[Framed]: Krystina Wilson, Managing Director, Chicago
[FRAMED] exists to shine light on Framestore’s most fascinating cast of characters: its people. Presented with a probing list of questions and a demandingly short deadline, this feature puts the hopes, dreams, and desktops of our MVPs on the digital wall, for all to see. Welcome to [FRAMED].
What are you guilty of?
Avoiding laundry at all costs. Subsequently, losing every matching sock I own.
What was your last brush with danger?
Sledding with toddlers.
Your last brush with greatness?
Hamilton, 5th row center at the Victoria Palace Theatre.
Your worst character fault?
As my husband would say: I’m not controlling, I’m ‘aggressively helpful.’
Your most shining quality?
Enthusiasm (!)
You’re on the run from the law, where are you headed?
Connemara, Ireland.
Who’s your partner-in-crime?
My 4 year old “mini me,” Isabella. I’d plan the operation, and her cuteness & charisma would allow us to get away with anything.
What’s your favourite movie/TV show and why?
The Birdcage. Why? Because Robin Williams + Nathan Lane + Gene Hackman + Hank Azaria. (Fun fact: My Roomba is named Agadore Spartacus.)
Your greatest achievement?
My children.
Most valuable skill?
Planning. Anything. A business plan. A vacation plan, and most importantly [see next question]…
Go on, say something bragging…
No one can party plan like I can party plan.
Name your pet peeve?
Vice = Perpetually overflowing laundry hamper
Pet Peeve = A poorly planned event (See the themes?)
The DREAM project would entail:
An immersive event on Broadway.
Your career highlight to date:
The successful launch and growth of the Framestore Chicago office. After being part of the launch of a few offices at various companies, I am most proud of the team I have built here, the work we have done and what we’ve accomplished together over the past 4 years.
What’s your current view?
To the right — my kids’ Playroom
To the left — My yard, covered in 2 feet of snow.
Above — My roof, dripping with 2 ft icicles.
Below — A rogue lego. A stuffie. One sock.
Give us a desk tour
An iMac. Framed pics of my family. College-ruled notebook. Light therapy lamp.
What do you need to work, on the daily?
A latte. Noise cancelling headphones. A good playlist. Essential oils. The CALM app.
Framestore is, to you, in three words:
Kind, forward-thinking, supportive.
Best thing about your work environment? (at home!)?
To be able to be physically present for the things I thought I’d “miss” because I was a working mom. Reading a book to my 1 year old between meetings. Watching my daughter’s soccer practice. Dropping my toddler off at school and still making it home in time for my first meeting of the day. Making dinner instead of “just being home in time.” Attending every doctor’s appointment… There are no words for the gratitude that I feel that I don’t have to miss these things, especially in the early years of their lives.
Favourite image:
Happiness looks like:
A healthy family. Sunshine & wine. Skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer….and being a Green Bay Packers season ticket holder.
What do you think of too often?
What’s coming next.
And not enough?
What’s happening in the moment.
Couldn’t live without:
Music. (In particular live music, hopefully someday again soon…)
If you r̶u̶l̶e̶d̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶w̶o̶r̶l̶d̶ had magical powers:
Dogs would live as long as humans.
How are you staying inspired by working remotely?
Podcasts, baking and cake decorating, lots of crafts.
How are you spending your weekends?
Outside — even in sub zero weather. Hiking, building snow forts with the kids…even making an Ice Bar on our patio! Fresh air makes a huge difference in my day, and getting your kids out in nature is one of the best things you can do for them.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about yourself during quarantine?
That honesty and vulnerability actually make you a more impactful and inspiring leader than always keeping a stiff upper lip and pretending things are ok.
Krystina Wilson, you’ve been [Framed]!
