Here at Vested, we often say our team is our greatest asset. Our people are smart, passionate, involved, kind, funny, and interesting, and we want to share them with you! In our series Vested Interests, we’re spotlighting Vesties around the world, sharing what they’re reading, who they’re listening to, where they’re eating, and everything in between.
Today, we’re hearing from Christine Jeanine Nielsen, Vested’s Resource Manager based in Atlanta, Georgia.
What book are you reading? Or any recent favorites?
I always have a small pile going at once and bounce around depending on my mood. My current stack includes Abundance by Ezra Klein, Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI by Yuval Noah Harari (I’m not sure how many people would consider this brief, but still), The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, The Language of the Night by Ursula K. Le Guin, and A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine.
Sometimes I read cover to cover, sometimes I skip around or pause three-quarters through and circle back later. I don’t sweat an incomplete read. Others I read seasonally like Stranger in a Strange Land. I revisit that one every year or two.
What about newsletters, industry/work related or otherwise?
I’ve recently started reading She’s a Beast, which blends women’s health, feminism, and entertainment all in a sassy smarty pants package.
What podcasts are you listening to?
Pretty much every NPR show (from Radiolab to Freakonomics ), plus Hard Fork, Ologies, Science & Futurism with Isaac Arthur. I’ve really enjoyed Interesting Times recently. Honestly, a zillion others. I love podcasts.
Favorite outdoor activity, workout, or hobby?
I adopted a dog (Mr. Dill Pickles) in the spring, and we love walking to our local dog park, Fetch in Buckhead, GA. It has wi-fi, so we regularly make it our outdoor office. Fun fact: I’m working there now.
I also love running, whether it’s through the city or out on the trails.
Lifting heavy things has also become a big part of my life the past couple of years.
What’s your work super power?
Workflows and pet projects. I’m Vested’s resource manager, but I thrive on putting puzzle pieces together. I love finding ways to collect and connect data, then turning it into systems that make people’s lives easier.
Any restaurants (or cafes, coffee shops, etc.) that you’ve been to and loved? Local favorites?
I spent years managing high-end cocktail bars in New Orleans, mixing up the classics and inventing new ones. So, forgive me, but my favorite matcha latte or blueberry-lavender smoothie is usually the one I make at home. Plus, who can afford an $8 NA drink in this economy?
How did you find your way to Vested?
Completely by accident! My partner had always been a consultant, and I was a little jealous of his life. When I decided to leave hospitality, I tried freelancing, using every skill I had to take on random contract work. Vested was one of those clients. When I was about to step away for a different opportunity, they surprised me with an offer. I thought, I’ll try this for a year or two. That was over four years ago, and I’m strolling into year five.
Any favorite holiday traditions?
Nothing too formal. Some years it’s family or friends; others it’s just me, my partner, and our little menagerie of cuties (Teazley, Raisin and Dill). Cozy, quiet, and perfect.
What’s your go-to coffee order?
It totally depends on the day. At a basic spot, I’ll do coffee with milk or an Americano if they have espresso. Sometimes matcha, sometimes iced. Sadly, I have to go half-caf most of the time because my heart gets a little over-enthusiastic with too much caffeine.
Do you have any hobbies or new skills you’re learning?
Somehow I’ve become the house plumber. I’ve replaced faucets, hard-wired a disposal, and even installed a toilet! It’s not glamorous, but it’s totally satisfying (and cheaper than hiring someone).
I’m also working on my barbell skills.
What’s your most-used emoji or Slack reaction?
Probably 🤦♀️ or 🙃 (oops!). I also love a custom Slack emoji. I used to think emojis were silly, but hybrid work changed my mind. They’re so versatile. And if you’re curious, Ologies actually has a two-part deep dive on the world of emoji. Highly recommend.
