Anna Schmalzriedt

Customer Success Executive

Anna joined ISE in February, on the first day of build-up for ISE 2020. Her role involves liaising with exhibitors to ensure they have a successful ISE experience.

What is your favourite memory from a previous ISE show?

Although it’s difficult to choose just one, I would have to say that my favourite memory from last year’s show would have to be the ISE team party on Friday evening. After working so hard for two weeks straight, the whole ISE team got together to celebrate the success of the show and enjoy each other’s company. We danced, laughed and just had an amazing time. I love my team and am so grateful for the experiences that I’ve had working for ISE thus far.

Where would we usually find you outside of work?

Outside of work, your best bet would be to find me at the horse barn. When I am not working, I am generally spending time with my horse. His name is Talismán, which in Spanish, means good luck charm. I would definitely consider myself very lucky to have him!

What are your top tips for staying motivated during the current lockdown?

Take a shower! Joking, but not really. I think for me, getting into a routine of waking up and acting as if this is the normal situation has been the most crucial motivation for me. Also, making lists and checking off the items on my list tends to be very helpful for me. If I have a clear idea of what it is that I need to get done in a day, professionally or personally, I tend to be much more productive.

What are you reading right now?

I am currently reading a novel called Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. I have just started it, so we will see how it goes.

What are you currently watching?

Currently loving Grace and Frankie on Netflix. I never thought that I would like it, but I watched the first episode and couldn’t stop laughing. I would highly recommend giving it a go.

Do you have any pets?

I do! I have a Bichon Maltese named Cookie, a Bombay cat named Cleo, and as I have already mentioned, my horse’s name is Talismán.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what is the one thing that you would bring with you?

A helicopter!

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which three would you pick?

Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

When I was younger, I wanted to be a veterinarian because of my love for horses. I shadowed a family friend of mine for a day (who was an equine chiropractor) and she told me, do something you enjoy for work that makes you enough money to do the thing you love in your free time. If you make your passion or pastime your job, it no longer is enjoyable.

I took that to heart and decided to study business instead so that I could enjoy doing what I love, which is riding horses.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know about you.

I sang in a gospel choir in high school called Bridges to Harmony. It was the most amazing experience and I had the most incredible teacher. I will always cherish the years that I spent in Bridges and truly believe that it helped to shape who I am today.
I still sing, but now only in the shower or at karaoke.