At Work with Nick Erdogan

Nick Erdogan serves as Healthier Generation’s Senior Marketing Manager, Family Engagement based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Joining the Healthier Generation team nearly four years ago, Nick has been a key player in numerous successful campaign launches and is a master marketer. Coming from the corporate world, Nick says that he did not expect the impact Healthier Generation would have on his life. Inspired by Healthier Generation’s mission, this hardworking father of two works to ensure that he and his family are taking steps to live their healthiest lives. Read on to learn more about Nick. 

What inspired you to work for Healthier Generation? 

My experience prior to Healthier Generation came exclusively from the corporate, business-to-business world. I did marketing for a number of different brands within different industries, primarily oil and gas. I found myself unfulfilled with my role and looking for a change that led to a more meaningful impact in the world. After doing some searching, I found Healthier Generation and immediately knew I had come to the right place. As a new father, the mission of creating a healthier generation really stood out to me. Entering the non-profit space was a new challenge for me, but one I was ready to make and I am so glad that I did. It feels great to know my work is contributing to Healthier Generation’s mission. 

What does a typical work day look like for you? 

I am not a morning person at all, but as a father of two children under age five, I am usually dragged out of bed pretty early. I don’t drink coffee, so I find energy in the mornings by doing some stretching, eating a light breakfast, and taking my dog for a long walk around the neighborhood. Once the work day starts, I am at my desk for much of the day, either working on the computer or taking calls. I make a point of stepping away from my desk several times throughout the day, to stretch, stand, go for a walk or a run. Occasionally, I’ll work from a local cafe or at the park. Since I work from home, I try to get outside as much as I can and working in different environments.   

What are you working on right now that really excites you?  

I recently started this new role of Sr. Marketing Manager for our family engagement work. I‘m really excited to get to work on this new initiative, which is funded by Kohl’s. Kohl’s is helping us work with communities and bring new tools, training, and resources to empower families to live healthier lives at home. In this new role, I am collaborating with both my colleagues and Kohl’s staff to find new and creative ways to support families in their daily lives. I love being part of projects like this because it allows me to think outside the box and challenge myself to meet goals in an area that’s new, both for me and for Healthier Generation. 

What does working at Healthier Generation mean to you? 

Working at Healthier Generation has truly changed my life. I feel more fulfilled in my job; the culture of the organization is great; my work allows me to be creative and collaborative with my colleagues; and the work we do with kids around the country inspires me to be healthier every day. I regularly exercise, eat better, and take time for myself – things I did not do consistently before my time at Healthier Generation. 

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment (personal or professional)? 

I wish I had something more creative to offer here, but truly my greatest accomplishment is being the father of my two kids. They inspire me to work harder, and they keep me active (whether I’m in the mood or not). They’re even nice to me sometimes… 

At Healthier Generation, we place a lot of emphasis on work-life balance and living a healthy lifestyle. How do you maintain a healthy balance and “walk the talk?”  

My time at Healthier Generation has really inspired me to be more active and healthy, both from seeing the impact of our work and from seeing my colleagues. I walk my dog, Mr. Muffie, every day for several miles per day. I love to play tennis. My family and I take walks around the neighborhood several times per week. My wife and I love to visit our friends in Colorado and go hiking in the mountains. My goals over the next year are to invest in bikes for the whole family and to travel to new places. 

What do you enjoy the most about working at Healthier Generation? 

The people! I love my team. We are all so collaborative and willing to go above and beyond to support one another.  

How do you celebrate a healthy summer?  

During the summer, I make a point to be outside every single day. My family and I usually go to the beach a few times each summer. This summer, we’ll be visiting Destin, Florida for the first time. My wife and I love animals and we have started volunteering at some shelters this summer, as well.