Q&A With Ashley Striebinger At Trouvex
An office can tell you a lot about a creator, and we stopped in our tracks when we noticed a mirrored Buddha and twinkling fairy lights in Ashley Striebinger’s cozy, one-person office at WeWork 42nd Street.
In The Desktop, we’re tracking down members in our community to discover what they keep on their desks, favorite tools, and workspace must-haves.
Executive Recruiting Firm Startups
Striebinger is the founder behind Trouvex, an executive recruiting firm. She followed an interesting path to consulting: starting out as an intern for Congressman Ben Cardin, giving makeovers as a makeup artist for Benefit Cosmetics, and dancing in a touring productions of Moscow State Ballet. She eventually found her calling in recruiting at Dynamics Search Partners by sourcing top talent in hedge funds and private equity industries. Now, she’s running her own company by providing quality candidates who are uniquely curated with specific organizations.
“I did the work from home thing for two weeks and my couch is just too damn comfortable. I just felt like my productivity was lacking relative to having a community and my own office.”
Mirrored Buddha
”I try to incorporate some Buddhist principles into my life. Having a visual reminder of stuff I believe in is really helpful for me throughout the day. He’s been with me for like fifteen years. I take him through all my offices—this is not Buddha’s first office.
I got into this when I took a world religions course at the University of Delaware. I didn’t know what I believed in at that time, and I think that I just resonated the most with the principles of Buddhism even though I was born Catholic. But for me it’s more of a belief, a way to live and to view where I am relative to everything in life.”
Glass Walls
“I have a lot of smattering of various notes on my wall because I am visual and old school when it comes to things like that. I like to see reminders of what needs to happen, what I’m in the middle of what I’m working on.”
Violin Painting
“This violin in the suitcase has been with me forever. So I play the violin, and I got that in Woodstock in upstate New York. I used to have a musical background and was part of a touring production with the Moscow State Ballet.”
Van Brunt Stillhouse Single Malt Whiskey
“If you’re trying to make friends, alcohol is always a good thing. I actually think it’s been helpful to go to another event, or another office here, and introduce myself and enjoy a drink.”
Moroccan Jewelry Holder
“This houses my rings when they annoy me during the workday. I went to Morocco a few years ago and it’s a magical, beautiful place. Everybody should go to a place that feels like a celebration. People there love living and there’s so much color incorporated into their personality and culture.”
Frozen ‘Anna’ Plastic Cup
“I drink most of my drinks out of my Frozen cup holder. The songs and the soundtrack are amazing and my nephews love the movie.”
Apple iPhone
“I don’t usually check my work phone at home unless something is time-sensitive. The key to keep from burning out is using two phones.”
Headset
“It’s just nice to have your hands free, like I’m one of the people who has the cross-over body bag instead of a shoulder bag. It’s easier for me to type, take notes, and do other things.”