Please describe your role at Wejungo.

Wejungo helps companies improve their hiring process & recruiting strategies. I am a client & talent manager heading up the executive recruiting division of our talent consulting firm. I partner with clients who are small to mid-sized companies throughout California to find the best talent for their leadership positions within the sales/marketing/operation functions.

What is most rewarding about your current job?

The most rewarding thing is knowing that I helped someone make a step up or forward in their career, whether I’ve helped them move towards their dream job, took them out of a toxic environment, or even just give them a fresh perspective on what’s out there right now. Career change can be scary, but it can also be fun when you least expect it. Additionally, helping companies grow their business by having the RIGHT people is super rewarding.

How did you get into recruiting?

It kinda fell into my lap. A good friend of mine took a leap of faith in me and recognized my background in hiring employees for numerous companies when I ran operations for them, as well as my ability to get others to talk and be engaged in companies. So, she hired me to take over the talent acquisition function at her company, where I built up that function from scratch. And I’ve been doing it ever since. I could listen to people’s career stories all day long. It’s never the same, and it’s intriguing to understand what motivates someone and how that changes as their lives change.

Where and how do you work best?

I can and have worked anywhere. But my top 3 places would be:

1. My quiet home (only after my kids are at school)

2. My car (at dance, soccer or the pickup line at school)

3. A bustling coffee shop

Bottom line, whoever I’m speaking with or whatever my task at hand is, has my 100% focus. I can’t and don’t like to be distracted.

What surprising lessons have you learned along the way?

This isn’t a surprise, but how a candidate presents him/herself in an interview is extremely telling and doesn’t change much in the process.

Details matter. EVERY Interaction and how you present yourself matters. At all levels. As we like to say at Wejungo: “Always do what is right, even if nobody is looking.”

What is a compliment you often hear from clients?

Often my clients say that they feel they are my only clients – which is a huge compliment because I strive to be very service-oriented by ensuring my clients feel taken care of and in good hands.

What is still your biggest challenge?

Humans are unpredictable. Life changes. Priorities change. It’s the nature of the beast.

Do you think women feel intimidated in business?

No, I don’t. And if they do, they shouldn’t. I’ve been fortunate to I know so many badass women in leadership positions. And when they have daughters, I love that even more because I know their fearlessness will be passed on.

Who are your biggest influencers? Who or what inspired you to do what you are doing now?

I am influenced by women who can do it all – juggle life, marriage, kids, and work (at home or in corporate). As far as whom I admire most though, it’s my dad. He is a lifelong learner and an amazing man that exudes love, patience, wisdom, generosity, and every positive word I can think of. He’s an amazing human being. He inspired me to do what I am doing now- doing a job I love in the corporate world after a long break from being a stay-at-home mom and wanting to switch and focus my career in a different area. My dad was with a company for his entire career and retired. He has since rejoined the workforce for 15 years since his retirement and is in a completely different role and industry, loving his work. That’s inspiring to me.

What is the best advice you have ever received and who was it from?

It’s not so much advice as it is a saying: “You are a product of your environment.” I’ve lived this since growing up in the South and moving to CA- huge culture shock. I had no idea what I didn’t know because the South is all I knew. The thoughts of those around you shape you.

This helps me with my work. I’m empathetic and compassionate, and it allows me to listen to candidates with an open-mind and truly listen. People want to be heard. I’m a very understanding person.

How do you achieve work-life balance?

My family is my priority. I’m lucky to work at Wejungo where we value employees’ lives outside of work. It’s actually encouraged. Me being able to walk away from my work and focus on having fun or take care of my family ultimately helps me to be better at my job when I’m working.

What has brought or given you the greatest satisfaction or fulfillment?

I get fulfillment by knowing that I’ve gone after everything I wanted to in life despite naysayers. I’ve put myself out there, not knowing I was as fearless as I was. I’m proud of that. I wanted to cheer on the best cheer team in the nation, so I did that. I wanted to pursue acting, so I did that. I gave it my all and was able to walk away from it knowing I gave it my best effort. I wanted to travel Europe, Asia, and the world. I’ve traveled to 20+ countries and counting. I’m not looking back at my life saying, “I wish I did that when I could have.” You only live once. Go for it.

What advice would you give women starting out in their careers?

I would tell women to be choosy and strategic. Don’t just say yes to any job. Make sure the fit is there – interview the company just as they are interviewing you because your time and talent are valuable.