6 Lessons I’ve Learned from Work
It’s hard to believe that today marks six years since I joined PrecisionLender. It’s been quite the ride giving me a lot to be thankful for.
I’ve seen the company grow from under 20 employees to 150 employees and then be acquired by a publicly traded company (Q2). I’ve seen the platform grow from supporting community banks to enterprise banks across the globe. I’ve seen the people around me grow and flourish to new heights. I’ve seen myself grow and ultimately open my eyes to my purpose.
Through it all, I’ve gained valuable lessons that I will always keep with me for life’s journey.
1. It’s not what you do, but who you do it with
After spending close to 10 years in sports marketing traveling the NASCAR circuit, I took a hard right turn into banking software. It was a pretty drastic change. And come to find out, change can be good.
As Jim Rohn said,
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
Surround yourself with people you admire and that challenge you. Be part of a team where the highs and more importantly the lows, pull you together instead of apart.
2. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the better
If you mistake perfection over progress, you might miss the forest for the trees. There will always be another way or a different way. And while tomorrow’s plan or next week’s idea might be better, you can use what you learn today to make more informed decisions about tomorrow.
3. Find the givers, take care of the givers and be a giver
The givers are the doers – the trusted ones that get sh*t done. They don’t walk past a mess. They make every place better having been there.
For more on givers, matchers and takers, read here.
4. Purpose is powerful
In December 2018, I attended a Purpose to Impact workshop led by Nick Craig. Nick is the President of the Core Leadership Institute and author of Leading from Purpose. This program inspired and empowered me to new depths. Leading and living from my purpose has been where I have found more confidence and courage, read more here.
If you haven’t dug into your purpose, now is the time. From the Chinese proverb,
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.
5. Don’t stumble over being too humble
There is a time and a place for everything – including when to toot your own horn. Don’t prevent others from seeing and knowing your superpowers. We all have a light to shine.
And when you need help (because we’re human), raise your hand and ask.
6. Sometimes things fall apart so that better things can fall together
Saving the best (lesson) for last. When I showed up at PrecisionLender, I was coming out of one heck of a professional crucible story. It was a time where I felt pretty banged up and I wasn’t happy with that current version of myself. Working at PrecisionLender has made me not only a better co-worker, wife, daughter, friend - it’s made be a better human.
To all of the PrecisionLender team – thank you. Thank you for helping me see and become a better version of myself. Thank you for teaching me these lessons and so much more.
