actual answer.
Do not bring her a problem unless you’re prepared to discuss a solution. Do not say, “That’s how we’ve always done it.” That will only make her more interested in changing it.
She will notice the inconsistent font, the weird spacing, the confusing call to action, the budget line that doesn’t make sense, and the fact that the entire strategy is solving the wrong problem. She may notice all of this within the first 90 seconds.
She is extremely comfortable saying, “I don’t think that’s working.” She is equally comfortable rolling up her sleeves and helping fix it.
She has an unusual combination of creative brain and systems brain, which means she can spend 20 minutes debating a headline and then immediately build the spreadsheet, workflow, budget, and implementation plan to make the campaign happen.
Also, be careful asking, “What if we…?” She will take that as authorization to fully develop the idea.
She cares deeply about people, but she has very little patience for unnecessary bureaucracy, wasted resources, performative work, or doing something simply because everyone else does it.
She will probably volunteer for something she absolutely does not have time to do because someone needs help. Then she will somehow turn it into a project plan.
She believes good work should actually do something. Look pretty? Great. Get attention? Better. Help someone understand, act, connect, enroll, donate, succeed, or have an opportunity they didn’t have before? Now she’s interested.
And one final warning:
If you tell Emily, “I have this crazy idea…”
Clear your calendar.
You’re probably about to build it.
-ChatGPT 🤣 But like...it's true.
