Member Spotlight: Jordan Pouliot
Jordan won our hearts when she told us her dissertation was about women restaurant owners. Women, business, and food– what’s not to like about that?
Aside from her dissertation topic we appreciate Jordan for bringing her friendly yet focused energy to our space. She has also reconnected us with our friends at The Women’s Fund by hosting their meetings here from time to time. Here Jordan shares how she stays productive and on task with a daunting project like a dissertation:
What’s your profession?
I am a PhD candidate in Boston University’s American Studies Program, and currently writing my dissertation on the history of women’s restaurant entrepreneurship in NYC. I also teach part-time in UMass Dartmouth’s First Year English Program, and volunteer for the Women’s Fund.
Describe a typical work day for you.
Three days a week I write my dissertation at Groundwork. The other two days I teach one class in the morning at UMD and then come over to Groundwork to keep working on my dissertation.
What’s the biggest challenge you face at your job?
Completing my dissertation on schedule.
Do you have a morning routine?
Let out my two basset mixes, Lucy and Butters; have breakfast with my husband and toddler, Archie; get Archie ready for “school” (daycare), drop him off, and then either drive to Groundwork, UMass, or BU.
What are your favorite productivity tips or hacks?
Coffee! Working at Groundwork helps a lot too.
What do you listen to during the day?
The chatter in the office or at a coffee shop.
How do you benefit from using a coworking space?
Unfortunately, I’m not that productive when I work at home. There are too many distractions, from watching Netflix to doing the laundry. Groundwork helps keep me focused, and I also work through lunch, which is a big help.
What’s in your digital toolbox? (Favorite apps, hardware, etc.)
The Amazon Prime app.
What is the most surprising or unusual aspect of your life?
I came to write about restaurants and the food industry through my interest in women’s entrepreneurship, but I’ve actually never worked at a restaurant. My husband owns one though (the Sail Loft in Padanaram) so he’s been a huge help in explaining the intricacies of business ownership.
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