Welcome to The Vital Life where we spotlight Vital Proteins® employees. This week, Director of Innovation, Katie Cote, gives us a look inside her remote workday.
Lively: Thanks for sharing your day with us! To kick things off, can you tell us about what you do at Vital Proteins and what you enjoy about your role?
Katie Cote: Thank you for having me! I am the Director of Innovation at Vital Proteins and I love what I get to do every day. The Innovation team is responsible for transforming ideas into delicious and nourishing products to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere, every day. Each product requires in depth upfront research, formula development in our lab, graphics and packaging design, and bringing the products to life in a manufacturing setting. We are responsible for creating consistent, safe, delicious, nourishing and beautiful consumer propositions to help everyone take control of their own personal wellness journey. What I enjoy most about my role is that I get to work with nearly every function in the business. No two days are the same and I work alongside the most driven, dynamic, creative and collaborative people in the industry!
L: Walk us through your morning routine – how has it changed (or not) since staying home?
KC: Some mornings, the first thing I think of is my steaming hot morning cup of coffee (shh, don't tell my family). I usually reach for one large cup of Vital Coffee Roasters, brewed strong, with two scoops of Collagen Peptides and a small scoop of Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer® in Mocha. It is truly the most vital start to the day! Since transitioning to working from home, I am able to slow my mornings down a bit and ease into the day by playing with my two babes, walking our dog and making breakfast. Throughout the workday, I am on many calls and Zoom meetings and for any one-on-one calls, I try to step outside and take a refreshing walk.
L: Where have you been getting inspiration for projects or tasks you might be working on throughout the day?
KC: I feel that inspiration is everywhere, if you allow yourself to see it! I tend to be very execution focused, so I do my best to allow some time for clear-headed, unplugged thinking throughout the day. Sometimes it is as easy as walking the 606, reading the news or a book, tasting new food or wine, talking to family and friends, and of course browsing Pinterest! As always though, I find inspiration in the people I work with. I have never worked harder or faster, and it is due to the people around me that push me to think differently, do differently and be open to continuous improvement for myself and for Vital.
L: Lunchtime! What's your plan?
KC: Some days it’s a healthy buddha bowl; some days it is my toddler’s leftover mac 'n' cheese. If my schedule allows, I take the time to step away from the screen and enjoy a quick meal with the family but usually, my fellow Zoom peers bear with me while I talk between bites.
L: You're hitting your mid-afternoon slump. How do you re-energize your afternoon?
KC: I always love me a little afternoon espresso but when I need some true wellness from within, my go-to is an ice-cold glass of water with Hydration** + Collagen in Lemon Lime. It is AMAZING! On rougher days, I break out Feeling Zen™!
Rapid-Fire Questions
Favorite Podcast? Innovation Uncovered and 60 Minutes
Favorite Workout? Peloton, Beachbody and Boho Beautiful Yoga on YouTube. All workouts are followed by Vital Performance™ RECOVER.
Binge-Worthy Show? I just started Curb Your Enthusiasm and loving it!
Favorite Vital Proteins product? Not only do I enjoy many of our products throughout the day, but I gladly wear Vital Proteins’ apparel as well! If you ever see a walking billboard, give me a shout-out!
