Connector Spotlight: Samantha Slinko

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Few people embody Connected’s values better than Samantha Slinko, Manager of Business Strategy Operations and Internal Communications. A social silo surfer, loyal linguist, and resourceful representative, Samantha is constantly pushing the envelope of her craft, experimenting with fun and effective modes of collaboration and communication. And did we mention she looks fabulous while doing it? But that makes sense, especially when you consider what her favourite product is. Find out more in this week’s Connector Spotlight.

Tell us a bit about the projects you’re working on?

You’ll have to tell me which week you’re referring to. If there’s one constant about my role, it’s variety. Manager of Business Strategy Operations and Internal Communications is a dynamic position – it has to be – and  I’m constantly strategizing and experimenting with effective ways to communicate with Connectors. Fortunately, I’m afforded a lot of creativity and autonomy to do that. 

A few notable examples include the company-wide Quarterly Business and Quarterly Practice Review, weekly townhalls (dubbed “stand-ups”), and recently, our mid-year company-wide event. Of course, new challenges constantly arise, but I try to make sure I can anticipate them coming by relying on project management practices learned from my peers and gathering feedback through listening tours so that I understand the challenge with perspective. This includes project managing our company-wide yearly strategic initiatives and KPIs as well as the broader internal communications agenda of the organization.

What’s the most interesting challenge about your role?

Internal communications as a practice and an outcome is rapidly changing. Connectors need the necessary information to make an impact in their roles. From leading collaboration between Product, Design, Talent, Growth and Finance to ensuring timely data distribution by implementing accurate and accessible month-end and reporting processes, the collaboration can sometimes be overwhelming. But it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of the job as it gives me a unique perspective on the organization that few are privy to. In other words, I get to be a “silo surfer,” a term used in internal communications for someone constantly collaborating between different departments.

Where did you work before Connected?

I worked at Mosaic Sales Solutions, helping brands create memorable events and product activations. Although to a lesser degree, the role was a good primer for where I find myself today.

What achievement are you most proud of in your career to date?

I knew this question was coming and was dreading it. 

By nature, I usually try to shy away from talking about these sorts of things. Don’t get me wrong; it’s not that I’m not proud; it’s just I’m the type of person who is always looking forward, focusing on what’s next rather than looking back at what I’ve done. 

But knowing as you won’t let this question go unanswered, I’d have to say that I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished since taking on my current role. Within just six months, I was heading internal communications for the Thoughtworks acquisition, ensuring information was not only timely communicated but that Connected and our values were fairly represented in the process. And I’ll say it has been a success because, since the announcement, excitement and anticipation around the acquisition have only increased. 

Sometimes I pause and just take it in; all the moving parts required to make something of that scale happen and think, “I helped make that possible.” It’s a good feeling.

Do you have a mantra you live by?

Always want more but never be greedy.

What do you love to do outside of work?

I love all things thrifting and home decor. On the weekends, you can catch me creating mood boards in Canva and browsing the aisles of Home Depot for my next big DIY project. My personal goal is to have my home featured in House & Home!

If you were stuck on a deserted island, what album, movie, and book would you take with you?

Movie – Paris Can Wait

Book –  I definitely wouldn’t bring this book on a deserted island, but The Broke Millennial had a big impact on my life.

Album – Anything that Lost Frequencies produces would make me happy.

Describe yourself in three words. 

Loyal, resourceful, and social.

And finally, what’s your favourite product and why? 

Knowing my love of thrifting, this is a no-brainer: Poshmark. There are so many things that add to their value proposition, from the authentication of luxury goods to their beautifully crafted and intuitive homepage;  I’m a big fan. So much so that I even wrote a Poshmark: Product I Love. Check it out and start loving Poshmark too.