As we get started in 2021 Viriya Consulting is taking a moment to reflect on 2020 and all that we’ve learned. We’ve selected several employees to answer questions about their year and here’s what they had to say…
Sean Osborne (Associate Partner)
What is something interesting you have learned about yourself during quarantine? I’m not as much of an introvert as I thought.
Are you team Netflix or team Hulu? Netflix for now but Hulu is making strides.
What is your favorite home office item? Cat.
What is the most random item you purchased on Amazon this year? Sand bags
What is a skill that you’ve gained confidence in this past year? Public speaking (digitally).
Biggest pain point regarding video conference this year? People not realizing their mic is on and causing unnecessary noise.
What advice would you give to your last-year self? Buckle up.
Loni Smith (Project Manager)
What is something interesting you have learned about yourself during quarantine? I am much more comfortable being at home for extended periods of time than I thought I would be. Evidently I’m more introverted than I knew.
Are you team Netflix or team Hulu? Netflix, hands down. #TheCrown
What is your favorite home office item? My favorite home office item is my chair. Without a good chair, nothing else matters.
What is the most random item you purchased on Amazon this year? A butter churn. Odd purchase, amazing results!
What is a skill that you’ve gained confidence in this past year? Due to a significant decrease in in-person conversation, I’ve had to get better at e-mail tone. Being more concise and thoughtful through written communication has become much more necessary without facial expressions and tone of voice.
Biggest pain point regarding video conference this year? I will never again underestimate the value of a strong internet connection.
What advice would you give to your last-year self? Good chairs are important, don’t be cheap and get the better internet connection.
Luke Little (Project Associate)
What is something interesting you have learned about yourself during quarantine? Board games are underrated.
Are you team Netflix or team Hulu? Netflix
What is your favorite home office item? Keurig
What is the most random item you purchased on Amazon this year? A 36” x 28.75” map of the United States that outlines counties instead of states.
What is a skill that you’ve gained confidence in this past year? Online shopping.
Biggest pain point regarding video conference this year? I called into a web conference that had 60+ attendees because I couldn’t hear through my computer, and it created a loud echo of everything being said by the speaker. I was called out and muted within 15-30 seconds.
What advice would you give to your last-year self? Purchase some necessities in bulk, which includes masks.
Cassidy Wagner (Executive Assistant)
What is something interesting you have learned about yourself during quarantine? It can be challenging balancing work and school, but worth it in the long run.
Are you team Netflix or team Hulu? Netflix
What is your favorite home office item? Sticky Notes and Dual Screens
What is the most random item you purchased on Amazon this year? Blue Light Glasses
What is a skill that you’ve gained confidence in this past year? Communication skills/Speaking in meetings and navigating Computers and Microsoft/Google Applications.
Biggest pain point regarding video conference this year? Taking live notes on a client meeting.
What advice would you give to your last-year self? Don’t take anything in life for granted, because you never know when the entire world is going shut down.
Jonathan Butler (Software Engineer)
What is something interesting you have learned about yourself during quarantine? The more time I have to ponder a problem, the more success I’ll have in solving it.
Are you team Netflix or team Hulu? Netflix easily.
What is your favorite home office item? Wireless mouse for my laptop.
What is the most random item you purchased on Amazon this year? If it has to be Amazon, under cabinet lighting. If it can be online shopping in general, an electric longboard.
What is a skill that you’ve gained confidence in this past year? Rapid development / Rapid Prototyping. The overall ability to assess a set of problems and quickly develop a solution that would have an exponential upside.
Biggest pain point regarding video conference this year? Background noise.
What advice would you give to your last-year self? Do not make light of small beginnings.
Joe Sherwood (Project Associate)
What is something interesting you have learned about yourself during quarantine? I like yoga
Are you team Netflix or team Hulu? Netflix
What is your favorite home office item? My laptop charger
What is the most random item you purchased on Amazon this year? A microwave
What is a skill that you’ve gained confidence in this past year? Yoga
Biggest pain point regarding video conference this year? Echo/people not muting their mics
What advice would you give to your last-year self? Do more yoga
Hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!
Team Viriya Consulting