A Road Less Traveled

People become administrative professionals for a multitude of reasons. Some of us are lucky enough to realize this line of work is the right choice early in our careers (hello to all my fellow type-A friends!). Others fall into this profession for one reason or another, and decide to stay and embrace it . Many, come into this field viewing these roles as a stepping stone to something that feels more fulfilling (or let's be honest, pays better and has a title that matches the job). There is no right or wrong path. It is our choices along the road that define the direction of our career. This month's blog highlights Ramona Hood, whose path led her to be the first African American woman to lead a FedEx operating company.

Back in June of this year, I was on vacation in Utah. I was sitting in a hotel room flipping through tv channels and landed on one of the news networks. A commercial came on the screen advertising FedEx. There was Hood, a dynamic and articulate individual whose first sentence on camera was recognizing that she had been a receptionist with Robert's Express that was later acquired by FedEx. Obviously, like my dog when she hears the words "wanta go on a walk?" my head tilted to the side and my ears perked up. Receptionist turned President and CEO you say? How exciting! I quickly wrote her name down in my journal adding her to my fabulous list of noteworthy admins. Flashforward to the last few weeks of me curating content and researching Ramona Hood whose story is pretty darn remarkable and very much worth sharing.

Her journey at FedEx began in 1991 where at 19 years old and at the time, a single mother to a daughter, needed a reliable job that had consistent hours and provided a steady paycheck. Hood, like many other admins find the 8 to 5 aspect of the job enticing, especially for those with young children at home. I can only imagine how difficult this time in her life must of been. Along with working, she was also a college student studying business management. Within five years, she had taken on other administrative titles, such as Administrative Assistant, working in different sections across the organization including operations, safety, sourcing, and sales and marketing. She also gave birth to her second daughter. I was inspired by Ramona's grit and tenacity to keep moving to the next level of her career.

In her interviews, Hood notes that her mom played a pivotal role in her life as she was a single mother who worked multiple jobs to take care of her family. She talks a lot about the importance of providing the best possible life for her daughters and setting the right example. That there is "No straight pathway to what you want." and to stay ambitious, because "Ambition fuels you with energy." to keep moving forward.

Today, as President and CEO of FedEx Custom Critical, she oversees a team of over 500 people who manage and coordinate shipments of raw materials and finished goods primarily for manufacturing clients and their customers across North America. Hood believes the key to her success is having a strategic mindset and a wide range of experience. I am sure her time as an administrative professional gave her great insight into many aspects of FedEx.

Hood speaks about having your own "Board of Directors". These are the people who are your support system and encourage your development. I love this idea! I encourage you, the reader, to consider who would be on your board. Who inspires you to be the best version of yourself? Who's on your speed dial to call when a challenge or conflict arises? Who can help you create a vision and direction for your career? Lean into those who serve on your board, and remember that you are never alone in your journey and that there are amazing women like Ramona Hood who serve as an inspiration for what is possible.