Dalynn

GROUP CREATIVE DIRECTOR

What's your most unusual or impressive skill?: My most unusual skill is certainly not impressive. I can quickly memorize the words to pretty much anything that rhymes. Everything from songs I like to jingles for aluminum siding. Maybe I should get an iPod, huh?
What are your favorite books?: I enjoy reading just about anything, but my favorite book by far is Day Job by Jonathan Baird. It's like Office Space for book lovers.
What made you choose to work at Nestlé Purina?: I was excited by the idea of working on brands that I also buy. Our consumers have a real passion for their pets, and I can definitely relate to that. I am my own target consumer!
What motivates you to continue working at Nestlé Purina?: The opportunity to contribute on challenging projects alongside creative people who are truly a pleasure to work with has kept me at Nestlé Purina. I am never bored, because we are always looking for new ways to meet the needs of pets and the people who love them.
What has been the most advantageous opportunity provided to you at Nestlé Purina?: I have learned so much by being able to meet and listen to actual pet owners through our product research. I know why they love their pets as much as they do and why they are so careful about the choices they make about their pet's health and happiness.
What has been the most rewarding thing about working at Nestlé Purina?: I have been lucky enough to see brands like Purina ONE® and pet-centric.com grow and meet the needs of even more pet-loving consumers. It's rewarding to be involved with a brand from the very beginning. It takes so many people to make it happen, but bringing a big idea to market and seeing it fill a consumer need is a great feeling.
Describe your greatest experience with Nestlé Purina.: I would have to say that talking with literally hundreds of pet people who have taken the Purina ONE 30-Day Challenge and hearing how it has changed their pet's health for the better has been my greatest experience with Nestlé Purina. When someone really loves their pet and considers him or her a member or the family, you can hear it in their voice. And I always appreciate a chance to talk with pet people and hear about how one of our products helped make their pet healthier and improved life — for both of them!
What exciting projects have you worked on?: The launch of petcentric.com
The launch and continued execution of the Purina ONE 30-Day Challenge
The repositioning of Purina ONE (several times!)
The launch of Purina's first large breed puppy food (Purina® Puppy Chow® Large Breed Formula)
What has Nestlé Purina done to help you develop professionally or personally?: Nestlé Purina offers many online tools and in-person classes to help develop employees on a professional level. There are also many classes on a wide variety of interesting topics—from managing your health to your personal finances.
How has Nestlé Purina supported your work-life balance?: While the work at Nestlé Purina is very challenging, the management definitely respects my work-life balance. If there is a special project that I want to take ownership of and put my heart into, that's my call. But I also have the freedom to get help and make sure that an amazing end product doesn't mean an amazingly hectic schedule.
When you're out on the town, where are we most likely to run into you?: My favorite days consist of a trip to the bookstore, a long walk with my dogs and a visit to our neighborhood dog park.