Jacqueline DeMaio

Where are you based as a Community Manager, and why?

I'm based in Bologna, Italy. I moved here from the states after graduating from University about three years ago and have been here ever since!

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What led you into this role at Memorisely?

It's actually a funny story - I initially approached Memorisely as a potential student. I was searching for a quality UX/UI Design course that would be structured, hands-on, and still affordable. While exploring the website I noticed the Community Manager role open and after a chat with Zander and learning about Memorisely's focus on values like authenticity, inclusivity, and community I decided to apply for the role! It seemed like an amazing opportunity to build on skills I’ve acquired in previous roles, and also challenge myself in new ways in a really inspiring environment.

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What aspects of your job do you love the most?

Meeting and getting to know so many different people from so many different places! My goal is for everyone in the community to feel welcome, to enjoy a sense of belonging, and to be able to leverage that to make the most of their experience, learning, and connecting within the community.

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What does a typical day look like for you living in Italy?

Working from home has given me so much freedom, and having such active colleagues really encourages me to prioritize movement throughout my day! I like to take my time in the morning to prepare for the day, and definitely prefer taking it easy to the chaos of rushing to get out the door like I used to. This usually translates to hanging out with Poka before a walk around the neighborhood and maybe stopping to get a quick errand or two done while we're out. I'll usually have a quick breakfast before heading to my desk, which is where I spend the majority of my workday. I like to write out my priorities and goals for the day before jumping in and embodying the "learning by doing" approach! I like to take a couple of small breaks throughout the day, and if I manage to spend a little time outside - even better! My evening philosophy is similar to the morning, I like to take it easy. Living in a small city makes walking and exploring so accessible and attractive. Usually, I'll head to the city center to meet friends for coffee or drinks, or just relax on my terrace reading, journaling, and watching the world go by around me!

What is your current desk setup?

I like to keep it simple! And I don't like clutter. 📚 I always have a glass of water, a pen, and blank paper in some form (sticky notes or a notebook) to write down ideas that pop into my head, jot down notes during meetings, or doodle my daydreams. If you look closely you'll also notice my yoga mat in the corner, which has been coming in handy for after-work Yoga sessions with Liza!

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And your Workstation setup across devices?

Nothing too exciting! I use Figma often, too.

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What are you most proud of in your life thus far?

Oh boy, probably adopting my dog, Poka 🐶 moving to Italy on my own 🇮🇹 and starting to get my career aspirations in order, and making moves! ✨

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Which Product recently blew your socks off?

I recently noticed the striking resemblance between the design of the AirPods case and dental floss containers. According to the internet, this has already been well-documented, but it definitely blew my mind a little. 😂  Also, can SOMEONE please explain what is going on with the iPhone alarm clock interface 😫  because I find it so frustrating?

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What challenges do you face as a Community Manager at Memorisely?

Constantly brainstorming with the team and coming up with too many amazing ideas and too little time! Also, much as I love it, remote work definitely presents its own unique challenges, which I think many of us are familiar with by now. Sometimes getting distracted is way too easy, and working across timezones can be tough!

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What tunes do you listen to whilst going about your workday?

I threw together this playlist specifically for this blog post 🙈 it's a collection of feel-good, energizing songs I've been listening to lately, in no particular order!

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Where is your next stop on the travel list, and why?

I would love to get back to Mykonos with friends or get the chance to explore Sicily with my mom. I've also been eyeing a group trip to Cuba with @womenphototours that looks amazing!

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Three suggestions for developing a strong sense of community?

Here's 5...

1. Inclusivity is vital to creating a sense of community and togetherness - no one wants to feel left out! The more people that feel included the stronger the community grows.
2. Kindness is so easily taken for granted. Don't discount kindness! It's foundational to creating a positive space where people feel comfortable.
3. Strive to understand the people around you. Listen with curiosity and without judgment. Listen to understand. So much gets lost when we're listening only to respond.
4. Vulnerability can be difficult, but it's the foundation for every relationship whether that's one-on-one or community-wide. As a community manager I get the opportunity to help set the tone, and leading with vulnerability helps break down barriers and encourages people to be open and make connections.
5. Living authentically isn't always as simple as it seems. When you do have the chance to live authentically, seize it! Being authentically yourself feels so good and can empower those around you to do the same. They will see you and follow suit.