Here at Vested, we often say our team is our greatest asset. Our people are smart, passionate, involved, kind, funny, and interesting, and we want to share them with you! In our series Vested Interests, we’re spotlighting Vesties around the world, sharing what they’re reading, who they’re listening to, where they’re eating, and everything in between.
Today we hear from Ava Ekberg, Vested Senior Account Executive based in New York, NY.
What book are you reading? Or any recent favorites?
I’m wrapping up the summer reading Elin Hilderbrand’s Five Star Weekend – she has the best beach reads, plus I’m hearing that the Peacock adaptation is really good. But the books I always recommend are Lucy Foley’s The Guest List and Liz Moore’s God of the Woods – I couldn’t put either down!
What about newsletters, industry/work related or otherwise?
I have been loving The New York Times’ “Extra Credit” newsletter; it is a mixture of the top headline news across business, geopolitics, and pop culture in, you guessed it, a short format.
What podcasts are you listening to?
Good Hang by Amy Poehler, forever and always.
What industry trend are you paying closest attention to right now?
I’ve been fascinated not only by the rise of individual newsletters and Substack but also by their growing influence. In a time when newsrooms are getting shut down, it’s interesting to see a demand for writing and reporting in other forms.
Favorite outdoor activity, workout, or hobby?
I’ve recently gotten into biking and participated in the Pan-Mass Challenge this summer, riding 177 miles across Massachusetts and raising money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Before this, I could barely ride 10 miles in one go. So, it’s safe to say I’m officially a biker.
What’s your work superpower?
I aim to bring a positive attitude every day, no matter how challenging or chaotic the day becomes. Whether it’s cheering on my fellow Vesties for crushing a project or sending a meme to provide a laugh, I always try to find a way to make everyone’s day feel a little bit lighter!
Any restaurants (or cafes, coffee shops, etc.) that you’ve been to and loved? Local favorites?
I live in Hell’s Kitchen and daydream about the Chicken Parm Tempura at Sesamo.
How did you find your way to Vested?
I joined the Grad Program in 2023 after graduating from Seton Hall University! I’ve been so fortunate to start and grow my career at Vested, learning from both my incredible colleagues and clients.
What’s your go-to coffee order?
I’ve gone through the whole coffee life-cycle, and now, nothing makes me happier than a cup of hot black coffee each morning.
Do you have any hobbies or new skills you’re learning?
I love spending time cooking and trying new recipes; I’ve recently perfected a pesto sauce from scratch. Up next – homemade ice cream cake!
What’s your most-used emoji or Slack reaction?
🐬… if you know, then you know.
