Meet Ashley Pace: Project Manager, Public & Academic Partnerships
Life at Plotly: People & Culture Blog #10
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work at Plotly?
In this blog series, we will provide insight into the daily experiences of working at Plotly. We have interviewed team members from various departments, including Engineering, Customer Success and Solutions, Sales, and Professional Services, to give a comprehensive view of Plotly. Through these interviews, you will learn about the individual journeys of our team members at Plotly and their current roles and responsibilities within the organization.
Why did you choose to work at Plotly? What made us stand out?
Back when I did my master’s in journalism, interactive data storytelling was just entering this hot, rapidly expanding phase. So, I learned Python and Plotly.py. Years later, when I landed in Montreal, I saw an opportunity to join the exciting little company behind these tools I was passionate about. (We’re not so little now!)
In a few sentences, what do you do at Plotly?
I’m a project manager and my role has evolved with the company since 2018. I specialize in finding funding programs that add value for the company, from product R&D to workforce development, operations improvement to market expansion, and everything in between. As a project manager, I’m here to help my colleagues meet their goals by connecting them with the right programs and project management tools that will enable them to take ownership of their scope, cost and timeline.
What is your favorite Plotly memory?
On the very deadline day of a million-dollar grant application — the largest Plotly had ever sought at that time — I had a family medical emergency. Unquestioningly, my team told me to go and everyone jumped in to help. The submission went in on time and we were awarded the funding.
What makes Plotly unique?
As a software company: It’s our open-core business model. We’re a profitable company that also offers free, open-source software used in every sector, powering research and industry, giving people around the world faster, easier access to insights.
As an employer: It’s Plotly’s flexible and 100% remote work policies. Generally, the work culture values autonomy and knowledge-sharing, and folks are eager to strive together for better ways of connecting and getting things done.
What are your proudest accomplishments so far during your time at Plotly?
In the past five years, I’ve secured over two million dollars in grants and contributions, and helped get millions more through other programs. I’ve seen the company through many ups and downs, and I take a lot of pride in helping to keep the ship as steady as possible — especially in an innovative, scale-up environment where we’re often building the ship as we sail.
Do you have a mentor or role model? Who are they and what are they like?
My mentor worked as a project manager at the Montreal STM (the public transit system) for over 20 years. He’s experienced in dealing with large public systems, but he has also mentored several people in dynamic start-up settings, so he provides great perspective on how to adapt project management approaches for different situations.
Have you read, watched, or listened to anything recently that has really impacted you?
Reading is really important to me — I’ve read more than 20 books in the past year. I just finished Provenance and the Imperial Radch science fiction trilogy, both by Ann Leckie. She does some interesting things with narrative (the spaceships are characters!) and uses language to explore personhood and gender.
What would you say to someone who was considering Plotly as a place to work?
Plotly is growing. Growth means change and, with the right approach, opportunity. If you’re thinking of applying, consider this aspect of the work culture just as much as the job description. Know what you bring to the table, be willing to flow with changes, and you’ll find a team willing to help you get what you need to make an impact.
Interested in joining our team? View our open positions!
