Get to Know GROW’s Operations Manager, Amy Deel

What was your first job and what did you learn from it? 

A grocery store bagger. I learned a lot about physical labor because I also had to take groceries to cars and take care of the recycling machines (which were much more difficult to manage then). I don’t even know how many steps I put in daily!

What is your go-to productivity trick? 

Making a list. I also email myself in the evenings if there are things I need to remember.

What is your work from home secret weapon? 

Coffee and podcasts. Taking a shower and getting ready for the day, even if I am just at home.

Who has influenced you the most when it comes to how you approach your work? 

My father and my mother. My dad has had an amazing career and an incredible work ethic that entire time. People loved to work with him and to this day, the man cannot stay still. My mother worked at a stay at home mother and that is WORK. She managed a home with five kids and her mother lived with us. I don’t know how my parents did it all. I aspire to be just as half as good as they were in regards to work and family.

How do you prefer to start and end your workday? 

Ha! Prefer or have to? With two young kids, our mornings are chaos as are the evenings. However, as long as I can bookend the day with coffee to start and wine to end it, then I feel I have had a good begin and end the day. We also read as a family before bed and it is a nice way to wind down. Now that the kids are getting older, we are getting into some bigger books!

What is a moment in your career so far that you are really proud of?

Someone I had clashed with in my work really said something amazing to me when I left the position. We had become much kinder towards each other as the years went on as we started to understand more about each other. He had told me and others that the biggest reason he was successful at his position now was because I trained him and got him there. He said he was able to stand on my shoulders to achieve. It is still one the most amazing things someone has said to me in regards to my work. He wrote it in a card as well and I kept that card for a long time. It was really amazing to realizing the impact you can have on someone without knowing.

What is something people say you are great at? 

Cooking is a skill I have been developing over the years and I am still astounded when anyone compliments me on it! I can also write a great motivational email when needed

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? 

“The days are long but the years are short. Try to slow down and enjoy it.” I feel this now more than ever as my kids get older. It feels like time just is flying by!

What are we most likely to find you doing on the weekends? 

Ringmaster of my family and also chef. I like to cook some more elaborate things on the weekends. We’ve tackled lots of braises, breads, roasts, bao buns (very fun!), pasta’s, etc. It feels good to make something delicious!

If you could change one thing about the world with the snap of your fingers, what would it be? 

Oh boy… the end to hate and an increase in true empathy. Racism, classism, misogyny, phobias of those who we see as “different.” With that would come so much I think in terms of policies that protect and support people.