Hybrid approach works best for SpartanNash’s Adrienne Chance
We caught up with Chance to get her take on the current work of a PR pro and how she sets herself and her team up for success every day.
Adrienne Chance, SVP of communications with SpartanNash, said navigating the pandemic was a challenge for her and her team — but she finds her hybrid work setup to be one that allows for both culture-building and focus.
We caught up with Chance to get her take on the current work of a PR pro and how she sets herself and her team up for success every day. Here’s what she had to say for our “Day in the Life” series:
1. What’s your favorite part of your morning routine?
Chance: I love waking up our daughter before I leave for work. She is always happy to see me in the morning and starts my day on a great note.
2. Who’s the most important person you talk to every day?
Besides my husband, it would be SpartanNash President & CEO Tony Sarsam. We check in a few times daily about business updates, messaging and announcements, trends and events on the horizon.
3. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
Navigating the COVID pandemic at the same time as overseeing communications for Borden Dairy Company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy. These were both complex issues with constantly evolving dynamics and highly engaged audiences who were craving accurate information as fast as possible. Version control with all of our documents was critical.
4. What’s your best book or podcast recommendation for PR colleagues?
“How Will You Measure Your Life?” by Clayton Christensen
5. What’s your favorite tool you use regularly for your work?
We just implemented Welcome for communications planning, and so far I am a big fan of how it is keeping our team organized and aligned with the status of all of our projects.
6. Are you in an office/remote or both? What do you like (or dislike) about your current setup?
I prefer to be in the office at least three days a week and work remotely on occasion. This hybrid approach allows me to balance the need to collaborate and build a culture in person with my team, while still having some quiet times at home where there are fewer distractions.
7. What’s one trick you use to promote well-being, make yourself feel good at work?
Whenever possible, I try not to work through lunch. Having a mental and physical break from my desk helps me refresh and stay sharp for the rest of the day.
8. What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you in your career?
Be bold — you won’t become extraordinary by doing things the same way most other people do them.
