The Happy Cog team is composed of many different people with unique backgrounds, experiences, and skills. In this “Getting to Know” series, we hope to let our readers get to know the smart and talented people behind the work. From what they do outside of their day jobs to their tastes in music to what inspires them, these posts offer a little glimpse into the lives and personalities of our amazing team members.
Meet Diane: Digital Project Manager – Foodie, Avid Traveler, Cat Lover
Q: Where are you from and where are you currently located? What do you love most about where you live?
A: My family is from Virginia Beach, VA, but I live in Downtown NYC. I love the authentic food, cultural diversity, and people I’ve met here from all around the world. Life without a car is also great and keeps me moving. I’ve given some thought on where else I would live in the country, and honestly, there’s no other place I’d rather be.
Q: What do you do here and what is your favorite part about working here?
A: I’m a Project Manager so I make sure stuff gets done. My wonderful team has really made my experience here at Happy Cog exceptional. Every person I’ve worked with has been so kind and easy to work with. Management is also very accessible, supportive, and empathetic, so no one ever feels like they’re on their own – especially since we are all working from home.
My wonderful team has really made my experience here at Happy Cog exceptional. Every person I’ve worked with has been so kind and easy to work with.
Q: What kind of hobbies & interests do you have?
A: I’m a big foodie and have been the unofficial Manhattan Chinatown food guide for my friends. My favorite foodie neighborhoods outside the city include Jackson Heights (Thai, Himalayan, Indian), Flushing (Chinese, Korean), Brighton Beach (Russian, Uzbek), and Belmont (Italian).
Lately, I’ve also started to appreciate plants and am currently rehabilitating some troubled orchids. Contrary to popular belief they’re not difficult to care for, just different. 
Q: What makes a good Project Manager?
A: Someone who is detail oriented, an active listener/communicator, and has a Type A personality to keep on top of all moving parts for each project.
Q: What’s something you want to do that you’ve never done before?
A: Visit Japan! Once we are allowed in the country, I would love to spend 2-3 weeks traveling to each major city, eat all the food, and immerse myself in the culture. I would love to see the cherry blossoms bloom in their native land and the flower fields in the spring.
Self discipline is critical. We all have days where we feel unmotivated, but not allowing that to get in the way is important.
Q: List three items on your bucket list.
A: 1.) Foster adult kitties 2.) Visit an active volcano 3.) Travel the world (no biggie)
Q: What’s your go-to WFH productivity tip?
A: Self discipline is critical. We all have days where we feel unmotivated, but not allowing that to get in the way is important. Also, taking breaks from the screen, limiting snacks, and setting boundaries between home and work.
Q: Favorite place you’ve traveled to and why?
A: I haven’t been traveling internationally recently, so I’ve been keeping my vacations domestic – specifically Hawaii and Alaska. They are polar opposites but offer the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in both and highly recommend visiting either if you have the chance to.