Shayla Ibanez
Project Manager
- Operations
JOINED HIRONS: 2025
Read our Q&A with Shayla Ibanez
HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN THE INDUSTRY?
Before working at an agency, I was working on the client side, and I enjoyed collaborating with our agency and loved what agency life offers. It’s an opportunity to work with so many industries, work with so many different types of people, and be a part of projects to be proud of and see come to life.
WHAT PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS DO YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE INDUSTRY?
The most important characteristics to carry in the industry are resourcefulness – you have to be willing to learn and find answers. I think it’s also critical to learn to work with all types of individuals and build genuine rapport and respect with your teammates.
OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE, WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES OR PASSIONS?
Outside of the office, I try to spend time outside with my husband and senior rescue dog. We’re big on hiking and camping. I’m also a sucker for a good reality TV show. And I love visiting local coffee shops and thrift stores to find affordable and fun work attire.
WHEN AND WHERE DO YOU HAVE YOUR BEST IDEAS?
My best ideas come when I’m out for a walk with my pup. Getting active and getting fresh air brings the best ideas!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TIME OF DAY?
My favorite time of day is the early morning, usually before the world wakes up. There’s something about a crisp morning, a warm cup of coffee, and playing New York Times Games to start the day. This is usually when I’m most productive, as well.
WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL PART OF YOUR JOB?
The most meaningful part of my job is knowing I get to make operational changes that ultimately make my teammates’ jobs easier.
DID YOU HAVE ANY UNUSUAL JOBS BEFORE WORKING AT HIRONS?
Maybe not necessarily unusual, but I have a lineup of some pretty interesting jobs that have shaped me. My first job was as a cashier at Arby’s, and I worked in restaurants, Starbucks, and Ben & Jerry’s through high school and college. In college, I also worked at the night desk at my building, so my hours were midnight to 3:30 am or 3:30 am to 7 am. I’ve also given away Mercedes at casinos, worked in marketing, quit my job at 24 to join a tech startup from the ground up, and built the digital marketing team for a baseball team. Lots of experience to create a well-rounded set of expertise.
WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU’RE PROUD OF, PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY?
In 2023, I bought an RV and hit the road to travel full-time for just over a year. We hit almost forty states, several national parks, and most importantly, learned so much about living with only what you need, and how important it is to get outside and get out of your comfort zone.
WHAT’S ONE QUOTE THAT DEFINES YOU?
“Come so far, miles to go.” In my internship, we were asked to write a six-word story about ourselves. I’ve always been a runner, and I’ve always felt like I wanted to get out and see everything. So, this quote recognizes how far I’ve come (in life, in traveling, in running), and that there are still miles to go.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT HIRONS?
I thought I’d never love working in an office again, but I love the Hirons office for many reasons. Not only is the office stunning and in a fantastic location downtown, but mostly I love getting the chance to be in person with my Hirons teammates.
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