Meet Canan Karan, Project Manager in our Istanbul office! Canan supports our Creative team with her excellent organization and time management skills. When she’s not working, she can be found cheering on her favorite sports teams, getting a drink with friends, or playing with her adorable kitten. Get to know Canan in this week’s AdColonized feature!
What exactly does a Project Manager do at AdColony? What’s an average day like for you?
The first thing I do when I come to the office is check my email. I am working for both Brand (US) and Performance teams so I have lots of cases to check in the morning. I should be aware of the status of every project that we have, making sure that every project has been assigned to one of our designers and that we are keeping up with our timelines.
Tell us a little about your experiences prior to joining AdColony and how they have prepared you for your role here.
I was working for a production company based in Istanbul as a Producer. I had the chance to work with people with different roles while I was working there. Basically, I was responsible for organizing those roles and making sure that everything was going smoothly according to the timeline. So, my organization practices and working with different roles that I’ve learned there have helped me a lot here at AdColony. Getting used to working under strict deadlines was the key that helped me learn time management in both roles.
What makes AdColony the right fit for you?
AdColony’s culture is the perfect fit for me. This is a place where people know how to have fun and how to work efficiently at the same time. Working with such a young and dynamic team boosts you. I think having the opportunity to relax when you can is meaningful too.
AdColony values employee development. How do you keep growing and learning in what you do?
I’m always willing to learn new things and I feel like I have been learning and growing since I started working here. I’ve got a new perspective on creativity, I’m learning management programs, I’m improving my English, and I’m making lots of good friends around the world.
How do you act as a resource for the rest of your team?
I am a really detail-oriented and well-organized person so I think that I help my team find details that they might have missed to make their jobs easier.
Is there someone you turn to personally or professionally?
Professionally, Brian Janelli (Sr. Director, Creative) and Anna Su (Sr. Director, Performance Creative) have been there for me since day one. They taught me almost everything that I know right now and I really appreciate that. And personally, Lea is my “bestie” at the office and I know that I can count on her for everything. Outside of the office, I usually go to my family and close friends for any kind of advice.
What are your hobbies or activities that you look forward to doing on the weekends or after work?
I really cherish my friends and I enjoy almost everything I do with them, so on weekends I usually meet them for drinks. Everyone in the Turkey office probably knows this but I’m a huge fan of foosball and also football (soccer) so if my team has a game on the weekends, all of my friends know that I will be watching it and I can not do any activity with them until it finishes. I also enjoy being at home with my cat and I like to travel a lot if I can find the time for it.
Which app is keeping you engaged lately? Why?
Probably Spotify. I really enjoy listening to music while I’m traveling, and I also hate the “chewing gum” sound so it helps me a lot.
Tell us one or two fun facts about you.
I always eat pizza, burgers, fried chicken wings, and such using a lot of napkins and Lea always makes fun of me because of this :).
What is your favorite moment you’ve had with the AdColony team so far?
It was probably a month ago at the Creative Summit 2019 here in Istanbul. We went out every night and it was really nice getting to know the team in person. Also, it’s always fun spending time in our lounge at the Istanbul office as there is always something fun going on. People sometimes sing, play instruments, or just chill.
What are you listening to lately (music, podcasts, etc.)?
I’m obsessed with Ezhel and UFO381’s new album Lights Out these days.
What are you looking forward to most in the next 5 years?
I’m looking forward to seeing new places in the next few years.
About AdColonized
Each AdColonized feature shines a light on a different member of the AdColony team. From favorite apps and hobbies to fun facts, we cover it all! Who do you want to see on the next AdColonized? Tweet it to @AdColony. For the latest AdColony mobile news and updates, follow @AdColony on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or connect on Linkedin.
- Partner Spotlight: Kochava - January 7, 2021
- AdColonized: Getting to Know Chris Manibog - January 6, 2021
- AdColonized: Getting to Know Britany Scott - December 16, 2020
