Name
Mikal Smith
Where are you based?
Miami, FL
Job Title
Director, People & Talent
How long have you worked at AvantStay?
1 year, 5 months
How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field?
I help build the systems and processes to keep employees engaged!
How do you like to start your work day?
My NPR podcast, a little Beyoncé, and my skincare routine.
What teams do you collaborate the most with at work?
Legal and Finance, but what I love about my role is being able to partner with folks across every team in the business!
What is your favorite thing about working at AvantStay?
The trust I’ve been given in making a meaningful difference in the employee experience.
What advice would you give to someone looking to join your team?
Be prepared to get your hands dirty. The People & Talent team is highly collaborative and no job is too small!
Which AvantStay home is your favorite?
Twilight Vines – I stayed there for my 1st company offsite. I got to meet so many folks face-to-face when we’re otherwise remote, and had an awesome time collaborating live and getting to have some fun!
Give us a fun fact!
I’m the oldest of 11 children!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Big video game nerd! Right now, lots of Destiny 2 on PS5.
Before working at AvantStay, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I had a summer job collecting tolls on a bridge!
What is your favorite AvantStay memory?
Visiting new markets to help welcome new employees.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Examine what you tolerate.
What’s your favorite Slack channel?
#people-and-talent, of course!
What’s your favorite AvantStay employee perk?
A remote-first environment.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Medellin, Colombia! Photo from paragliding in a nearby town, Corconá:
