#WFH Diaries: Peggy Dold of IberiaBank
As confinement continues in most parts of the world, we're checking in with creative people to see how they're faring. Here's an update from Peggy Dold, director of music at IberiaBank.
Give us a one-line bio of yourself.
I am a 20+ year music industry veteran who recently connected my music industry background with entertainment banking.
Where are you living right now, and who's with you?
I am in the greater Nashville area with husband Pat, Cookie Lyon Cat (a rescue manx named after the Taraji P. Hinson character on Empire), and Lulu (a rescue Maine Coon cat named after the British singer back in the 1970s).
What's your work situation like at the moment?
I have been working from my home office for 12 years, so have all that I need to get through this WFH comfortably. I multitask as I am toggling the bank's computer system/two monitors, my MacBook and my two iPhones. It may seem like a lot of devices, but everything has its function. Plus, I give thanks for the best commute ever.
Describe your socializing strategy.
I have been on a number of webinars, virtual conferences, etc., either as an attendee or as a speaker. I have "e-met" many new people, and have connected with them on LinkedIn, email and/or phone. Also, through these virtual connection opportunities, I have been able to positively help people I've never met with their current financial craziness.
How are you dealing with childcare?
Our cats have big personalities, are fearless and affectionate, and have been known to bomb more than one Zoom meeting. Nothing a little love (or food) can't handle.
What are you reading?
Up From the Cradle of Jazz, about New Orleans music since World War II, as well as catching up on issues of International Living.
What are you watching?
Finishing the Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries series on Acorn TV, just blew through Ozark (hello!), eager to return to the new season of Bosch, saying a final good-bye to Homeland, and awaiting the return of Billions.
What are you listening to?
Jazz Festing in Place on WWOZ (fantastic archival programming celebrating past Jazz Fest performances during this time of Jazz Fest shutdown); podcasts (Tim Ferris, Bob Lefsetz and more); and multiple playlists on Spotify. Music is a big word in my world that encompasses a broad global spectrum, so it's tough to narrow it down. Plus, our home always has classical radio on, so my day is peppered with music ranging from medieval music to reggatón, and from all centuries, countries, languages, formats, genres and in multiple ensemble configurations.
How are you staying fit?
I am a member of a U.S. Masters (swimming) club based in our community, but sadly, our 25-yard indoor pool has been closed since March 9. Therefore, I have been walking around the neighborhood.
In addition, the most surprising (but delightful) part of my "Covid fitness program" is that the ballet teacher with whom I studied 25 years ago in NYC is teaching Zoom ballet classes, which I have been attending. This adds a new element of crazy because I haven't done ballet in decades. As a result, I'm in fear of doing a plié and not being able to get up. (Not even the slightest exaggeration.)
Of course, most of us don't have a proper barre in our homes, so we're each trying to create a space that includes a mirror, a "barre" that is the right height, and a surface that is the right height upon which we can set the device we are using to watch the class. For my "barre" I'm using the walker my husband was given after his hip replacement a few months ago. The height is adjustable, it's sturdy, and if I go down and can't get back up, it's handy!
Have you taken up a hobby?
I've discovered a way to play bridge live with friends online (it's FUN!), and I'm lusting after one of those gorgeous jigsaw puzzles I keep seeing online ads for. I'm not a puzzle person, so that's a bit of a stretch, realistically, but they seem to be works of art—beautiful and captivating. I'm thinking about it.
Any tips for getting necessities?
Amazon.
An awkward moment since all this started.
My manx cat jumped up on my desk in front of my Macbook camera during a speakers' prep meeting for an online music tech conference. She has no tail and a fairly significant booty, so that was a little unexpected and a bit embarrassing as she paraded across my laptop camera for all 20+ panelists to see.
Best work email you got since all this started.
Notification that a new independent music client was approved in record time for the PPP. His business and the ability to pay his staff depended upon the funding, and I was thrilled the stars aligned for him to receive his money so quickly.
An aha! moment since all this started.
Very real concern that my normal work clothes may no longer fit as they should. If that's the case, I'll need to adjust consumption and activity so as to fit back into those clothes at some point (God willing) when we can meet IRL.
What's your theory on how this is going to play out?
WFH? At least 30 days more, maybe longer. Masks and gloves are our new normal, no doubt.
