Meet team Crayon: Elena Janssen
Helping employers support their people in the moments that matter — like parental leave — couldn’t be done without all the hard work behind the scenes. There are people who lend their expertise and experience to team Crayon that helps us deliver great programs, build quality relationships and practice what we preach.
Meet Elena, our “projects wrangler” as she calls it, a mum of two based in Wellington with some serious project management nous for whom Crayon’s mission is close to her heart.
What does your typical week at Crayon look like?
It really varies! As a working mum, I’m constantly juggling work with school drop-offs, pick-ups, and keeping family life on track. Luckily at Crayon, we focus on outcomes rather than clock-watching, so I have the flexibility to get my work done whenever it fits—whether that’s Monday morning or late on a Wednesday night. As our team’s project wrangler, I like to stay in the loop, so most days I kick things off by checking Slack to get a sense of what’s happening.
What was the most financially stressful event you’ve experienced so far?
Buying a house is wild—you’re making the biggest purchase of your life, and yet everyone tells you not to get emotionally attached. But honestly, how do you spend that kind of money without some emotional investment? It was a total roller coaster. After 20 years of renting, it’s a big psychological shift to realise you can’t just pick up and leave if things aren’t working out. Homeownership is definitely a privilege—but it’s also a pretty intimidating one.
What does financial wellbeing mean to you?
Being able to set aside some money for savings and investments after covering all my bills—and having a realistic plan for a retirement nest egg (don’t ask how that’s going right now; it’s a tough season!).
What are your top 2 values (in the Financial Baby Prep Program we always ask people to share these, because it helps us understand what’s important to them!)
Empathy and capability.
What’s your favourite part of the Financial Baby Prep Program?
I love the Spending Module—it’s where we dig into every dollar that leaves your pocket and figure out exactly where it’s going. It really helps you see if your spending lines up with what you actually care about, and it usually turns up a few spots where you can cut back and free up cash for things that matter more. There’s something oddly satisfying about seeing it all laid out in a spreadsheet. It can feel a little uncomfortable at first, but it’s super eye-opening and gives you clear steps to start making changes.
When did you start working with Crayon and how did you get on board?
Steph and I were introduced by a mutual friend (hi Kristen!) back in August 2023. I was just coming off maternity leave with my second baby and had a clear wish list: flexible part-time hours, meaningful work, and a great collaborator. It turned out to be a perfect match! I initially joined to help Steph [Crayon’s CEO and founder] develop some products she didn’t have the bandwidth for, and over time, the role has evolved to fully tap into my project management strengths.
What’s your favourite thing about working with Crayon?
Tough one! I love that we’re working on something close to my heart—helping parents navigate the financial challenges of starting a family. But honestly, my favourite part is the people I work with. I know, I know, it sounds cliché, but it’s true! I feel incredibly lucky to work with a team I’m truly compatible with and genuinely enjoy spending time with outside of work. Even with the 650km between us and the need to collaborate online, it’s just easy.
Find out more about what Crayon does
Take the financial stress out of parental leave with the Financial Baby Prep Program.
Through 1:1 financial coaching, Crayon helps employees prepare financially for parental leave—so they feel supported, confident, and return when they’re ready.
Now for the important legal part: The information we provide is general and not regulated financial advice for the purposes of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. Please seek independent legal, financial, tax or other advice in considering whether the content in this article is appropriate for your goals, situation or needs. The information in this article is current as at 4 April 2025.
