Shaina Miller // Senior Campaign Manager, Creative Director & Designer
Shaina Miller- Senior Campaign Manager, Creative Director, and Designer in a long-term contract with NSW Wildlife Council
Community and Background
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to the Berry community? How did you end up here and what attracted you to this community?
I’m an American who fell in love with a VERY Aussie surfer (he’s like a tradie Steve Irwin) and we are currently hovering around the Berry/Gerringong region trying to find our forever community. We’ve moved from Bundeena to Thirroul to Shellharbour and seem to be migrating further South to find a down-to-earth community for me and waves for him.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Tell us about your work. How and when did you decide to start it, and what motivated you to take the plunge into entrepreneurship or remote work?
I was working in exciting/high-stakes agencies in Sydney, and while I love the big energy and creative pressure, I was looking to have more autonomy around client choice and finding contracts in line with my values. I wake up excited to have really found my Ikigai*, bringing high impact creative direction and campaign management to the Wildlife sector.
* Editor’s Note: “Ikigai” is a Japanese concept that refers to something that gives a person a sense of purpose, a reason for living, or something that brings joy and fulfilment.
What does work-life balance look like for you? How do you manage the demands of work while ensuring time for family and personal life?
Hahahaha. What? Yes – some work-life balance would be great but with two toddlers and also a family building business, we struggle! But WorkLife and the ease of life in the Berry community with the help of our local daycare has been game changing.
In your industry, what recent disruptions or transitions have had the most significant impact on your business?
The NSW wildlife sector continues to carry the weight of the 2020 bushfires, and the pressure only intensifies as development expands. Our roads are increasingly dangerous for wildlife – currently the leading cause of rescues and orphaned joeys – and the burden on the dedicated, yet predominantly volunteer, network of rescuers, carers, and veterinarians grows heavier each day. Despite their tireless efforts, the sector remains critically underfunded and overstretched
In my role – and with NWC at a pivotal moment – we’re doing our best to approach these challenges with care, creativity, and thoughtful strategy. If you’d like to connect, show your support, or explore the resources on our Instagram, download and share our campaign materials, or reach out to learn how you can get involved visit @nswwildlifecouncil.
Personal Life
Outside of work, what are your hobbies and passions? How do you like to spend your time when you’re not focused on business or family?
Personal life! Lol. Maybe once a year I sneak in a trail run, a yoga session, some Buddhist meditation, reading big thick fantasy novels, listening to reggae music, and a few snowboard runs at Perisher. As a family, we love camping, bushwalking, and traveling for surf, snow, and all things Disney fandom.
Are there any books or podcasts you’ve found particularly inspiring or informative recently? Any recommendations for the WorkLife community?
Podcasts:
- The Telepathy Tapes (especially the “Talk Tracks” episode with Anna Breytenbach)
- Tara Brach (modern Buddhist content and application)
- The goop Podcast (great episode is “What’s Your Shadow Trying to Tell You?”)
Books: “The Girl with the Louding Voice” by Abi Daré. Truly beautiful West African novel with insight into the young female experience.
How do you maintain boundaries between work and personal life? Any top tips?
I’ve set new parameters around when I do and do not use my devices for work comms – which has been game changing with two beautiful toddlers who are eager to have my whole attention.
Design and Lifestyle
What is your taste like? Do you have a favourite item of furniture or object in your home? Anything that has special significance or tells a story about you?
We lean into the oddball travel-collector vibe, with items from all the places we’ve visited – tables from Bali, sculptures from the Dominican Republic, tchotchkes from the Middle East etc. Along with plenty of organic beauty from the outdoors brought inside — plants, rocks, shells.
Productivity and Time Management
What’s your go-to productivity hack? How do you stay organised and efficient, especially with multiple responsibilities?
With ADHD I struggle with hyper-focusing, like I’ve certainly spent more time than I anticipated on this fun interview… I have found great success with setting timers and giving myself 18min to do as much as I can on a task and then moving on. Another hack – daycare. One more – wrangling in-laws. Last one – asking for help.
Benefits of WorkLife Membership
Lastly, what’s been the most valuable aspect of being a member at WorkLife for you and your work?
I came to WorkLife for greater efficiency, which I have found. What I have been surprised to find is the joy, connection, and social community that feels like a big hug here at Berry WorkLife. I have made true friends, incredibly important and helpful collaborative relationships, and just feel uplevelled and fulfilled… something I didn’t know I was missing since working remote. Creativity is back in my life and better than ever. I’m grateful.
If you’d like to connect with Shaina you can find her on Linkedin, and check out all the incredible stuff that NSW Wildlife Council are doing here.
