Spectrum

I’m going on four years working at Spectrum News and it’s been quite the journey! I started as a Weekend Morning News Producer in 2016 and quickly rose through the ranks thanks to the support from my superiors. It’s exciting to be involved in driving dynamic, original content for Spectrum customers; including conceptualizing and producing Emmy Award Winning Town Halls, Documentaries, and Debates tailored to our community. None of this would’ve been possible without my leadership team who are committed to growing the next generation of journalists. I wholeheartedly appreciate their honest feedback, mentorship, and trust. I feel like my future with Spectrum Networks is limitless.

I have been in my current role for one year, having been promoted last year from a Director role in the same department. My experience at Spectrum totals nearly five years, and in that time I have held three roles primarily supporting the IT organization in the Procurement team. Collaborating with and supporting our Technology groups gives me first-hand visibility into the projects that continue to pave the way for Spectrum as the fastest-growing cable provider in the U.S. 

My degree is in chemistry, but I had learned early in my career that a laboratory environment just wasn’t for me. That scientific background came into play when I found my first procurement role, at a chemical company where I was able to apply my education and also acquire a range of new skills. Initially I wouldn’t have been sure how my background was going to be useful in the technology industry, but that procurement experience became the foundation of all of my subsequent roles and promotions, with my skills transferring successfully to the technology industry. 

I feel fortunate that I can support multiple lines of business at Spectrum, and that each one teaches me something new about the company, the technology, and how it all comes together to create success. Sitting in St. Louis with many of the IT leaders and their teams allows me to work on complex, strategic initiatives where I can deliver significant value and drive positive results for the business and my stakeholders. We’re part of an ever-changing telecommunications technology industry, and Spectrum’s offices are just as fast-paced and innovative, with limitless opportunities to interact with highly motivated professionals. We all strive to provide excellence to both our internal and external customers, and Spectrum has supported me through many programs in my desire to continue to grow into a great leader.

Volunteering and social responsibility are important to me, too. And they’re important to Spectrum, which has created a number of initiatives to support the communities where we and our customers live and work. Having those opportunities available through the company makes me feel good about working here, and it’s personally rewarding to be a part of those efforts.

If I were to give one piece of advice to other women, it’s this: Always be on the lookout for your next challenge. If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Even if you’re reviewing a job posting and don’t think you fit all the requirements, if you want it, you should go for it. 

I have been with Spectrum Enterprise for nearly five years. I started as a Sales Engineer and have been in my current management position for the last two years. I underestimated my qualifications when interviewing with Spectrum Enterprise, but I’ve found that I can truly flourish here. My role was new to the company when I first took it on, and it matches my strengths and skill set perfectly! The cross-functional interaction has brought me professional and personal growth. Within my first year I was promoted to Spectrum Enterprise Manager to run a Tier 3 Subject Matter Expert team in Unified Communication. 

I’m proud to be a woman leading an advanced, highly technical team. We support the Sales Engineering organization and Unified Communications for Spectrum Enterprise, providing clients all over the country with expert technical support and strategic consultations pre- and post-sales. To help them make the best decisions for their companies, we demonstrate a wide range of innovative Spectrum Enterprise services that can support their most complex technology and communications requirements, even—and especially—at scale. I am in a unique position that collaborates with Sales, Operations, Field Operations, process and program management, and Product teams to enhance Unified Communications in their own products and processes. I have regular opportunities to interact with these other teams and with our customers, which is always fulfilling. We offer the kind of support that drives improvements and efficiencies to both internal and external clients.

Spectrum Enterprise provides stability in an evolving market, and my team makes this an incredible place to come to work every day. The culture is so positive, and my team is full of driven, passionate, resilient people who really care about what we do. When you have a true passion for technology, like I do, it’s so rewarding being able to enhance clients’ working environments in ways only we can. It’s a great feeling knowing I can help these great companies reach their full potential through technology. And I love having a voice that is heard in a company of this size.

I see clear opportunities for professional growth here. Spectrum Enterprise seeks out and rewards motivated employees. I have leaders who believe in me, help me develop my talents, and who provide career development opportunities for my team. They empower us to succeed, in whatever direction we choose to pursue. It’s a company value to promote and develop talent within the organization, and I feel encouraged by upper leadership to grow professionally and personally.

Over the years, I have watched Spectrum Enterprise advance as a leader in technology and in the community. We have the opportunity to participate in programs like Spectrum Community Impact, where we can advance as leaders in our communities. It’s a great way to help our neighbors repair and improve their homes and neighborhoods.

If I were to leave you with one piece of advice, it’s this: Don’t give up on finding your forever career. When you find something to do that you love, it will never feel like a JOB.

I first came to Spectrum in 2002. In 2004 I took on my first Trainer role and have held a variety of Trainer and Training Leadership roles ever since, supporting nearly every different department in the Field Operations business unit and teaching topics ranging from technical skills to advanced leadership acumen. My last role before this was as a Training Manager for the Northwest Region of Charter, and I’ve been in my current role since June of 2019. 

I love that in this job and this company, I not only work with an amazing team, but also have the opportunity to serve so many of my fellow employees. In a Training organization, we are only as successful as the team members we’re supporting. The great thing is that we can actually see our successes when we look at the health of the organization and customer satisfaction.

In all of this time, one of the most unique or interesting aspects I have noticed of my role and of the greater organization is how quickly we are able to pivot while maintaining such a fast pace of work. We pride ourselves on being able to anticipate the needs of our customers, so when something new comes along we’re already prepared to respond nimbly to whatever they need. 

This may sound strange, but moving into my first leadership role—though it was definitely challenging—gave me the most opportunities to fail fast and learn quickly how to increase my effectiveness as an inspirational leader and coach. When first approached for that role many years ago, I told my manager that she shouldn’t even consider me because I wasn’t ready. In fact, I was! Through that experience I learned that we may never feel ready for the tough assignments, but in order to get into a space where we can grow, we have to experience some discomfort. 

My number one piece of advice is to women looking for new opportunities is this: Be bold! Be willing to try new things. Be fearless and confident in your authentic self and the value that you bring to any organization. When you wholeheartedly believe in yourself and your abilities, that confidence shines through during the interview process. You can make it happen!

I’m going on four years working at Spectrum News and it’s been quite the journey! I started as a Weekend Morning News Producer in 2016 and quickly rose through the ranks thanks to the support from my superiors. It’s exciting to be involved in driving dynamic, original content for Spectrum customers; including conceptualizing and producing Emmy Award Winning Town Halls, Documentaries, and Debates tailored to our community. None of this would’ve been possible without my leadership team who are committed to growing the next generation of journalists. I wholeheartedly appreciate their honest feedback, mentorship, and trust. I feel like my future with Spectrum Networks is limitless.