Hello! I’m Harper Luke, MurphyEpson’s newest Project Manager. I have a background in communications and project management. I’ve spent the last decade helping teams turn ideas into action across both the public and private sectors. Now, I’m thrilled to bring that same energy and strategic perspective to MurphyEpson!
One of the main reasons I wanted to join MurphyEpson was the kind of work this team does. We’re crucial in engagement, public affairs and communication projects that make a tangible difference all over the state and beyond, including in my own neighborhood of Clintonville. I've learned it's meaningful work, and I’m excited to approach every detail with the ME team!
And although this blog is coming to you live from my fifth day on the job, I can already tell this team is three things:
1. Sincere
2. Conscientious
3. People-centered
The very first thing I did on my first day (after grabbing a coffee, of course) was attend the weekly Work In Progress (WIP) meeting. This meeting involves everyone on the MurphyEpson team and gives everyone the opportunity to share updates.
Through this meeting, I was able to meet everyone I’ll be working with and learn about all our ongoing and upcoming projects. I also saw how they collaborate to ensure transparency and keep valuable work moving forward. My new teammates shared openly what was going well and where they need support. They offered to jump in and help without being asked. They celebrated one another’s wins and worked through challenges – always as a team. The team also laughed and shared fun life updates.
I left that meeting with the clear understanding that MurphyEpson has created an environment in which everyone can be sincere in who they are and the work they do. This allows us to continuously grow as a team and as individuals, guaranteeing that we’re always delivering high quality work to each of our clients.
I had one-on-one conversations with most of my teammates, and I found them to be hardworking, caring, dedicated, committed and diligent. But above all, they were conscientious. My teammates care deeply about one another. But they also care about what they do and make sure it’s done well. They approach each project and task with a strong focus and effort because they know the work’s importance.
I witnessed this in how we track project timelines, plan events and write. It is also clear in the way the team supports one another (when one person is heads down working to meet a deadline or out with a cold, the others step up to keep everything moving smoothly). The quality of the work always remains high.
They are sincere in how they approach work and they’re conscientious in their dedication to it. But I also have to say they’re a lot of fun.
My first day, shortly after that first Work In Progress (WIP) meeting, one of my teammates pulled a small and silly prank on another. If the Work In Progress (WIP) meeting was a good first impression of my new work environment, this joke and the positive way the team responded showcased our people-centered team. You can tell they’ve navigated the highs and lows of projects together. That camaraderie is so important.
Walking in, I felt welcomed, nurtured and valued. This team engages with one another respectfully and genuinely, chatting like old friends – whether it’s about upcoming deliverables or the best new show on Netflix. It’s obvious that everyone here is seen as a whole person with individual strengths that all come together to make this team great. It’s such a testament to the strong culture MurphyEpson has built that I could feel this on day one.
As I wrap up the first of many weeks as a MurphyEpson team member, I am feeling eager to dive deeper into project work and meet the high standard my new teammates have set.
I'm so excited to get to work!
