Name: Annie Griffin

Official Title: Happiness & Operations Officer @ Manifest

Current Location: Brooklyn, NY

Birth Place: Toronto, CA

Twitter: @annielougriffin

Bio

No intro is never brief, but I will try! I am Mexican-Canadian and grew up the majority of my life in Los Angeles. I have always been attracted to creativity and media as I was surrounded by artists in LA, I just needed to search in what capacity I wanted to be involved. After university, on a whim and a prayer I moved to London to push myself out of my comfort zone-- I landed interning at Manifest London. I quickly realized I love being completely surrounded by creatives but that I definitely was more well suited to support on people teams and found my passion here as a Happiness Officer.

Now I am Happiness + Operations Officer at Manifest NYC and being part of this strong team and global agency inspires me daily. What exactly is this role? I am still figuring that out daily, but my undying goal is to make our office the happiest place to work. 

During my free time, I love reading, always finding the perfect tanning spot in the park...and yes I enjoy drinking in the city that never sleeps.

What makes you a boss?

I am empathetic. I think it is a quality I am very lucky to have and always try to use it in the best way. It takes me out of myself and focuses on the strengths and differences of others.

Proudest moment in your career AND personal life?

My proudest moment was probably getting hired by Manifest London a few years ago. I had picked up and left California with no plan except a determination to get a job I loved and I did. It was a risk that has changed my life.

In my proudest moment in my personal life was being the first one in my family to go to university.

Lowest point?

Having to plunge a toilet for someone else’s mess...because no one else would admit blame at work, in the middle of a meeting so I took action before the client noticed. I am not trying to be crass, but that was 100% my lowest point in my career.

Lowest personal point...do I want to divulge that?! One that comes to mind is when my computer crashed 30 minutes before a very important University deadline and I lost a 50 page document I had been working on for weeks. I drank wine in bed and played Tiny Dancer on repeat (do not know why that is my sad song).

Most famous quote?

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all!” -- Helen Keller. I loved this quote since I was a child, it stuck to me and made me question day by day if my life was an adventure, striving to make it one. Teaching me to jump into the deep end and not look back but forward.

Why should everyone have a #LadyTribe to lean on?

Because there is a connection that is ingrained in our biology and an understanding there that can support with such natural ease while giving the best constructive criticism.

What passion project are you working on right now?

I am a very slow decorator but I love interior decoration especially on a budget. I spend hours looking up designs to finish off my apartment. My living room is my next focus. But if you come to my apartment I will tell you how much I saved on every piece.

What's your next big move?

I think in the past my goal/big move was to end up in NYC. Making it here and also working for the agency that made me fall in love with PR is an absolute dream come true. Feels like it was just yesterday and I am a slow nester, so I guess my next move would be to situate myself fully and become a true New Yorker.

What is the hardest decision you've ever had to make?

When I was quite young I had to decide to forgive someone or hold on to anger. Holding on to anger was very tempting and I did it for a year, it is however I found out later the easier route. No one blamed me for holding this anger and resentment in, in fact people encouraged and told me I had a right to. I started to dislike my energy so I decided to forgive. I do feel happier for it. Deeper than I thought I would go, but that was the hardest decision.

Rapid Response Questions

Spirit Animal? Squirrel.

Why? Because I am (not have, but am) small with bursts of energy.

Favorite Color? Blue.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? Coffee.

Do you love yourself? Hell yes!

Share one piece of advice that you find most important with all the ladies out there working hard to make their dreams come true.

Never be afraid to follow your  instinct and when you know what you want go after it despite any and all obstacles.