We’re thrilled to welcome Renee Esper (she/her) to Clique, joining the team as our first (and best) office manager / operations coordinator. With years of experience managing offices, working as an executive assistant, teaching yoga, and even delivering a baby (!), we know we’re in good hands. From sloths to psychology, Renee and I covered a lot of ground in our first conversation. Here are some things I learned about her.
What are you most excited about being here?
“I’ve done a ton of executive assistant and office manager work but I like the challenge of office manager more because I have projects I can call my own and see through to the end. It’s really rewarding, so I’m excited for the challenge.”
What does your ideal weekend look like?
“An ideal blend of total chill time, being by myself for a little bit…I need my alone time…”
I’m a bit of introvert, too. Very relatable.
“…and then on Sundays I like to get stuff done, be productive, run errands.”
If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?
“I would love to have a pocket-sized sloth that I could carry around everywhere. I think they are the cutest things ever.”
*Renee starts gushing at the idea of this*
Have you seen the video of Kristen Bell freaking out about seeing a sloth on Ellen?
“That is completely me.”
What did you want to be growing up?
“I was a little undecided… at one point I wanted to be a fashion designer, then an architect, then an artist, then a psychologist. I actually got my Bachelors in psychology with a second major in art.”
Renee loves to draw. She declined to include a sketch here (probably because they’ll be worth a lot of money someday).
*Sidenote: This is where Renee told me she trained as a doula and actually delivered a baby! I won’t get into the details (don’t think anyone needs that…) but pretty crazy fun fact.
If you could be the best in the world at one skill but bad at everything else what would that skill be and why?
“This isn’t exactly a skill but I would love to be able to time and place travel. I love traveling more than anything in the world, but finances and commitments can hold me back. So I’d love to just zip,” (time travel sound effect) “and go somewhere cool or travel in the past and talk to somebody.”
Any cool trips you’ve taken lately, or planning to take?
“Most recently I took the Amtrak from Chicago to Seattle. I had a friend here and we decided to go for it—46 hours on a train, and then we flew back.”
Woah. That’s one way to see the Midwest.
“And last year I visited 8 countries. I really loved Copenhagen.”
Even cooler…did you travel with friends there too?
“No, I really love traveling alone!”
That’s it. Coolest office manager ever.
What’s something you do to make your day a little bit better?
“Coffee 100% makes my day better. There’s also this game I play on my tablet called Design Home…I design rooms with furniture and everything and it just gets me out of my head and I can be a little creative.”
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
“Somebody told me once that worrying never changes anything, things are just going to happen. You can control the things that you can, but if you can’t, worrying is just wasted energy.”
Think we all could use a little refresher on that one. Such good advice.
What place, activity, or person relaxes you?
“My dog, Eli. I got him last week…dogs are just affectionate without asking for anything in return. They’re warm and fuzzy and comforting.”
And then we spent the rest of our conversation sharing pictures of our dogs…So happy to have you on the team, Renee!
