20 Years, Lessons Learned, and Gratitude Along the Way

Twenty years ago, I walked into a job fair in Riverside, California, newly engaged and unemployed, unsure of what the future held.? I interviewed for two positions, but both required working Sundays.? I stood my ground, and both hiring managers turned me down.? I left feeling defeated, eating what felt like my last meal at a Subway, wondering what came next.

Then, the phone rang.? A third opportunity – different from what I originally wanted but one that gave me a foot in the door, a paycheck, and the ability to finish my degree at night.? I’ll always be grateful to the hiring managers who saw something in me and passed my name along.? It’s a lesson I’ve carried with me: when I meet someone with potential, I do my best to connect them with the right opportunity, even if I don’t have a spot for them on my team.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work under leaders who shaped my approach to leadership – Kelly Duncan, Thomas Keefe , John Boyd , Gail Kodama , Jill Stark , Steve McGowan, Shelly King , Jack Francioni , Kristen Shumway , and Justin Lewis . Each had a different style, and from them, I learned the importance of balancing kindness with accountability, building trust, and leading with humility.\\

One leader, in particular, made a lasting impact – not because of a title or power, but because she was always in the trenches with her team.? No matter how high she climbed, she understood the frontline experience and made people feel heard.? That lesson stuck with me: leadership isn’t about knowing more than others – it’s about being present, listening, and helping other succeed.

Another moment that changed me was being told, “Stop being an account executive and start being a manager.”? It wasn’t in my first year as a manager that this truly sank in, but once it did, everything changed.? And when I was told I was “too nice,” it didn’t fully register until a boss explained how kindness and accountability aren’t opposites – they work together.

I’ve also learned that ethics in sales are tested often.? But over the years, I’ve found that keeping my priorities in order – what’s best for the company, then the team, then myself – has made those decisions clear.? Some have said this is why I haven’t climbed higher, but I’ve never had to worry about where I stand when it comes to ethics, and that peace of mind is something I wouldn’t trade.

Since May of 2009, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside my most tenured account executive, Jon Eudaly .? Through industry changes, challenges, and countless wins, he’s been a steady presence and a true professional.? His ability to build lasting customer relationships and his dedication to the work have been an incredible example to me and hundreds of his coworkers.? I’ve learned just as much from him as he has from me.

That said, I’ve been blessed to work with so many talented people over the years (in and out of my sales world), each bringing their own strengths, perspectives, and work ethic.? I’ve found that leadership isn’t about one person – it’s about the collective effort of a team, and I’m grateful for everyone I’ve had the chance to work with and learn from.

More than any title or milestone, I’m grateful for the life this job has helped me build.? When I started, I wasn’t married, didn’t have kids, and homeownership seemed impossible.? Now, I have a family, a home, and the ability to plan for the future.

This spring, I’ll finish my master’s degree – a full-circle moment from when I started, finishing my bachelor’s at night.? I don’t know what the next 20 years will bring, but I hope they include continued learning, growth, and opportunities to help others the way so many have helped me.

For those who have been part of this journey – whether as mentors, colleagues, or employees – thank you kindly!

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