A key part of being successful is loving what you do. I am passionate about my work, and i have a strong drive to do what is right and do it well. My work in talent management is about helping people reach their potential. I lead a proactive team that works on corporate initiatives to identify, develop, and deploy all levels of talent, including diverse employees, to help them perform to their highest capacity.
I began working in human resources at a medical device manufacturer right out of college. I was fortunate to have a mentor who instilled in me the fundamental values of being a good human resources professional. She taught me the importance of integrity and being able to inspire trust from colleagues as well as having a strong understanding of the business and the internal and external customers. She also taught me the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
I joined Ryder as a human resources manager in 1995. Over the years, I have grown professionally and have learned a lot about work-life balance and how to be a leader while maintaining a strong commitment to my family. I’ve had the privilege to lead exciting projects that have brought new technologies, processes, and initiatives to Ryder’s talent management program. My team has also developed a diversity and inclusion strategy that closely aligns our goals with the company’s business objectives.
I believe if you pursue your goals with energy, passion, and drive, and always have faith in yourself, you can be successful. It’s important to have a strong work ethic and a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. I am fortunate to work for a company that values hard work and is led by very talented people. I have learned from my boss and from our business leaders, and I have worked to emulate the skills that have made them successful. I have also learned that, even with all the technology used to communicate today, there is no substitute for face- to-face communication. That’s what builds strong relationships.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned as a woman and as a professional is the importance of being able to handle disagreements without taking them personally. At times, we have to take a tough stand and say things people may not want to hear. An effective professional should be able handle difficult communications without damaging relationships. My best advice to women aspiring to become corporate leaders is to pursue what you love with energy, and make your own path. Learn from your mistakes and use them as an opportunity to grow.
