My Journey to EMURGO: An HR Manager Seeking Career Growth and Work-Life Balance

Table of Contents

Q&A with Desiree, an HR Manager at EMURGO
About EMURGO
How can I apply to work at EMURGO?

In the “My Journey to EMURGO” blog series, we highlight talented individuals at EMURGO and ask them about their paths to EMURGO, their roles, and other questions to shed light on what it is like to work at EMURGO.

In this edition of “My Journey to EMURGO,” we speak with Desiree Danielson, an HR Manager with EMURGO.

At the bottom of the blog, you can also find out how to apply and join us at EMURGO.

Q&A with Desiree, an HR Manager at EMURGO

Tell us a little about yourself.

Desiree: Hi there! My name is Desiree, and I am an HR Manager at EMURGO based in Orange County, California.

Tell us about your professional background before EMURGO.

Desiree: Before enjoying my current collaboration with EMURGO, I worked for a Digital Marketing Agency based in Los Angeles. I was with them for almost three years as their Director of Operations and Team Culture Expert.

Working for a digital marketing agency was fun with new experiences and clients always coming in, but it was also very full of high-pressure deadlines and feeling as though you were on call 24/7 to make sure matters were handled successfully. Needless to say, there was no work-life balance.

Through EMURGO, I have been able to enjoy flexibility in a remote-based environment. It has enabled me to have a better balance between work and caring for my daughter.

Tell us about how you came to work at EMURGO and why you chose to work at EMURGO.

Desiree: After working with the digital marketing agency, I shifted gears into more HR matters as I grew with the agency. I fell in love with the role and how I could be a supportive and care factor figure for team members. As a result, I decided to find a new company where I could expand my skills and experience that aligned with my values and philosophy.

I was about to accept a position at another company when I received an invitation to interview with EMURGO, and that was it! I’ve enjoyed every step ever since.

How is working at EMURGO different compared to your previous companies?

Desiree: There is much more flexibility and autonomy, yet still the ability to collaborate with others. EMURGO is the first company where I get to work with team members who are located all over the world. It has been such an eye-opening experience as well as exciting to learn more about them and their different cultures. I wouldn’t trade these experiences for anything.

EMURGO is a founding entity of the Cardano blockchain, one of the largest decentralized blockchain networks in the industry. How has working in blockchain and Web3 benefited your career?

Desiree: It has opened my eyes further to what Web3 is really like. I came from a background that never exposed me to this industry and not only has it been fascinating but also a great learning experience.

Describe your best moment at EMURGO.

Desiree: I would say the best moment was when my team and I were able to get together for a Christmas holiday celebration last year. It was so neat to see them dressed up in their finest “ugly sweaters,” Santa ponchos, and reindeer glasses! We got to connect on a personal level and learn more about each other and our holiday traditions.

Any favorite perks or benefits about working at EMURGO?

Desiree: I enjoy that I can work remotely! Having a place in the workforce but also being a mom at the same time. My team is considerate and understanding that I am a parent. #Goteam!

I also love that I can gain more responsibilities and increase my knowledge and skills, not feeling stuck in the same day-to-day workload. Each day is new and I like that. I am so fortunate to love what I do every day!

Another favorite work benefit is that EMURGO has a “Visit-to-Learn” program where some of our global employees are given the opportunity to live and work from one of our international office locations for a set period of time. This gives them the chance to experience a new culture and meet co-workers face to face.

What advice would you give to those interested in working at EMURGO?

Desiree: We are a group of friendly, driven, challenging (in the best way), autonomous, and results-oriented people. If this speaks to you, then you would easily acclimate into the EMURGO family! Take a moment to check us out!

About EMURGO

EMURGO is a global blockchain technology solutions company with more than 100 employees (including remote workers) in locations around the world.

As a founding entity of the Cardano blockchain and its commercial arm, EMURGO leverages Cardano’s environmentally-friendly and decentralized blockchain technology to develop and offer Web3 solutions to solve industries’ most complex challenges.