TheBridge profile: Travis Considine

Name: Travis Considine

Current city: Austin, TX

Current job: Communications Manager, Uber

Past job: Press Secretary, Rick Perry

Q. Favorite spot for a coffee meeting : Jo's Coffee

Q. Describe one way how a skill you learned in a previous job helped you in your new job.: I managed an online forum for Meg Whitman's 2010 gubernatorial campaign in CA in which I responded to questions from voters about Meg's policy positions. That was my first experience serving in the capacity as a spokesperson, and helped me develop fundamental communication skills that I still use today. Whether it's a product or a candidate, a good spokesperson needs to be a great advocate in every environment -- someone who can make complex ideas and arguments accessible to everyone.

Q. Job advice in three words? : Don't be anti.

Q. How are you (or your company, org, nonprofit) currently bridging the gap between politics and tech?: The public affairs team I belong to focuses on building strong relationships with policymakers and press at the local level in cities and communities where we operate. The opportunity to have a conversation with an important stakeholder in person should never be taken for granted. 

Q: Last time I was completely unplugged? My honeymoon on the island of Pemba in the Indian Ocean.

Q: Best advice you've received? Never turn down an interview opportunity.

Q: How do you unwind after work? Beer League Hockey