Meet the Team: 11 Questions with Adriana Madera

When our clients come to Work Better, the first person they meet is Adriana Madera. As our Work Better veteran, who has been here for twelve of our 20 years, and the General Manager of our space, Adriana is your go-to person when you need support, recommendations, or just a casual conversation.

She plays a key role in making the Work Better experience an unforgettable one.

To help you get to know her a bit better, we asked Adriana 11 questions about her role, her life, her favorite things about our neighborhood, and her recommendations for places to visit in the area.

1. What’s your professional background?

Adriana: “Before joining Work Better, I was working in childcare. I was in an administrative role there as well as working with the children.

Eventually, I decided it was time for a change. I wanted to be around other people. I wanted to dress up for work and not go to work in sweatpants and a T-shirt. I had always wanted to work in an office.

So, that’s what I did.

I first started managing people about 14 years ago when I was promoted from a Customer Service Representative to an Assistant Manager. Since then, I’ve been in a managing position. I’ve been in the same field since then and with the same company.”

2. How did you come to be in your role at Work Better? 

“When I decided to start looking for a new job, I reached out to a temp agency looking for a receptionist role and I went through the whole process. 

They gave me a whole bunch of tests—typing, spelling, and things like that—and then they mentioned they had an available position just down the road from their office.

As luck would have it, the role was with Work Better. 

I decided to take the interview, I met with the manager, and we immediately built a great rapport. So, she sent me down here to Chelsea to meet with her supervisor and, a few days later, I took on a short-term role here. 

After three days, the team here offered me the job, and I jumped at the opportunity.”

3. Did you learn any lessons from childcare that are relevant to your work today? 

“Patience and calmness.

In my role at Work Better, I’m the go-to person for all of our clients.

Working in childcare taught me to stay calm, patient, and meticulous. I’m able to slow down, assess the situation, and find the solution we need.”

4. What does your day-to-day look like at Work Better?

“Every day is different, but I do have a routine.

I always start my day by walking around the center to make sure everything is up to par, seeing who is already in the office, and saying hello to everyone. 

Then I head to my office to attend to any emails or anything outstanding from the day before.

From there, my number one priority is to support our members with whatever they may need.” 

5. What is your favorite thing about your role? Which elements of your work are the most rewarding?

“Our clients are the best part of my job. 

Work Better is my second home and all my clients make me feel like I’m part of their families and businesses. 

They will come in and say hello in the morning and share stories about their lives and families. We build real bonds together. 

Many of my clients have had children and I’ve had the chance to see them grow up. Things like that are really special. 

Those friendships are definitely the most rewarding part of my job.

I also love that each day is different. There are new challenges that keep you on your toes and keep things fun. I never know what my work days are going to look like.” 

6. Do you have any favorite stories from your time at Work Better?

“I actually took a five-year hiatus from Work Better and, when I came back, I was welcomed with open arms.

It felt like I had never left.

There had been some changes and we had lots of new clients, but it felt like I’d been here the whole time.

I just felt like this was exactly where I needed to be. 

That story really speaks to what Work Better is all about.”

7. What do you want people to know about you?  

“I’m a very good communicator and I find it easy for me to relate to other people. I believe in treating others the way you would like to be treated.

Most importantly, I want our clients to know that I’m always available to help them and I’m happy to do so.”

8. What’s the best part about Chelsea as a neighborhood? 

“There’s so much history in Chelsea, including our building.

The building where Work Better now resides used to be an umbrella factory, and the exposed brick you see in our space is all original from that time. 

Chelsea is Manhattan’s art district. You can walk down the street and find a pop-up museum that you can check out for free. You can spend days in this area wandering art galleries that showcase work from established and emerging artists. 

One of my favorite places in Chelsea is The High Line—a park built on an abandoned elevated railroad track. There are also some incredible fashion shops.”

9. What’s a book, podcast, or resource you’ve found particularly valuable in your role or personal growth? 

“Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman.

The main message in the book is that our decision-making is influenced by two different thinking systems: fast, intuitive thinking and slow, deliberate thinking.

I found that concept really valuable, both personally and professionally.”

10. Can you share a personal hobby or interest that influences your approach to community management? 

“I enjoy planning events. 

I use this as a tool to build relationships with my members by hosting happy hours once a month. It’s a great opportunity for our clients to meet each other and see if they can be an asset to one another in their own business.

Beyond that, I also love being a connector. I really like introducing people within our space. 

That’s a big part of what makes Work Better such a great environment for professionals and businesses. There are so many opportunities to meet other like-minded people and this frequently leads to new partnerships or collaborations.” 

11. Do you have any recommendations for coffee shops, lunch spots, or after-work hangouts in Chelsea? Are there any hidden gems you’d recommend to members? 

“There’s a small coffee shop next door called Gotham Coffee. 

For lunch, I would recommend Bite NYC. It’s a little hidden gem on 22nd St and 6th Avenue.
And for after-work hangouts, there’s Vinyl Steakhouse right next door, Burger and Lobster, and Boqueria—a Spanish tapas restaurant.”

Are you looking for a flexible workspace experience unlike anything Manhattan has to offer? Then we invite you to get in touch with us or book a tour of Work Better today. Adriana would be thrilled to show you around.