Get to know me in 8

1. Name and job title: Michelle (Shell) Allen, Digital Marketing Executive (Jacada).
2. Describe yourself in 3 words: Sociable, thoughtful and adventurous.
3. Favourite things to do in your spare time: I’m an avid photographer. When travelling, cultural portraits and wildlife are some of my favourite subjects. Back in the UK, I tend to shoot family portraits and even the odd wedding. Aside from that, I like getting outdoors, going for long countryside walks and have recently started running with the goal of completing a marathon by the end of the year (wish me luck)!
4. What talent/superpower would you love to have: I’d love to be a natural at picking up languages.
5. Favourite wild animal and why: I’m a big animal lover so it’s hard to choose just one. Elephants – I find their interactions across the matriarchy and how they collectively look out for their calves fascinating. Red pandas – they’re just adorable and have beautiful markings, I’d love to see one in the wild.
6. What is one thing that instantly makes your day brighter: The little things – catching up with friends, reading a good book with a cuppa and cat cuddles at my desk (any cat owner knows how much of a privilege this is).

7. An accomplishment that you are proud of: Embarking on my first solo trip was a big milestone for me as I am quite anxious and rarely holidayed beyond Spain or France. One day I threw myself in the deep end and booked a two-week trip to Bali (apparently, I don’t do things by halves). Fortunately, this was exactly what I needed to build my confidence. I have since travelled on more solo adventures and even spent time living in Australia.

8. Tell us one story/memory that you have while working at Wilderness: The Marketing team socials never fail to disappoint. In the short time I’ve been at Jacada we’ve had some pottery disasters, creative masterpieces and some questionable gingerbread houses. Seeing the results around my house is always a nice reminder (except for the gingerbread that I ate). Not only that, as a remote worker, I rarely travel into the office, but the warmth and friendliness of meeting my team and those in the office in person for the first time was like nowhere I’ve worked previously.