Lindsey Cepek is the Marketing Specialist for the Drake Hotel in Toronto, Ontario. Prior to this, she has worked agency-side in Public Relations. Social media and content management, as well as creative campaign strategy is what she finds the most fun. On her own time, blogging and writing is something she loves to do. Also, big nerd for SEO.

What do you do?

I am the Marketing Specialist at the Drake Hotel. We have two other properties and our retail undertakings including; Drake One Fifty, Drake Devonshire Inn as well as multiple Drake General Stores sprinkled throughout Toronto and Ottawa. Our team is very collaborative, but also project based, I specifically deal with brand management of our flagship property that is located on West Queen West.

What do you find most rewarding about your role? Most challenging?

The most rewarding thing about my job is being able to help create, support and share my co-worker’s ideas. Whether I’m working on concept creation for some of our biggest campaigns, like TIFF and New Year’s Eve, brainstorming with our operations team, or attending events like book launches for our very talented food and beverage team; there are endless way I get to support such a diverse and wildly talented team. I get to work with unbelievably hard working people and alongside a very dynamic team of graphic designers, front of house staff, cultural programmers, human resources, the special events team… I could go on.

The most challenging thing about my job is ensuring that each campaign and every stakeholder gets the attention that it deserves in order to be considered a success. Managing so many projects at a time requires a great deal of ongoing prioritization.

How do you stay up to date with trends in your industry/field?

Google. Seriously though, I am lucky to be able to research and learn about subjects that I am also personally passionate about. I’m surrounded by individuals whose job it is to not only keep up with industry trends, but also create them! Whether it’s food and beverage news, up-and-coming musical acts, local artists or travel and leisure trends; being exposed to all of this is not only informative - it’s also really interesting.

What are your top five applications or programs?

On a daily basis I mostly use Hootsuite, Open Table, SoundCloud, Campaign Monitor and our own CMS.

Best way to stay on top of email?

I try to tackle the bulk of them in the morning and continue to answer the rest as they come in based on time sensitivity. Often, I find myself abandoning emails mid-way because of some direct ask or distraction, then end up having 13 open windows. Either way, it’s an ongoing battle.

What is your best time-saving trick?

I find that when I am able to, I will speak directly with the person I am working on a project with. Due to so many different schedules, it is tough to keep a project moving at the speed it needs to; so I find that a face-to-face conversation is much more efficient and enjoyable.

One non-tech thing you can’t live without?

Post-it notes.

What does your workspace look like?

It’s a shared space, right beside the hotel - with up to nine people in the room. An eclectic bunch with lots of different influences and opinions. My desk is shiny and red. I like it a lot. I also happen to live extremely close, I can’t complain about my commute.

Structure of your typical day, how do you divide your time?

Every day is different. Our office is located beside the hotel so, depending on what project or task I’m working on – I’m back and forth between desk work and running around with the operations team. I kind of have my paws on everything that goes on in the building – from photo shoots, collateral delivery and meeting with our other departments. Sometimes we do cross-property events with Drake One Fifty and Devonshire – so that’s a fun change of scenery.

What is the greatest piece of career advice/wisdom you've ever received?

Work hard. Be nice (thanks Mom and Dad).

Who would you like to see featured on Ways We Work?

Anna and Julie Vander Herberg - http://www.vanderbrand.com/