Spotlight:
Michael

Explain your role at VidMob, and how it contributes to the Tripod?

I’m the UX researcher! My goal is to share robust insights about our users to the team that inspire creative design solutions and product decisions.

What brought you to VidMob?

The people! I’m a strong believer that the people make the places and this is especially true with any job. VidMob is full of some of them most inspiring, smart, funny, and enjoyable people I’ve ever been around.

What’s been your career journey so far?

My first job as a UX researcher was at Warby Parker. I absolutely loved working there and got to work on some really cool projects like the Virtual Try-On that allows you to try on glasses using an iPhone. From there, I pursued my love of coffee and became a barista to try and learn everything I could about the art of brewing. I worked in coffee for about a year before getting back into research. My next job was at American Express and most recently VidMob! I’m so happy to be here. Don’t worry though, I never lost sight of my love for coffee! I started my own very small coffee roasting business called Bassett Hill Coffee Roasters.

Name three people (living or dead) who inspire you and why?

• Anthony Bourdain: He has always been an inspiration to me. He instilled a sense of wonder and curiosity in me that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. 
• Phyllis Johnson: She owns a coffee importing company called BD Imports that is a true inspiration. She’s a strong leader in the industry who has done so much to make the coffee industry more equitable. Her kindness and willingness to make the world a better place have inspired me to become more involved in the communities and causes that I care about. 
• Kendra Pierre-Louis: She’s a climate reporter who has become an inspiration very recently! She’s taught me a considerable amount about how we can take better care of our planet.

What do you like most about your work?

As a researcher, I love to consider myself an investigative journalist. My job is to get to the bottom of something and share it with our team so that we can make informed decisions about our product. I love that I get to contribute to the success of our company in this way.

What’s the biggest work or life challenge you were able to overcome?

There are too many to count! I would say one that comes to mind is the challenge of working a full-time job that I care very much about and have a lot of passion for in addition to running a small business on the side. It’s been a great lesson in time management and prioritization but most importantly I’ve learned a lot about how to take care of my mental health. When things seem overwhelming, certain habits like meditation and being very intentional about time for myself have helped a lot.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? Why?

To be present in the journey of life. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the future or what is to come, but it’s so important to see the journey and what’s happening now as part of the experience. I think in general, practicing presence is incredibly important because it allows you to make the most out of every moment and everything that happens to you.