Question: How did you get into that role?
Answer: I began working with The Greentree Group as a senior business advisor. That evolved into a role as the intelligent automation team manager and now I have the great opportunity to lead the Back To Business I.T. team as the operations manager. The Greentree Group creates awesome paths for career growth.
Q: What led you to this point in your career?
A: After 20 wonderful years working in the architectural world, I decided to pivot to a completely new industry. What a time this is for technology — so many amazing things are happening. What I have come to realize is that I love problem solving, process improvement and communicating. Connecting technical practitioners with business clients to create solutions is such a rewarding space. I truly admire and respect our colleagues and clients at Back To Business I.T. Having the opportunity to lead this team is an honor. I’m so excited about our future trajectory.
Q: Who are a couple of people you think of as your professional board of directors (the folks you go to for advice and support)?
A: I have been truly blessed in my professional life with wonderful mentors and supportive advisors. I am thankful for the Greenwood family and the core values they bring to the table on every decision. In the past 25 years, I’ve met so many brilliant people — colleagues and friends, old and new. They’ve all taught me so much.
My family has always been the greatest source of support. My parents, my siblings, my partner Aaron and our children are incredible gifts in my life. They are the best board of directors anyone could have.
Q: What is advice you have for women growing their careers?
A: Belong in the room you are in. Own the space and know your worth. Spend less time doubting yourself and more time taking risks. You are smarter than you think you are and more competent than you believe yourself to be. Choose to be positive about change. Set aside ego and stop fearing failure. Work hard. Lift up the people around you. Don’t give up any part of your goals because someone else tells you they aren’t possible. It’s okay to leave work at 4:30 so you can make it to football practice on time. Reach out to the many amazing women in this community for connection, support and empowerment — we are cheering for you and we want you to succeed.
Q: When you were a child, what career did you hope to have?
A: I wanted to be a newspaper reporter or possibly president of the United States. Things don’t always work out the way you plan. But wow am I grateful for the life I have and I look forward to all the exciting things ahead.
Q: Are you involved in any cohorts, boards, nonprofits?
A: Currently, I am a volunteer with the Sunshine Book Club and NPower. I’m also a member of the Dayton Executive Women’s Leadership Council through the Dayton Chamber of Commerce and a proud graduate of the Kettering Leadership Academy.
How to be featured
Are you a woman in business or know of one who would like to be featured here? Email details to mandy.gambrell@coxinc.com.