Picture this: you land a dream job at one of the most important companies in the world… and then instead of meeting your new team in the office, it’s online from your couch. That’s exactly what happened to Leslie Pitterson, a communications executive who just joined Google in the midst of a pandemic. “Taking on a new role in this moment is a surreal blessing,” Leslie says. “I’ve joined a team of smart, emotionally-aware humans who love to laugh, too. That’s helped with the adjustment process for sure.”

Here’s how Leslie’s turning her “new girl” status into an opportunity for meaningful reflection and major success, even if it’s from a living room instead of a boardroom.

What’s it been like starting a new job in the midst of the pandemic?
Before I started at Google, I spent a few weeks offline adjusting to sheltering in place and caring for myself and the people I love. I grew up in a community of working-class black and brown families— immigrant families—and many of the people in my life have disproportionately taken a hit in this crisis. Taking enough time in between roles was important to feel that dissonance. There’s no way to fully reconcile it or solve for it alone.  I’m learning to sit with gratitude and loss and let them both be here.

What’s your job now? Has the role changed since you accepted it because of the pandemic?
I lead the [Google] PR team for our Ads Platforms & Publishers business, advising on strategic communications and managing media relations. Our technology creates an ad-supported online environment that benefits everyone from advertisers to publishers to users, allowing people around the world to have access to content and information. If anything, that’s even more critical now.

How do you prepare for work?
My mornings are intentionally super chill. I’ll have hot water and lemon and listen to a meditation—usually Tara Brach. I write an intention for the day and do a quick inbox / headline check. My apartment is in Harlem near Morningside Park and Central Park, so I get in cardio there and grab coffee on my way back.

What’s your work-from-home beauty routine?
Prep is simple: Neutrogena face wash, Aesop toner and Dr. Jart’s moisturizer. I mix Aveda Stress-Fix with Wild Growth hair oil for my hair. Then it’s Bobbi Brown brow pencil, mascara and lip balm.

What’s the best way for you to prep before meetings?
For the first couple hours of the morning, I block out time to draft planning and strategy docs. I read the newspaper and flag links to pieces and [themes] that can help inform what we’re working on. I stay connected with different reporters, and take in as much as I can from a cultural perspective beyond the business sections and trade [publications]. We’re one part of a much bigger story, and it’s good to keep that in mind.

Then what?
Meeting with our Product and Engineering teams is one of my favorite aspects of being in tech. Part of the reason I took on this role was to help translate technical specs into messages that resonate. I’m usually on calls until the afternoon, then I’ll pause to absorb it all and surface additional questions that come up. Starting in a new role and being in discussions where you aren’t the know-it-all can help to get you out of auto-pilot. There are moments where that can feel uncomfortable, but it’s a reminder that I’m growing.

What’s something you do outside of work that’s meaningful to you?
I serve as Chief Communications Officer on the board of directors for New York Women in Communications. Once a week, I meet with our team there on upcoming content and programming… We were founded in 1929, so we have a legacy of empowering women in pivotal moments. It’s fulfilling to be able to advance that mission and expand it to include more women of diverse backgrounds.

Fill in the blank: my go-to snack while I’m working is…
Frozen peaches + chocolate.

If someone wants your career path, what’s the first thing you’d recommend?
Dedicate time to learning how organizations work, and how power and influence work within them.