Introducing the LiftOff Journal
Over the past few months, we’ve brought you check-ins from fellow Orionites who are participating in LiftOff, our employees mobility program. To capture their experiences more completely, Team LiftOff has agreed to participate in an on-going series. We hope to bring you insights on what it is like to work in a new market, adapt to living in a new city (or country), and maybe make some great lunch recommendations.
Our new blog debuts with first impressions from Leila Gibney, Director, Client Strategy. Leila and her family recently made the permanent move from New York City to Boston.
How did this opportunity come about?
My husband and I have always dreamed of relocating to Boston. However, we both really loved our jobs in NYC. Throughout my nine years at Orion, I’ve always mentioned to Brian [McMahon, Orion CEO] that if he ever wanted an Orion presence in Boston, I would go in a heartbeat. He teased me twice with opportunities to work elsewhere — in London both times, which I declined due to keeping my family first. When LiftOff to Boston was introduced last fall, I realized the opportunity to live in Boston and work for Orion was here! Thankfully, my husband was able to relocate as well, so the stars in Orion’s Belt aligned for us beautifully.
You haven’t been in Boston very long. But, have you had enough time to formulate first impressions?
Yes, it’s a smaller NYC. There is that same feeling of hustle and bustle to get things done, avid sport team followings, coffee shops on every street corner, food trucks out for lunch, and vacations “down The Cape” are equivalent to weekends in the Hamptons. Because of the smaller feel, the crowds are less of an issue, less people pushing and shoving, smaller buildings yielding less of an elevator wait — although there are a few sky scrapers and the view from the 35th floor of Hill Holiday is spectacular! — less noise in the streets, and a slightly less corporate feel. People up here commute with LL Bean Backpacks and Bean boots. Boston can handle the rain and snow much better than NYC.
Before moving, what did you think would be the most challenging aspect(s) of the job? Do you still feel the same way?
Before arriving in Boston, I thought the hardest thing was going to be to get people to take time out of their day to get to know me. However, that’s been relatively easy so far! It’s amazing what a warm smile and hand shake can do to break down unfamiliar barriers, lighten the mood and promote conversation. I’ve challenged myself to meet one new person every day, inclusive of a conversation with a handshake, and to date, I have met 30 people at MullenLowe Mediahub — that’s three people per day! Yes, I’m keeping count. I know there are 181 people that work at Mediahub and over 500 at MullenLowe Mediahub, so I have a lot more to go … and that headcount is just one agency! Look out Hill Holiday and Trilia, I’m coming for you soon!
What do you miss most about Orion New York?
On a personal level, I miss my NY friends and family. On a business level, of course miss the NYC HQ camaraderie and the ability to sit wherever there is an open seat every day. The assigned seat thing is tough to get used to again. I feel strange reporting to the same place every day, having a filing cabinet to put things in (currently only storing shoes) and using my own trash can, again. I just ordered some photos to help make my surroundings a bit more homey and so people won’t think I’m just sitting with them temporarily.
One thing I do want to mention is I still feel very connected to everyone in NYC. Thank you for keeping me in the loop over email, phone calls, and quick Lync chats. I greatly appreciate your support as I look to educate the Boston area about the amazing work we can do for agencies and businesses alike. You guys are the best! Anyone who wants to visit is welcome any time.
