Expert to Know: Emily Garner
What’s your backstory — how did you end up starting (or joining) an agency?
I joined Five Pack five years ago, but our history begins much earlier, QA testing for different projects back when they first started in 2008.
What was your first entrepreneurial moment as a kid or teen?
As a high school student, I began 'closet flipping' and grew to thousands of sales in a year. I shopped garage sales in prominent neighborhoods and sold through online platforms, shipping all across the US.
What’s a belief you’ve changed your mind about in the last 3 years?
I used to believe that competency covered any and all major work blockers, but now I know character has a massive part to play - this came through experience only.
When do you feel most energized at work?
I feel the most energized when I'm part of a new initiative, and the energy on the team is palpable.
What’s a day in your life really look like (no filters)?
I usually start with coffee! And then meet with our different c-suite meetings on department updates, brainstorm around blockers, and plan for the future.
What’s a personal ritual or habit you credit for your success?
Hard work, always pays off and attitude is everything.
What’s something people get wrong about you?
They assume I am too young - no such thing!
What do you do to recharge outside of work?
I love nature, lots of walks with my family and our dog.
What’s your definition of “success” right now?
It's more around setting goals and challenges, and growing as a team. Even if we fail, we're one step closer to the right way.
What makes your agency different from others in your space?
We absolutely value quality over quantity. We do things the right way, the first time.
What’s a principle or value your agency lives by?
Make the complex simple. We have the brain power and senior experience to architect simple solutions for complex problems.
How do you hire? What do you look for in people?
We are always on the lookout for good people, in terms of potential and fit. We make room for the right team members.
What’s a trend you’re betting on long-term?
AI can seem trendy, but it is absolutely changing the landscape of how we build software.
How do you prioritize growth vs. sustainability?
There are seasons of change, it takes strong leaders to recognize them and react accordingly.
Who’s one founder or operator you really admire — and why?
Indra Nooyi, for her ability to deeply integrate herself into research on any issue or challenge thrown her way.
What software or tool do you swear by?
For me, Figma, but I did graduate marketing in undergrad - could be why.
What’s one resource (book, podcast, etc.) that changed how you work?
Topgrading.
Remote, hybrid, or in-office — what’s your ideal setup and why?
We work in a hybrid setting, and I personally love having it both ways.
What’s your favorite thing about being in this industry?
Technology is in a wonderful era of change, I am still naive enough that it is exciting, rather than scary.
