I'm from KCMO. I spent most of my summers in southwestern Missouri camping and enjoying lake life. I wakeboard, barefoot, and snow ski. I love geeking out on Marvel and DC Comics, and Star Wars. I love binge-watching TV shows. In fact, I met my husband on the set of a TV show. He was the double for the main character and I was editing the show on set. We struck up a casual conversation about bricks and we never looked back. I spent 8 years in NYC and we have just moved to Bentonville, AR. Most of all, I love traveling with my husband. We have been to Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Florence, Ireland, Cabo, Belize, and Grand Cayman. I also really love cooking and foodie culture. We focus on that when we travel. Most of my free time is spent growing my dog Rudy's Instagram channel. Shameless link: @Rudy_the_Irish_Setter Lastly, GO CHIEFS!
How did you get started in your career?
I became very interested in video production in junior high school and continued that passion through to college. I went to the University of Missouri for my bachelor's degree. After graduating I moved to NYC to work in film and television. I ended up taking a job at Molloy College on Long Island to have a normal work/life schedule. It ended up becoming one of the greatest opportunities of my life. I learned so much from my colleagues there and had the opportunity to mentor students within the media organization. My colleagues and I won a Telly Award for our documentary on Media Archaeology. I was encouraged by my boss to get my MBA in Marketing. After that, I pivoted to social media marketing and paid advertising. During COVID I took a remote position for a KC-based company that was building an ISP. I was there for a year. I ended up having a conversation with a friend about career goals and he introduced me to Parker.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
I have a few answers to this question.
My parents inspire me. They have taught me the value of hard work and how that can impact your life.
My husband inspires me every day. He is literally an idea machine. He never stops being creative and thinking of something new. I know I can always go to him when I feel stuck.
Finally, I’m inspired by Julia Child. I admire her never-ending passion to learn. She never gave up on her goals. She had a massive pivot later in life and was unafraid. Whenever I worry about something I re-read her book “My Life in France.” I even made a pilgrimage to her kitchen in the Smithsonian.
What is the best part of your job?
I love building this from the ground up, getting to be creative, and working with everyone here at Finotta. I have the opportunity to learn and I don't plan on taking that for granted.
What are you passionate about?
On the personal side: I am passionate about travel, spending time with my family and friends, and cooking. I've taken some deep dives down on true crime and Princess Diana conspiracies.
On the professional side: I am passionate about building creative teams. I'm so proud of my past students' success. I love being able to help someone on my team hit their goals and succeed on their terms.
Making it happen with limited resources. I'm also new to the fintech industry, so I had to put in the work early to learn something entirely new.
Again, I'm new to fintech, so I'm not sure about that, but I can talk about positive work cultures in general. I've had a lot of experience from film to my current position. I think finding an organization that aligns with your goals is the first step. But really as a manager, it is about truly supporting your people, being transparent with them, and holding yourself accountable. Trust is truly paramount amid the Great Resignation and employees hold all the cards. Culture falls apart with middle managers. True transparency is the key, and it is HARD.
First off, I do NOT believe in the concept of a dream job. I think a lot of people get trapped in the idea of the “dream job” and set themselves up for expectations that are never met. For example, you could end up working at your dream company, but be let down by the culture and the people that work there. I can’t tell you how many times that has happened.
Take the time for yourself to learn your own emotional intelligence. It is only bullsh*t when you don't start with yourself. Wisdom starts when you know yourself. It greatly impacts how you treat people around you and can help you process hard information.
Hubspot Academy
Later's Blog
Gary Vee (I kinda hate that I said that, but he is right most of the time.)
Social Media Examiner
Anything from Brene Brown
MasterClass
Books:
From Good to Great by Jim Collins
Lincoln on Leadership by Donald Phillips
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vee
Start with Why, Simon Sinek
Leaders Eat Last, Simon Sinek
Creating Magic: 10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney by Lee Cockerell
Non-Business Books: (Because you never know where you will get inspiration.)
The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Shadow of the Wind series by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Currently reading: The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski
What are some rules you live by?
The best lack conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.
-William Bulter Yeats
I believe that all anyone really wants in life is to sit in peace and eat a sandwich.
-Liz Lemon, aka Tina Fey
Expectation is the root of all heartache.
-William Shakespeare