Emily Mannes

Emily Mannes

What got you into this business in the first place?
I  have a double major  in anthropology and business finance. In an effort to make something of myself out of college, I chose to pursue a relationship with investment finance.  Let's just say: I gave it the "it's not you it's me." And I really meant it. Then I ran off with marketing. 

With marketing I could be myself.  It didn't confine me to a particular role, instead encouraged me to combine my traditional business education, project management skills, and analytical skills with the rigorous training and years of experience anthropology had given me in primary research, population statistics and cultural training.  Without being limited I could apply my skills across all facets of a marketing solutions company. 

Then marketing and I took our relationship to the next level: Conversation focused marketing. And Recipe 31 was born.  Recipe 31 depends on me  to develop and grow our business, expand our marketing capabilities, and design and build products for our clients that rely on my research and analytical skills. 

What was "your finest moment," the thing you're most proud of?

I like to run.   My last marathon was in a canyon in Utah and there were no public spectators allowed until the very entrance of that canyon.   Since I had to be on a bus at 5 am,  I told my fiance to meet  me at the entrance of the canyon, which was six miles from the finish.  Since he is familiar with my usual pace he arrived in what he thought was plenty of time to cheer me on the final six miles.  By the time he got there, I had finished.  I had to borrow the cell phone of a spectator  in the crowd to call him. 

In that moment I realized that I'm proud of how endurance running has shaped me as a person and in my career.  I meditate, solve problems, or just brainstorm ideas while I'm out on the road or on the trails.  It shows me what I'm made of, and challenges me to work harder to achieve my goals.  .

What was your most embarrassing moment in this business?

Well, there are a few that might qualify….

Was it the time I had a birthday party for my fiance, invited all of my co-workers over, and then dropped the cake in front of them all? OR Was it when I tried to sing happy birthday on the intercom to my colleague and couldn't figure out how to work the phone system so everyone heard my struggle with it? OR was it when I spilled coffee all over my brand new, white pants and had nothing to change into?

I think it was when a co-worker of mine who is very possessive over his car yelled at me for parking too close to it.  It was in the middle of the office and everyone could hear him.  I laughed at him because I thought he was joking with me.  That made him turn red and say, "seriously don't EVER park that close to my car again." It was my third day.

What talent do you wish you had?

I wish I could draw. I always wanted to be able to design my concepts and ideas on paper so that others could really "get" them.  I get these great visions in my head and have always wanted to be able to make them a reality.

Now, I'm just really good at communicating with the creative team.

If you had to live on a desert island, what would you miss most?
Food.  Why is that always my first response?  I can't help it.
My friends and family, really, I swear. 

Is there any food that helps you think more creatively?
I think this questions would be better answered as in what food doesn't help you think more creatively?
Spam. Liver. Brussel Sprouts.

Everything else helps.

What's your favorite sports team?

E-A-G-L-E-S!!!!! Philadelphia teams have a special place in my heart. Too bad our most famous sports hero is make believe. Everyone comes to Philly and wants their picture taken in front of the Rocky statue, and he even loses in the first movie!   He's a FICTIONAL CHARACTER!
I love the Phillies, Eagles, and Flyers, conditionally, of course.

What frustrates you the most?
I hate inefficiency.  For example, some of the following cause me the greatest frustration:  Poor project management and managers, miscommunication/lack of communication to the project team,  money lost to a project due to poor planning, a meeting that lacks an agenda or resolution, a process or product that does not have defined objectives, and unmanaged expectations.   I work extra hard to avoid all these circumstances.

Tell us about your pets?
I have an anxious, noisy, expensive, and pure breed Australian Shepherd named Skyler. He doesn't come when he's called, runs away when he's off his leash, and tries to herd anyone who comes in the house through high pitched barking that can be heard down the entire street that we live on.  He's also incredibly cute.   I'm currently taking offers from animal modeling agencies. 

I have a great orange tabby cat that we adopted named Matty.  He comes when he's called, plays with everyone who comes over, and snuggles with us on the couch at night.  Everyone who meets him falls in love with him.  He also compulsively likes to knock over our drinks.

What was growing up like for you?
I had a neighborhood full of boys my age that I grew up with. It was like having 10 older brothers and being the only girl. It's no wonder why I refused to wear dresses, wanted to spend all of my time climbing trees and playing with GI Joes, and my favorite game was extreme wrestling. 

I blame them for my fashion sense and inability to do my nails without smudging, spilling or something else going wrong.

What's your favorite TV program? And your least favorite?
The Office and 30 Rock.  LOST is pretty addictive too.

I hate Sex in the City. There, I said it.

What do you for a good time when you're not working?
Not w-o-rk-ing? I am not clear on the meaning of this phrase.

I love to run and bike and combine my training with friends.  My favorite thing to do on the weekend is  host a morning long run starting from my house and ending by everyone (runners and their non-running counterparts), staying for brunch afterwards.  I spend most of the spare time I do have with friends and family.  I also love Sunday football parties, practicing yoga, reading, and cooking for my fiancé and my friends.

What are your favorite internet sites?
www.runnersworld.com
www.hungrygirl.com
www.scottjurek.com
www.foodroutes.org
www.yogajournal.com
www.epicurious.com
www.trifuel.com
www.theofficequotes.com

 "About 2/3 of all economy in the U.S. is influenced by shared opinions about a product, brand or service."

McKinsey & Company
 

".... consumers trust other consumers above all else.   78% of respondents said they trusted the recommendations of other consumers."

Nielsen BuzzMetrics