Welcome back to our 8 Weeks of Connection series!
For the 8 weeks leading up to the new year, PPR is highlighting different team members as they share how they’re building connections into their holiday season!
Last week, Caleigh shared how she’s connecting with her community through volunteer work.
Today, PPR’s new VP of Strategy, Heather Gramm, shares how she’s building relationships with the PPR Strategies team.
The stage is yours, Heather!
This time of year presents lots of opportunities to connect—either with family and friends at holiday gatherings, with community through volunteering, or with nature by enjoying the changing colors all around.
When I came into PPR a few weeks ago, I considered a lot of ways I could make connections during the holiday season. But as I begin my new career journey, I realize the most important connections to make right now are with my new team!
I’m a big believer in the power of strong teams as the foundation of successful companies. From day one, it was clear to me that PPR has a strong team bond. I wanted to find my place in that and contribute positively to that sense of teamwork and collaboration (no pressure, right?).
And, with a hybrid environment and some remote team members, building those relationships can be even more challenging.
So, I made the most of my first couple weeks on the job! I had virtual one-on-ones with each member of the team, both to learn about their roles at PPR Strategies and also to learn a little about them as individuals. Our weekly team calls have also been a fantastic way to connect with everyone at once.
We had a birthday lunch for our Social Media Coordinator Kayla, where I got to know the team better over homemade tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, all while decorating bucket hats in honor of Kayla’s Gen Z flair.
I’ve spent a couple of days a week in the office with our Frederick-based team, gaining a better sense of the team culture and how they engage and collaborate with each other (and our clients).
There will be a lot more getting-to-know-each other over the next few months, but here are some early takeaways from my new team:
- You can go to college and earn a Bachelor of Science in Social Media Theory and Strategy—I’m impressed, Kayla!
- If you have garden woes, Hanna loves plants and is your go-to gal. I will need some pro tips since I’m currently struggling to keep a Christmas cactus and spider plant alive, much less anything else!)
- In addition to her work at PPR, Caleigh has a passion for sports marketing and works part-time for the Washington Commanders. I was very jealous when the Commanders played my team (go Steelers!), and Caleigh was at the stadium managing the press box!
It is possible to work hard and have fun while doing it!
If my Gen Z teammates here at PPR are representative of this rising generation, we have a bright future ahead!
While I may have twenty-two years of economic development experience (and hope that I can share some of my knowledge and experience with my co-workers) I have a lot to learn from this team, too. Cheers to 2025 and building deeper connections with my co-workers and clients at PPR Strategies!
Does your team work in a hybrid environment or remotely? I’d love to hear your ideas about how to make stronger connections in the digital space!
Reimagining Places With You,
Heather and the PPR Strategies Team
