Staff Spotlight: Signe Steiner, Office Manager & Event Organizer

Get to know one of our ArcStone employees — Signe Steiner.

Where are you from?

Home is Minnesota. Honestly though I view the world as my home. 

I grew up in Mendota Heights and then went to Loyola University in Chicago for my undergrad. Initially I wanted to go into counseling, so a psychology degree made the most sense. That evolved to sociology, the study of human behavior which then transformed into a minor in sociology with a major in communications. What it comes down to is that I have a passion for people, our brains, our behaviors, and our interactions.

After graduating, I began work in Chicago’s West Loop where I fell in love with the energy of city life. After about a year I applied and accepted a position teaching English in Thailand. Arriving in Bangkok was overwhelming to say the least, but within a few weeks I started to feel at home. Everything was so intoxicating: the people, the food, and the culture. 

I love that feeling of adapting to a new environment. Whenever I experience a new place I try my best to step outside of my comfort zone. Talk to people, eat the food, walk the streets, learn the history & traditions and incorporate myself into the culture. This leaves me with a feeling of home wherever I travel.  

How did you land where you are today?  

I feel like I am an eternal optimist. When an opportunity arises, I jump on it. This is an interesting way to live because you have to trust yourself and your intuition. We are constantly evolving and I think this is an important thing to accept both professionally and personally. Being patient with ourselves. Never stop asking questions. Curiosity is key. Stay present. Empathize. As human beings we like to think that there is a plan we must live by but I try to go with the flow. Building roots is important but being open minded is as well. At the end of the day the most important thing is the relationships that we form along the way. It’s about the story.

My first taste of ArcStone was meeting David at a networking event. And, if you know David you know that he has this presence about him. Genuine and calm. After chatting with him for a while I had a strong feeling ArcStone would be the right fit. Here training and teaching are at the core of the company. We focus on creativity, connection and exploration. I was drawn to David and Lisa’s balanced approach. They truly incorporate service, craftsmanship, evolution, collaboration and happiness into this community. The energy at the office is unlike any other. I’m not sure how I got so lucky to work here, but I am so grateful! ArcStone to me embodies empowerment. Excited to see what is to come!

What is one thing you cannot resist?

Oiy vey! I can’t pick just one! Chocolate covered strawberries, warm French bread with brie, spicy tom yum soup, food, food, food, exploring delicious restaurants or bars, cute animals, the ocean, any opportunity to travel, adventure, snuggling up and watching a good movie, cooking, cooking shows, shoes, more specifically boots! The list goes on and on.

What is your greatest fear?

Tough. How deep do we want to get? Surface level: I am terrified of escalators. My knees buckle, but jumping out of a plane is no problem so I’m not sure how that works out. Deeper: family, friend or loved one dying.  

Where is your favorite place to be?

Three answers. In nature, but by water;  ocean, river, stream, puddle, whatever. My bed. And, last but not least in an airplane, high up in the clouds off to my next destination.

What is your biggest accomplishment to date?

Graduating from University was a huge one. I feel like this is a tough question for me. Every day is an accomplishment if I am learning new things and staying present, enjoying every moment.

What would you do for a career if you weren’t doing this?

A chef, an artist, or professional traveler. Is that a thing? Travel guide/agent.

Favorite line in a movie or Book?

“I’ll have what she’s having.” — When Harry Met Sally, 1989.  

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” — The Fox. From The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

“We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.” — Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Tell us something that might surprise us about you

My real name is Sögne, but I have gone by Signe my entire life. My grandmother wanted to name me after her grandmother. Still unclear about the spelling being Sögne or Søgne, but it is Norwegian! 

Cheers,

Signe Steiner// Office Manager & Events Organizer 
651.271.1744 | 2836 Lyndale Ave S #132, Minneapolis, MN 55408 | arcstone.com