We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brydie Huffman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brydie, thanks for joining us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

“You need to get yourself a mentor” she said to me on my first day. One of the many lessons bestowed upon me by the best boss I ever had. She was tough, and she had the work ethic and sense of curiosity to back it up. Non-profit work isn’t for the weak of heart, and in my first big-girl job I was learning that fast.

She taught me the importance of on-going professional development. Being a life-long learner was key in my growth. Something I instill in my team to this day. Be it through a mentor, a conference or a course – she was impressed when others were thirsty for knowledge.

I struggled hard in this role, more than I needed to, and that was self-imposed. I often think about how I would soar there if I had the chance again, and I’ve used this as motivation in taking on a lot of projects. “Wonder what she would think of this risk I took” or new idea I ran with. She challenged me in new ways, and showed me how to hold myself and others accountable in the workplace.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

In my current role, I serve as the Operations Director for WDW Magazine, a glossy publication for Disney fans. I came to the industry completely green after working 15 years in Tourism/Museums/Events, but jumped at the chance to go outside my comfort zone.

The WDW Magazine team is made up of professionals in our respective fields—leaders, photographers, writers, editors, and artists that have come together to focus our skills on bringing the very best news, advice, information, interviews, details, and behind-the-scenes stories to celebrate their passion for all things Disney. Our goal is to provide our readers with the thing they crave most: that moment of escape from the everyday, a little Disney fix to hold them over until their next trip home, and a safe space to express their fandom (or as we like to say, fly their Disney flags).

I’m proud to be on the hiring team for making changes to our roster. We’ve gained award winning writers, social media savvy voices and SEO experts. I may not be an expert in all departments, but I have a keen eye for talent.

Any advice for managing a team?

Learn the work-love language of your team members! For some it’s more vacation time, others it’s bonuses – but invest time in getting to know your team, and letting your team know you.

I spent years working on extra committees, stretch projects, that my bosses never acknowledged. I make sure to tell my team that closed mouths don’t get fed. Use your one-on-one time effectively to let your boss know how things are progressing. Now as a manager myself, I find ways to acknowledge when my team mates are soaring, or when they need mental health days.

We rolled out a 360 review this year that allows for both the employee and supervisors to rate themselves, then those scores are compared and discussed. This helps keep both side accountable and a gut-check for how we’re managing morale.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Real work-life-balance.

Our team has a flexible work policy and this allows me to still have freedom for creativity outside of work. I sit on three boards, recently enlisted in the Naval Reserves and have time to go to my daughter’s school concerts. I work hard so I can have the flexible role to make work, work for me.

Although I’m years behind my colleagues in their industry knowledge and often have to play catch-up, I feel it’s worth it to have the freedom and trust to get my work done in a way that fits my family (and self-indulgent when applicable) needs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wdw-magazine.com/about/
• Instagram: @huffmaybe
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brydiehuffman/