Stacey Kaiser

Cohort 2019, MCCN
The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Donor Stewardship Specialist

Please share a bit about your role and what a typical week looks like at your job?

I’m on the Donor Stewardship Team that’s housed within TNC’s Global Donor Relations department, and I’m in charge of building out a new-to-TNC donor stewardship program. A typical week for me involves a lot of strategy and program development. About half of my time is spent on zoom calls with colleagues from all over the world. The other half of my time is spent thinking creatively about how to engage our donors with the work TNC is doing across the globe, and mapping out the execution of those ideas.  

When it comes to best practices and distributed teams, what are some standout behaviors you’ve seen succeed?

Relationships are everything at TNC. About half, maybe more, of my zoom calls are more like virtual coffee chats vs. actual meetings. TNC is only successful as an organization if we all work together, so getting to know our colleagues on a personal level is highly encouraged by our leadership. Additionally, it’s built into every team’s budget to get together in person at least once a year. Our time spent in person is precious and usually includes a 50/50 split of working and getting outdoors in nature to “connect with our mission.”

What is something that most people get wrong about distributed teams? 

I think a lot of people tend to overlook how important team building is when you have a distributed team. While there is an immense amount of value from time spent in person with your colleagues, collaborating in a virtual space can also be incredibly productive as long as everyone is thoughtful and intentional with how their time is spent. I have so much gratitude for how mindful and thoughtful my team approaches our work and our time. It is very clear to all of us that we are all seen as individual people, and we have the psychological safety to show up as our whole selves, every single day. 

Distributed teams often connect on computer-mediated platforms. What are some of your favorite hacks to personalize the screen? 

For me, it’s more about what my physical space looks like! I typically don’t blur or use backgrounds when I’m on zoom calls. My physical space around my desk is set up in a way that showcases who I am as a person. My office also doubles as my gear room, so there are often snowboards, my stand up paddle board (SUP), or other outdoor gear rotating around behind me, along with art that I love. This opens the door for people to ask more personal questions and get to know one another. 

Finally, any last pieces of advice for people joining distributed teams for the first time? 

Be patient! Things tend to move just a little bit slower, especially if you’re spread across many different time zones. Embrace the down time and pursue other things while you’re waiting on something. Professional development is highly encouraged at TNC, so I’m often finding webinars and workshops to fill those voids. It’s a productive use of my time and helps further my career.