What inspired you to pursue a career in Head of Operations?
I never really envisioned myself in this role, as I originally studied Computer Science and spent most of my career working as an engineer. However, after joining Proto, I developed a strong connection to operations when I realized how much I could improve the company with automations and efficiencies. Through this role, I get to work closely with different teams, contribute to their success, and continuously learn from them as well.
Can you describe your role and responsibilities as a Head of Operations at Proto?
As Head of Operations at Proto, my role is to ensure that all aspects of the company's operations run smoothly and efficiently. This includes optimizing internal processes, aligning cross-functional teams, and implementing strategies that drive growth and scalability. I work closely with different departments and teams —such as Growth, Engineering, and Customer Experience—to identify challenges, streamline workflows, and enhance overall efficiency. Additionally, I focus on data-driven decision-making to improve performance, whether it's through refining operational strategies, improving resource allocation, or fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
What helps you get through particularly tough days at work?
I believe that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential. Outside of work, I make sure to take care of both my body and mind by practicing activities like Pilates, therapy, and maintaining a healthy diet. On particularly tough days, I also focus on reorganizing myself and tackling one task at a time. I find that winning small battles makes it much easier to stay motivated and push through challenges.
Walk us through your typical day at Proto. What’s that like?
My days are quite dynamic since Operations is involved in almost every initiative within the company. I usually start by organizing my priorities and tackling the most urgent tasks first. Some of my key responsibilities include guiding the Customer Experience (CX) team, ensuring that automations/operations run smoothly, and supporting different teams with data-driven insights to help steer strategic decisions. Every day brings new challenges, making the role both fast-paced and rewarding.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies?
I stay updated mainly through knowledge sharing within the team, especially from the company’s managers, who often introduce new tools and trends. I make it a habit to explore and test these technologies myself. Additionally, I’m always looking at what other companies are doing—benchmarking is my main source of insights. Observing industry trends and best practices helps me identify opportunities for improvement and innovation within our own operations.
What tools do you prefer to use in your development process?
I frequently use Zapier, Retool, Rippling, PandaDoc, and Notion to streamline operations and automate processes. Additionally, I rely on our own platform to manage various aspects of our work. These tools help improve efficiency, optimize workflows, and ensure smooth collaboration across teams.
Can you share a memorable moment or achievement in your Operations career?
I believe many people at Proto would say the same, but one of the most memorable moments for me was when we migrated from V2 to V3, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition for our clients. It was incredibly rewarding to be involved in every step of the process—from the technical migration of data to personally guiding each client through the transition. Seeing all of them successfully onboarded and actively using the new platform was a truly satisfying achievement.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in Operations?
For anyone starting in Operations, my biggest advice would be to embrace adaptability and problem-solving. Operations is at the core of a company, meaning you’ll deal with challenges across multiple teams and need to find solutions quickly. Be proactive in learning about different areas—from product and customer experience to finance and automation— a strong understanding of how everything connects will make you much more effective.
What’s one fun fact about you that people might be surprised to learn?
One fun fact about me is that I’m passionate about animals and have rescued several from the streets. In total, I have three dogs and two cats at home. Giving them a second chance and seeing them thrive has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life!
