Meet the work-from-home-mom who is implementing big changes at Linktree, being tasked with the important role of “making our culture world-class.”

Working from your kid’s playroom while balancing a toddler on your lap may be a lot for some to juggle, but Isa makes it look easy. Since joining five months ago as Linktree’s Global Head of People and Culture, the Sydney-based mom has created mental health plans, adopted a more inclusive mindset into product development—especially in response to the Black Lives Matter movement—and has made Linktree committed to being carbon neutral. All while scraping toys off her work desk and doing laundry.

With many exciting projects to come including developing a growth program for all employees, creating diversity mentorship opportunities and hiring for key global roles, Isa is an unstoppable force on a mission to enhance the “effervescent, bold, self-actualizing, curious, quirky” culture at Linktree. As someone who’s journey has involved saying, “yes—A LOT!,” we were keen to find out more.

What made you want to work at Linktree?

The founders are just so humble and thoughtful. Normally I can sense ego-centric founders a mile away, but these folks just seemed to be genuinely committed to building the best company culture out there. I think they’ve done a great job building the foundation for me to start. I liked that the team was still small, the opportunities bountiful and the kindness of each employee just so encouraging. Feel very lucky to have found my place.

How has the pandemic changed the way we work?

It has changed everything! Not just the way we work but how, where and why, too.

Companies have seen massive shifts in their workforce with global mobility grinding to a halt. There has been this moment of self-reflection amongst sourdough-making, cross-stitching, yoga-practicing colleagues that has forced employees to think hard about the purpose of work in their lives.

Employers who have truly and authentically listened to their employees before and during this time have adapted and created much better practices, cultures and policies as a result.

Thankfully, Linktree has been focused on distributed team members from the beginning, believing that folks can do their best work wherever they choose to be while providing flexibility in all forms to meet employees where they’re at. However, this can’t just happen. It has to be intentional, by design and thoughtful with constant pulse checks on how things are going.

What excites you most about the work you and your team do?

Challenging the status quo, making work life better, designing new things to ensure everyone can bring their best selves to life. We’re trying new things, breaking old things, all in the pursuit of making Linktree a place we are all proud to be part of.

You recently worked on a new parental leave policy. What made you decide to evolve our current one and what was the thought process that went into it?

We didn’t have one! Sad but true. It was one of the first big ticket items the founders asked me to tackle. Absolute no-brainer. It has been a joy to create something so impactful.

We looked around at other companies and thought these are only policies for time-off, when so many other moments matter as well; going on leave, returning and everything in between. We worked with a fantastic partner at the Workplace Edit—Gemma Sauders, who helped bring our vision to life. I’m really proud of what we created as a company.

Why should someone consider joining the team at Linktree?

If you have a natural bias toward action, are passionate about your areas of expertise, love to collaborate with others and solve interesting problems, then consider joining Linktree. I think about those folks in all industries who often have these traits—like to think big and bold—and how the wrong environment can be stifling.

What’s something surprising people don’t know about you?

I have 12 tattoos; my first date with my husband was sky-diving; I taught English in Japan for a year; unlike most of my colleagues, I don’t have a legit side-hustle. Waaaa.