‘Time for clients and freelancers to create new opportunities’, says Upwork president Hayden Brown

As a toddler in Nepal, Hayden Brown watched fastidiously as her mom ran a ladies’s empowerment program whereas her father devoted himself to group improvement within the foothills of the Himalayas.

“What my parents were doing definitely informed my perspective and motivated me to find a career that could have a positive impact on people’s lives,” mentioned Brown, 39, president and chief govt of Upwork, a Santa Clara, California-based firm which connects employers with freelancers.

Brown, who was named CEO in January, spoke to Reuters about her life and work philosophy in 2020.

Edited excerpts are under.

Q. What recommendation do you could have for employers and freelancers now?

A. We’ve really seen an uptick on this financial system. We have at all times been an organization that was deeply rooted in distant work, however we’re actually seeing alternatives for our clients capitalizing on newfound purchasers who’re realizing that due to extra individuals working from dwelling, that they’re snug with and may faucet into this unimaginable expertise pool of unbiased contractors.

Use this chance to proceed to construct robust connections and relationships proper now. This is a time when purchasers and freelancers can actually create new alternatives.

Q.What was your first job and the way did it form you?

A. I began my first enterprise, Hayden’s House Cleaning, once I was eight or 9 years previous and dwelling in Amesbury, Massachusetts. The thought was that I’d go across the neighborhood and do odd jobs.

I obtained $1 or $2 per hour – no matter anybody would pay me – and I realized about persistence and kindness as a approach to construct relationships with individuals from all types of backgrounds, from serving to aged individuals unpack their groceries to folks who have been frazzled and simply wanted a bit of assist.

We had a Friendly’s which was a brief bike trip away. I bear in mind feeling so grown up having the ability to use my earnings to purchase sundaes with an M&M smile on them.

Q. What has been your largest problem this 12 months?

A. Getting a change in surroundings. I like being dwelling extra. I’m spending extra time than ever with my children (two daughters, aged three and 5). But touring outdoors of my little orbit right here is nourishing and provides me new adjustments in perspective, so I’m forcing myself out on walks and day journeys.

Q. What piece of recommendation do you usually give?

A. It solely takes one individual to consider in you. So usually, individuals come to me serious about what they wish to do sooner or later, like, “Oh I need to have all these skills and experiences and I’m not ready yet,” however very often the factor I need them to understand is they might be able to take that leap now.

They’re searching for affirmation from the surface however they should notice that the individual they should consider in them is themselves.

Q.Do you could have suggestions for somebody beginning their profession proper now?

A. Learn the right way to tune out social media and the information. Focus on the issues you may management – your abilities, your expertise, your popularity. Those issues are enduring and can serve you properly.

Q.What is your work-from-home arrange?

A. I’ve a two-person workplace that my husband and I share. He has been actually beneficiant and has forfeited the area a lot of the time. We even have a standing desk within the storage and now I’ve vibrant lights and a top quality digital camera (for video conferences), which was not true earlier than this pandemic.

Our two children are excellent about not interrupting us in conferences. We have a nanny who has skilled them fairly properly. I normally take a break within the afternoon once they have a three p.m. snack, and I take my five-year-old to pre-school close by on Thursdays and Fridays.

It’s such a pleasant mini-break for me to duck out and get some contemporary air – a second of sanity within the midst of an insane week. Work is necessary, however household and well being and happiness at all times have to come back first.

Q. Where do you wish to go when the world opens up once more?

A. For work, I wish to have a tremendous meal with my staff, sit by the hearth afterwards and speak into the wee hours of the evening. As a lot as we’re superior at seeing one another on cameras, it will be great to have that face time. (Editing by Lauren Young and Richard Chang)