What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?
Gratefulness, balance, and hard work. However, I would be amiss if I didn’t mention organization and communication. I have been known to color-code my vacation spreadsheets and communicate exhaustively, ensuring everyone involved with any plan is in the know. Foremost among these skills is staying focused in a dynamic, rapidly changing, and generally unpredictable environment – this is where I thrive. In this context, the key to success is to remain highly organized with consistent attention to detail, all while maintaining a positive and grateful results-oriented attitude, and not losing sight of the big picture with work and your personal life.
What led you to this career?
Funny you should ask. Prior to this job, I hadn’t ever considered this career, or even this industry. In years past, I have been an educator, a business owner, and a marketing and wholesale director. I have worked for public and private schools, non-profits, and a Yoga apparel company. And now I find myself at a National Hybrid-IT organization, something I could have never predicted. However, I’m enjoying my position and the industry immensely, notably due to our company culture. Without the tutelage of my co-workers and executives, the transition might have proven difficult, to say the least. However, with openness, the willingness to learn, and a supportive company culture, I have made leaps and bounds.
What’s the one thing that has surprised you about working at Involta?
The holistic human approach that Involta extends both internally as well as externally. In full transparency, I vowed never to work for a large corporation. It was against my ethos. From my viewpoint, I felt corporations would attain their revenue by any means possible, with each employee being treated as merely a number. Involta has drastically changed my perspective through its authentic connections with its customers. I have seen Involta turn away deals because we weren’t an excellent fit for the client. Plus, they care about us, the employees; I’m not a number … I’m recognized, listened to, and elevated through accolades of achievement.
What is your favorite hobby?
Yoga – I have actively practiced for close to three decades. I was certified as a teacher in 2010. I don’t currently teach, but I still look to strengthen my Yoga practice daily and hopefully return to instructing one day. Yoga is a great way to stretch and strengthen your body, focus your mind, and relax your soul, especially when dealing with our fast-pasted industry.
What is one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit of?
Drink more water. That’s it. I recently purchased a lid with a straw for my insulated water bottle, and it’s drastically assisting in the intake of the doctor’s recommended 3.7 liters daily.
What’s the one thing most people don’t know about you?
I perform Rope Dart Fire Dancing. For those who don’t know, a rope dart is a long rope (usually 3–5 meters or 10–16 feet) with a metal dart attached to one end. This was a weapon from Tang Dynasty, which allowed the user to throw the dart out at a long-range target and use the rope to pull it back. Don’t worry; I don’t have a metal dart attached to one end but rather a wick that is lit on fire. When I perform/dance, the method consists of twining, shooting, and retrieval, touching any joint such as foot, knee, elbow, and neck. Rope Dart is a new endeavor for this gal, but brings ridiculous joy into my life. As adults, we have forgotten how to play, and rope dart dancing allows me to do just that.