A Trek to Tech - Faceless Businesswoman #6

What is your Job Title?

Customer Success Partner for a marketing tech data hub.

Did you get a degree, and if so is it directly related to your field, if no, what is your degree in?

Yes, I have my degree. A B.A in theatre, with a minor in Economics - everyone always asked why - because it’s show BUSINESS baby!

How long have you worked in your industry?

Just over one year in tech, 8 months in this current role

How did you get started in your industry?

I started as an entry level BDR (Business Development Representative) aka entry entry entry level tech sales. I got into that company through friends and people I know, networking. It wasn’t working out so I moved on, and got into Customer Success which I love.

What do you wish people knew about your industry?

It is absolutely not as hard as it looks! Skills are transferable, don’t be afraid to shoot your shot.

What advice would you give someone looking for their place in your industry?

Absolutely emphasize your strengths and soft skills. It’s so important to highlight what you are good at - there really is only one YOU. You will be mightily surprised how effective your gifts are in ways you never knew.

What do you think are essential qualities for someone to possess if they are interested in working in your industry?

In Customer Success, I think it’s great to be an active and empathetic listener. Great with initiative and solution oriented.

What is the hardest part of your career/industry/job for you?

Learning all the ever changing technical aspects of both product and industry.

What is the most fun part of your career/industry/job for you?

I love meeting people, helping people, and being that bridge to get things done and make things happen.

If you could change one thing about your business/industry what would it be?

Representation matters!!! Women, POC, Intersectionality, DEI - there’s still a lot of work to do.

If you could do it all over again would you still want to end up where you are now?

Absolutely, and I’ve still got more to go!

If you could meet any businesswoman who would she be and why?

Probably Bozama Saint John. I love that she is unapologetically authentically HER in all ways.

What is the worst advice you've ever gotten, or in hindsight given? Did the advice hinder or embolden your advances?

Worst advice has to be to stick something out when it’s not working. If it’s not working - do NOT stick it out! Some things can’t - and aren’t meant to be “fixed.” If it’s for you, it will be always FOR You. Didn’t hinder me because I didn’t listen hahaha.

What does your typical daily schedule look like?

Well, I’m a mom. So depending on the day - being on a hybrid schedule whether or not I’m in the office. It’s wake up, shower / meditate, mom time. Then desk to check emails and check what’s on the calendar for the day. A mix of internal and client meetings. Really working hard on making time for lunch these days - and walks if working from home. Then back to mom life!

If I’m heading into the office it’s, wake up, mom life, then shower/ meditate when sitter arrives. Walk to the office and then the same afterwards!

What does work/life balance mean to you? And how do you personally achieve it?

Work life balance means being self aware, checking in with myself. Knowing my limits and boundaries well enough to know if I’m getting close, do not touch or go over them. Yoga, meditation, walks and lots and lots of cuddles. Remembering that you can be replaced at a job in a moments notice, and prioritizing self, family, friends above all else.

What does self care mean to you? How often do you take time for self care, or is it not important for you?

Self care is very important! I recently started making sure I mediate every day. I can tell the difference when I haven’t and whether or not I’ve checked in with myself and given myself a moment to breathe. I will be late even if it means everything has to stop so I can have a 1 min countdown to check in and breathe before I start my day.

I’m also big on bubble baths, lots of laughter with my little, and making time for my friends and family.

How do you show yourself care and compassion while ruling your world?

I think it’s as I mentioned, realizing that the world won’t end if I’ve prioritized myself. There’s so much pressure to be, present yourself a certain way or attain society’s life goals by a particular time frame. I think by going against the grain and focusing on the reality of my individual needs- that is self compassion, that is self care.

How often do you schedule time off and vacations?

Often. I am BIG on time off and clocking OUT! Lol. I know myself well enough to know the value of a day or half day. I use my sick time. I like to check out to be able to check in and be fully present when I’m working. Big fan of 4 day weekends for short pick me up regional trips to visit friends and fam.

What did you do for your last vacation or time off?

Last vacation I had my parents up from NYC to meet us in the Berkshires here in Massachusetts. It was a great 5 day trip, with BBQs, time spent by the pool, and a much needed family vacation of 3 generations.

Are you a life planner or do you let it go with the flow?

Ooooh, I like to have an outline, with goals that I’m aware can be flexible. Mainly the timeframe is flexible, but the goals are always there.

If a planner, what is the next goal you are going to hit?

I plan to be able to homeschool my daughter within the next 5 years. Travel around the country/world and have a much more flexible schedule / fully remote

What did you want to be when you were a child?

An actress.

If you could do it all over again would you still want to end up where you are now? If no, where do you wish you had gone?

Definitely want to end up where I am. I enjoyed my journey so far. Theatre major, time spent in hospitality and restaurants, dabbled as a leasing consultant / real estate and I’m happy to be in Tech.

What else would you like to share with us?

All things are possible.

Fun additional questions - lightning round style:

Favorite Book: Beloved, Toni Morrison

Favorite band/singer: Hanson will forever and always get me in a good mood

Favorite Hobby: Yoga or calligraphy

Favorite Food: Thai

Favorite Color: Purple

What’s the weirdest/funniest thing in your bag for work: Probably all my stress balls LOL

Secret Talent: Oh goodness, I don’t think I have one!

Best life hack: You know more than you think you know! But like, did you also know if you take a water bottle - fill it half way, lay it on its side in the freezer. You’ll still be able to fill the other half when you take it out - and it’ll keep cool. Also, ice trays are underrated- use them for EVOO & fresh herbs, or make coffee ice cubes for your iced coffee so they don’t get water down!

Something you do that other people would probably think is crazy:

NGAF… hahaha, hmmm I’m really thinking about joining a Polar Bear club! I LOVE the water so the idea of being in it year round sounds amazing Hahaha.