Happy Anniversary to Me!

Today I am celebrating 18 years of faithful service to GE and wow, what an amazing adventure!

Reflecting on these 18 years is a bit surreal. I began my career at GE Transportation in the services function and jumped into human resources a short 1 ? years later. With five businesses and seven homes in the rear view mirror, I am now in Houston with Baker Hughes, a GE Company, with a wonderful husband and 3 incredible children. It’s never easy; but what is truly easy that is worth doing? Like a marriage or having a child (or 2 or 3), every day is an adventure and a lot of tough work, sacrifice, selflessness and prayer. It’s so rewarding when you step back and really focus on personal & family accomplishments, assume the best intentions of everyone, and appreciate any and all success along the way.

In my wildest dreams, I never would have envisioned my life as it is today. I have had some incredible sponsors and mentors encouraging me along this path. If I let the little voice in the back of my head lead my path, I would still be in Erie, PA working 3 jobs just to get by.

So some advice from someone that began her career as a 22-year-old, shy, risk averse college graduate:

• Life is full of amazing adventure. Step out of the safe zone and experience it.
• Be a light for others. Be a mentor and share your story, authentically.
• Take every opportunity to stand out. (Scary, I know)
• Don’t question your ability or compare yourself to anyone. (Easier said than done, but critical to success)
• You don’t have to know everything, you just need to have enough confidence in yourself to figure it out. 
• NEVER let that little voice (or any person) tell you that you can’t. (Do not let someone else’s fear become your fear!)

Happy anniversary to me and to all those that don’t just let life happen to them but are truly living and experiencing it!