DailyDOOH

This month, we introduce Cathy Lin, operations manager, IAdea, who works in Taipei’s Neihu Science and Technology Park where she is responsible for purchasing, outsourcing, human resources and administration.

1. Describe your personal workspace.

   My cubicle is right outside of CEO’s office where I have a clear view of most of my co-workers. I try to keep a clean desktop, which I decorate with green plants. I play music in my personal space just loud enough for myself.

2. How do you get to work?

   I primarily commute to work via bus. The ride is about 15 minutes, during which time I listen to news on the radio to get a snapshot of what’s happening around the globe.

3. What’s an average day like?

   I run the operations department, which covers procurement, outsourcing, human resources and administration. There is plenty of variety in what I have to manage each day. My primary job is to prioritize tasks and set up rules so my teammates can execute effectively.

4. What is your favorite activity outside of the work place?

   I am a follower of Buddhism. I enjoy my weekly meditation lessons at the shrine and the involvement in voluntary work there. During the practice, I get a clearer understanding of my true nature, which helps to bring harmony during interaction with others. Helping others provides a great reaffirmation of my existence.

5. What is essential to you being able to work happily?

   Open mindedness and effective team work with my colleagues. It is also reassuring when we share work experiences, and are able to learn and grow together.

6. How flexible are your working conditions?

   Work is quite flexible at IAdea. I usually arrive in office by 9 AM, at which time I go around my work area, get things organized a bit, and get started with the day.

7. What do you think your employer looks for in its staff?

   We are very focused in digital signage, and look to increase our market share with innovations that will help solve real problems in the industry. The contribution of new ideas is very appreciated.

8. What suggestions do you have for your company?

   We are growing very quickly, and a new organizationa structure is needed quite frequently. One of my priorities is to ensure that cross-department communication and collaboration happen in an orderly fashion so we can be very efficient.

9. What is the most frustrating thing about your daily work?

   Sometimes we rush to dive in to tasks without sufficient planning, often ending in frustration. When we fall short of expectations, we ,need to start all over again. Often, though, this is an opportunity to learn how we can do better the next time.

10. What do you like best about your job?

    The variety of it. Each day I need to communicate with other departments. There is never a dull moment!

11. How open is your company to new ideas and suggestions?

    We are very focused on what the end-user wants. Innovation cannot be separated from real needs. Solving real problems is the best way for us to prove that our innovation is valuable.

12. How much responsibility have you been given?

    I am responsible for making sure we deliver after an order is received. That is quite a bit of work, from planning and coordinating with our partners before sales happen, to making sure our products are delivered smoothly.

13. How green are you and your company?

    We primarily communicate electronically. Even when we need to print out documents, we have a bin for storing used papers to make sure we use both sides.

14. What inspires you?

    I learn a lot from others at work. I believe collaboration is a professional skill combining professionalism, personal character, and coordination. Through continued learning, I can bring growth to both myself and the company.

15. What are your ambitions?

    I aim to be the coordination bridge of all departments in the company. I also aim to bring a stable and mature organization for our teams so we can always healthily grow our team with our new opportunities.

16. If you could change only one thing in your work or workplace, what would it be?

    I’d want to set up an impressive demo room to explain the evolution of digital signage, IAdea’s contribution, and where we will be in the future.

17. How much time do you devote to social networking?

    I prefer real interaction with people since I usually already have had enough use of computers at work.

18. What are your most useful tools you use to do your job?

    My memo pad! I try to jot down things when they happen and organize them into priorities once I have time. This helps keep me efficient.

19. What would be your dream job?

    To design the company infrastructure and make sure we all work efficiently. Then we can be creative when we are free.

20. What makes you laugh during the work day?

    Our workspace has a friendly atmosphere. We often smile or throw a joke when we have to communicate with each other. I don’t mind sharing my embarrassing moments with my colleagues for a laugh.