The Journey of me to VP at TP

Disclaimer: This is the abridged version. To get the full story you'll have to buy my book.... someday :).

Prologue

They say that one's character is shaped by the company one keeps, and as I reflect on my over 13 years at TP, I am humbled and grateful for the incredible people who have supported me along the way. Today, I am thrilled to announce that I have accepted a promotion to the role of Vice President of Operations.

My journey with TP began in 2009, during a time of economic recovery.?I, like many other Americans, was unemployed.?I had been in the US Army by this point, had some schooling, obtained a pilot’s license, but I had not really identified my direction in life. It was through a friend at the gym that I learned of TP's hiring opportunity in N. Lauderdale, and despite a nine-week wait to hear back due to the high number of applicants, I was fortunate to join the team.

At the very start of my career at TP, I had the chance to work on a special project involving customer outreach, alongside a handful of other talented Teleperformers. The Supervisors were very busy at this time, so I stepped up as the de facto leader of the group, and our efforts were recognized by Terry Rybolt , who was the President of our division at the time. Soon after, I received my first promotion and took on the role of Supervisor.?This experience taught me the value of taking initiative and not waiting for others to assign tasks. It showed me that proactivity and self-motivation are qualities that get noticed.

Another pivotal opportunity arose shortly after, assisting with the launch of a new project working with a very large technology company. This project holds a special place in my heart as it was during this time that I met my talented and beautiful wife, Pier Jones . I also had the privilege of learning from Michael Friedland , known for his famous phrase "Know, don't think." This taught me the importance of thorough verification and attention to detail in all aspects of my work. It instilled in me the principle of "measure twice, cut once" and the significance of always confirming information, rather than assuming.

During my tenure as an Assistant Manager, I had the honor of working with Cesar Soliman , who has been a mentor, friend, and most trusted advisor to me. Cesar's wisdom and guidance have taught me the significance of building meaningful connections with people, projecting professionalism in all that I do, and embodying the qualities of a true leader. His reputation speaks for itself, and I am privileged to have had him as a mentor on my professional journey.

Also at this time I first met Adnan Khalid , who is a master at diagnosing and resolving complex issues in systems. Adnan's ability to see the big picture and provide invaluable perspective on challenging issues has helped me shift my mindset from the micro to the macro level, enabling me to view situations from a broader perspective and make more informed decisions.

The Main Course

Now, let me take you back to January 1st, 2012, when I assumed the role of CCM for Cesar, who had just been promoted to Boca Site Director. It was during this time that the “me” of today started to develop. I had the privilege of working closely with Rebecca Stauffer , a client and former Teleperformer, who had a profound impact on my career. Rebecca's guidance and coaching were instrumental in shaping my approach to business leadership.

During our early days, we faced significant performance challenges and received tough feedback in our weekly business reviews. However, instead of escalating the issues to my leadership, Rebecca took the time to mentor me personally. She showed me what we should be doing, how we should be presenting ourselves, and how to be effective in our business strategies. Her tough love and unwavering support made me a better leader, and I am truly grateful for all that she did for me.

Over the next six or seven years, I had the privilege of working with numerous exceptional leaders at TP across various verticals and areas of responsibility. Among them, a few stand out:

Miranda Collard and Bonnie Wortham taught me the importance of putting our employees' needs first and leading with a service-oriented mindset. Their "Service from the Heart" approach has proven to be invaluable, and I've seen how it pays back tenfold in employee engagement and business success.

From the countless sales visits and interactions with prospective clients, I learned the art of presenting our brand and highlighting TP's unique differentiators. I had the privilege of learning from the best, including: David Cook , Leslie Kornaker, MBA , Blair Frankenberg , Tim Phillips and Terry Casey . Their expertise and mentorship have been invaluable in shaping my sales and business development skills.

Jeff Gilbertson and Erez Fishman taught me the intricacies of financial management and how to identify opportunities to cut costs and increase revenue. Their insights and guidance have been crucial in driving profitability and growth for my team and the organization.

Anthony Canoso , Paul Colon , and Carl Bullock imparted their extensive knowledge of IT, helping me understand the nuances of technology and its impact on our business operations. Their expertise has been invaluable in navigating the ever-evolving IT landscape and making informed decisions.

William Fritcher , David Minkus and Athina Karahogitis exposed me to the global landscape of TP, as I had the privilege of being part of a global team striving to align and serve our clients as ONE TP. Their insights into global operations and strategies have been invaluable in driving success in our global business initiatives.

My brother from another mother, Luís Duarte , taught me about cultural nuances, navigating different markets and how to work together even when there's 7k miles between us

Jackie Buschur , from team GSD "Get Ish Done," showed me the power of taking ownership and driving results with a proactive and can-do attitude. Her philosophy of not waiting for permission, but rather seeking forgiveness, has empowered me to take calculated risks and drive change in my teams and the organization.

That brings me to Mr. Michael Lewis , the Baron of West Virginia. I have had the privilege of collaborating with Mike on various projects over the past 7-8 years, and his impact on me has been profound. Not only has he boosted my confidence, but he has also reinforced my belief that no barrier is insurmountable.?In the face of challenges that arise on a daily basis, Mike has consistently demonstrated his expertise in finding solutions.?He strikes a balance between firm and fair while also prioritizing the well-being of his team.

As I reflect on the past 3 years in this new world, I am humbled by the opportunity to lead two separate but equally extraordinary teams. These exceptional individuals have shown me the true power of stepping back and allowing their ingenuity to shine. It brings to mind one of my favorite quotes from General George S. Patton: "Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do, and they will surprise you with their ingenuity."?These teams truly embody the spirit of that mindset.

Epilogue

Why am I sharing all this with the interwebz?

Throughout my journey, I may not have been the most vocal or active participant in every call, but I have always been an attentive listener. These exceptional leaders I've had the privilege to work with have collectively imparted on me the knowledge and skills that have shaped me into the leader I am today. Their mentorship and guidance have been invaluable in my growth as a professional.

At times, we all need a reminder of the immense power we have to impact change. I take this responsibility seriously, and I am grateful for the opportunity to highlight these leaders today, perhaps in doing so reminding you how much change YOU can impart. They have not only had a profound impact on me but have also undoubtedly influenced countless others over the years. As a company that values its people, my story is a testament to our commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering environment.

As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the importance of leadership and the significance of each person's contribution to our collective success.

We ARE a people company, if my story doesn’t reflect that, I don’t know what does.

-Corey

#proud2betp #teleperformance #tpproud?#grateful