Extremist: Toby Ellen

Name: Toby Ellen

I work in event production and planning at high end design studio based in NYC. I’m the Lead Producer and Director of Strategic Business Development

Q: What do you do on the daily?

A: I develop and conceptualize event aesthetic priorities for high end corporate, NFP and social clientele. I create milestone templates and guide for production imperatives; source and negotiate terms for enhancement vendors SOW. I also procure COI’s and related compliance docs for all participating vendors; manage load-in, installation and strike for production

Q: How long is your typical work day?

A: There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ work day! Generally my day lasts 10-12 hours.

Q: Do you prefer to workout before work, during lunch, or after work, and why?

A: I prefer to workout before my workday begins- fresh start and clear focus. I spin, do hot yoga, Pilates, weight training, boxing, tennis, and outdoor cycling, when in season.

Q: Have you always been a “fit” person or did something change to make you more fitness conscious?

A: I have always been interested in staying fit. 20 years ago when I had my first child, it became a greater priority for energy levels and general fitness.

Q: Fitness low point:

A: My low point was breaking my ankle. I was 8 months pregnant with my second child, and I was grounded for 6 months.

Q: Fitness high point:

A: My personal high point was training for my first Avon Breast Cancer Walk. The walk happens in October, so we began training in May. We had a team of 10 that banded together to raise a large sum of money. Everyone was at different fitness levels. We started with 2 mile walks and worked our way up to 30 miles per week. By October we were ready to go.

Q: What did you learn from ether of these points in your life?

A: I learned that feeling strong and healthy is more important than what the scale reads on any particular day, and that modeling a consistent passion and awareness of healthy mindful eating, sports and fitness is one of many important values to share with and teach your kids.

“Making the decision to prioritize fitness is a crazy endeavor!”

Be FIT. Be Productive. Be Jōbu.

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