For the third time in my life, I am at a professional crossroad – a pivotal moment in my career where I face a significant transition. I am reviewing what is important – my personal goals, financial security, and long-term career aspirations.
I started my career in marketing and communications in Memphis and then moved to Little Rock. The first crossroad was when I relocated from Little Rock to Houston, where I transitioned from my role as the Marketing Director in Arkansas state government, supporting then Governor Bill Clinton, to Assistant Art Director at a magazine publishing company. Relationships at the magazine led me to Southern National Bank where my career progressed from Marketing to Human Resources. In my view, I was shifting from external communications and promotion of the company to internal. This move required stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the challenge of learning something new.
During this time, I learned HR and its connection to the business as it fosters a motivated, skilled, and engaged workforce that drives productivity and innovation. As the bank grew, I grew and transitioned from an individual contributor to leading and developing a team, ultimately becoming the Senior Vice President, HR. The bank was my first experience with M&A as I was a part of the management team that guided this small private bank through its transition to becoming a publicly traded company on the NYSE.
The second crossroad was when we sold SNB to Prosperity Bank. I took a couple of months for personal and professional development. At this fork in the road, I made the decision to take a professional step backwards to learn international HR as a Generalist at Veritas DGC. I learned and worked with incredible people. Thank you, Catherine Gillings, Elspeth Inglis, Mitzi Burkinshaw, Carol McBride, PHR, SHRM-CP and many others for not only expanding my knowledge but continuing to be friends and go-to professionals in my network today.
This path took me on a fabulous journey across more than 25 countries, working with incredible people and companies – CGG, Atwood Oceanics, Seabed Geosolutions and Stoller Agri to name a few. I enjoyed collaborating across international borders to engage culturally diverse teams, launch new initiatives and drive improved performance. I have been fortunate to work with great leadership teams to navigate growth, manage change and implement global people strategies.
From SNB to Stoller Agri, I helped lead M&A activity through due diligence to not only assess the company’s financial health, and operational efficiency, but also the cultural compatibility to ensure the most effective approach for a successful integration of the entities.
I spent the last year helping lead the HR Business team at TRC Companies as we built the HR Service Center in Hyderabad, India. Again, learning something new.
As I reflect on the early days of my career, I’m thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to challenge myself and take risks that, at the time, felt like the road less traveled. These experiences have made me who I am today.
I am now at another crossroad. I made the decision to take a pause to focus on what is important and enjoy life. During this pause, I am spending time with family and friends, focusing on self-reflection, putting my thoughts down on paper, appreciating the art of connections, and organizing my next steps to align with my purpose.
I have been able to spend quality time with my Dad, who is recovering from recent surgery. And many thanks to dear friends Stephan Midenet & Sandra Begu, as well as Patti Wilkie Proietti & Massimiliano Proietti for being great hosts and tour guides on my recent travels to France and Italy.
I know that the next road I embark on will be an exciting one. What’s coming next will come from thoughtful reflection and focusing on my purpose. Stay tuned for updates – this fork in the road will be just as exciting as the others!