![A few months back, CEO Richard Pattinson said in an interview that “the best managers are not always the people who would have flagged themselves as natural managers in the […]](png/chris-hassan-e1428329589757.png "A few months back, CEO Richard Pattinson said in an interview that “the best managers are not always the people who would have flagged themselves as natural managers in the […]")
A few months back, CEO Richard Pattinson said in an interview that “the best managers are not always the people who would have flagged themselves as natural managers in the beginning.”
One manager on our editorial floor, Chris Hassan, immediately comes to mind. Chris said he never pictured himself as a team lead, but he’s a natural. His writers have called him “the peanut butter and jelly of Brafton.”
The reason for Chris’s success – like a good PB&J – is a balance of contrasting qualities that blend perfectly: “Chris provides a perfect combination of tough editor and a softhearted manager.”
A Braftonian since 2010, Chris has risen through the ranks of our editorial department, starting first as a writer, and transitioning into a senior writer position before hitting his current role.
“I’m always amazed when I think about all I’ve learned and experienced over the course of my Brafton career,” he said. “As a news and content writer, I learned how to produce clean and direct writing. As a senior writer, I was able to take on more of a mentor role to new newer writers, which ultimately prepared me for my current managerial position.”
Learn more about Chris in our Brafton Q&A:
Q. As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Hm, in elementary school I remember telling someone I wanted to be a voice actor on cartoon shows.
Q. What do you think is the most important quality needed for success?
Passion is pretty essential, in my opinion. I can’t imagine living a life without passion. No matter what you care about, you need that drive to push you past the finish line.
Q. What do you value most in a job?
The ability to understand what I’m doing. You need to be in the appropriate line of work before there’s any chance of you being great at it.
Q. What is your most treasured possession?
I’m not too materialistic, but growing up, it was definitely this stuffed penguin I named Penguiy. As a kid, I made a series of films and comic books centered around this character (a talking penguin). So I suppose Penguiy is my “Rosebud.”
Q. Which day of the work week are you the most productive?
Monday. It’s also my healthiest day of the work week, before the salad lunch gives way to Five Guys.
Q. What’s your favorite aspect of your job?
The people I work with. Our days are always jam-packed with tasks, but those little moments where I get to learn about my co-workers or share a laugh with them make it all the more enjoyable.
Q. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I’m still too young to have a “greatest achievement,” but I’ll definitely let you know when I think I’ve got one!
Q. Have any “hidden talents”?
I’ve been told I do great Barack Obama and Woody Allen impressions. I also make films occasionally.
Q. If Brafton were a TV show, which character – from any sitcom, drama or reality show (of any time period) – would represent you?
Hm, I’ll stay humble and go with The Fonz from “Happy Days.” Ayyy!
Learn more about Brafton’s career opportunities here.
