Hollie leads Strategy for the Synthesis team in New York. Day to day, that means making sure the work makes sense of the best available datasets, and crafting outputs that offer clear, tight and inspiring direction for our partners.
Insomniac City by Bill Hayes is the most wonderful tribute to New York, and a perfect articulation of what makes the city so special. It captures the magic of everything from city smells, to people, values, principles, and unexpected moments of joy. Worthy of this (not so) anonymous voicemail I left for the Call me Ishmael team.
On the New York City subway. There’s something special about getting lost in a book amidst the chaos. I strictly stick to a no doom scrolling on the train rule.
“Racing 26.2 miles will break you. And that’s the point. To see where you stand when you are exposed. This is you today. And just like that, it’s over. Turns out it wasn’t the distance, or the time. The two were simply tools you used to find something in yourself.” - from The Marathon doesn’t owe you anything by Peter Bromka
Running sneakers, a long list of local restaurants, cafes and bakeries to check out and, of course, SPF.
I walk. Solvitur ambulando is a Latin phrase that has for a long time spoken to me, which translates to "it is solved by walking". My favorite place to gather my thoughts is the Williamsburg Bridge- the East River beneath my feet, the Manhattan skyline ahead of me and every so often, the gentle hum of the subway for company.
Carrots - my dog’s favorite treat and peanut butter M&Ms - mine.
A day cannot be a good day if one of the following are missing: my dogs, a run, wind down time with a good book.
Standing on the start line of the New York City Marathon. It was my second marathon, so I knew exactly what the next three hours or so had in store for me.
A six year old husky pitbull mix named Boboji - I already found him :)
The Bravoverse- escapism, drama, indulgence, comedy- Bravo has it all.
Rewards curiosity, consideration and kindness.
Open data is the most organic tool that we can use to understand people. It’s where we find people in their most honest, real and raw form. Making sense of this data- at scale- is incredibly powerful and has huge potential to guide brands in building meaningful products, interactions and experiences.
I once saw a camel hanging out on 51st Street. It wasn’t until a decade later that I realized it was a member of the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular cast.
I think all of NYC’s neighborhoods are unique and special. I love learning more about their unique characters, spaces and people. Bed-Stuy has a special place in my heart- beyond the beautiful parks and architecture the neighborhood is resilient, culturally rich, and vibrant. In Bed-Stuy you will find true community, bonded by values of kindness, respect and pride.
