It's been an eventful year over here at Team Ninja, and we've accomplished so much as a unit. In today’s blog post, we’re looking back at 2022 through a three-question lens, and asking three of our team members that you might not often see in the ODN spotlight.
- ODN plays a significant role with the crowdfunding campaigns for our clients, helping them find new audiences and engaging the existing ones. Carissa Yaffe is our Backer Experience Manager, who not only prepares the Pledge Managers for our clients, but also ensures that long after a campaign has funded, the people who brought it to life are fully supported with information and assistance.
- While Carissa works in the shadows of BackerKit and Gamefound, Anais Torres’ work is much more public-facing as our Social Media Coordinator. She writes many of the Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter posts seen from many of our clients, and is often the person engaging with replies to those posts! Check out Anais’ Day in the Life blog to learn more!
- And finally, all other written content in the ODN sphere passes through the filter of our Editorial Manager, JP Decosse. Whether it’s a blog post like this one, a game description on BGG, or a crowdfunding update, JPs fingerprints can likely be found.
Now that we’ve addressed the who, let’s get to the questions: What were our highlights and victories? Our hurdles and challenges? And what are we looking forward to in 2023? Join us as we explore some Ninja answers!
Question One: What was your 2023 Highlight?
CARISSA: Joining the ODN team in April 2022. People come into your life for a reason, sometimes you just need to go with it and see what you learn. ODN gave me a chance to show my project management skills, and be a part of a fantastic team.
ANAIS: Getting to travel and starting at ODN!
JP: Being in a role in which I’m trusted and encouraged to acquire new skills and contribute creatively, my personal highlight would be having the opportunity to work on a musical video teaser for Devir’s Lacrimosa board game!
Question Two: What was your greatest Challenge to overcome in 2022?
ANAIS: Definitely finding a balance between my job and my personal life.
JP: Balance is absolutely the greatest challenge I faced in 2022, and will continue to be a hurdle to navigate in the new year. Trying to be an engaged and nurturing parent and partner, keep my Little Big Thumbs brand rolling with consistent content, push to be a contributing leader on this team, while also keeping the itch of my professional music career scratched. Whew, that’s a lot of irons in the fire!
CARISSA: In a world where companies are constantly fighting for attention, I believe outstanding customer service is what sets ODN apart. It was important for me to find our niche in the market and make every point of contact a meaningful one.
Question Three: What are you thankful for looking ahead to 2023?
JP: Thankful for Kira’s willingness to be vulnerable, authentic, and honest as our team navigates the realities and challenges of small business existence. Thankful for the opportunity to grow and change, with a supportive culture that allows for a few stumbles on the path to personal and professional victories!
CARISSA: I'm thankful to be a part of a team that inspires me. There is always a new thing happening in the business world. I'm looking forward to my team being more innovative and creative with their ideas.
ANAIS: More travel! I feel very fortunate to have a job that allows me to live my best life outside of work. As well as growing more in my career and becoming an even bigger board game nerd!
Many individuals and organizations have experienced moments of celebration and grief in 2022, and OffDutyNinja is no exception.
As we lunge into a new year, we’re thankful for the opportunity to reflect on those moments, and seek out lights of hope and resilience for 2023. We’re endlessly grateful to the clients and communities who we support, and in turn, support our work!