Wow! July was a big Ryan milestone month for me: I celebrated my one year anniversary at Ryan, participated in my first Ryan Shares Day with my fellow Dallas Ryan co-workers at Feed My Starving Children, and wrapped it up with my first Ryan break where I took my kids to see beautiful Yellowstone and The Grand Tetons. Plus, today I celebrate six months as Chief People Officer!
This year has been fast and furious, full of ups and downs. During our overview session at FMSC, they discussed that while most kids dream of their future jobs or career, the children they serve just want to know where their next meal is going to come from and don’t have the luxury of dreaming that far into the future. During the event, the person next to me asked if I dreamed of being CPO. I laughed - but it was a humbling moment. The short answer is no. My dad always told me work hard and do your thing, don’t worry about the what other people get, you will show your value. (Note: I learned from a boss later it’s okay to share your success too).
I worked my tail off to get here but I never could have done it without amazing, intelligent and driven people around me. I am driven by competition (a true Ryan trait) and if I don’t know something I will learn it. Last week I was on a call and someone called me a quick study on things. I’m curious about it all - I want to know, I want to help, I want to grow but more than than just me I want everyone else around me to do the same. If you have worked with me even a little bit you probably have noticed that I like to go on tangents about why laws were written or why companies do things a certain way or what companies have the best this or that. Thank you all for listening, encouraging me, teaching me and even more so for those who gave me the confidence to turn my nerdy ways into a profession where my goal is pass on the knowledge and create opportunities.
Remember we all have been given powers, ask yourself regularly: “Did I use my powers for good today?” And if you have given your all, find your joy - sometimes mine comes in the form of a warm, straight from the oven, chocolate chip cookie :).
Professor at Western Michigan University
1moCongratulations! I hope you are doing well.