Coupa Career Growth & Development

Describe your career journey so far. What skills and experiences have you acquired along the way that have helped you get to where you are now?

The economic downturn in 2008 forced my career to take an unexpected turn. I had to quickly pivot from my profession, earning new certifications and acquiring a wide range of skills to qualify for a different field. While this change was frustrating and intimidating, I was fortunate to have a strong foundation of underlying skills that made the transition possible.

With the support of mentors and friends, I learned to be more adaptable and flexible. This experience taught me the importance of enhancing my soft skills and focusing on building relationships, which are now key assets in my career.

What support did you receive from individuals or resources that helped you step into a leadership role?

I’ve had the privilege of working with and for some incredible leaders, both women and men, throughout my career. They taught me the importance of building strong relationships and focusing on my soft skills, which have been invaluable throughout my professional journey.

These leaders also equipped me with the tools and knowledge to become a great people manager and mentor. By partnering with my teams and creating a safe space for them to learn and grow, I’ve empowered them to manage up and provide valuable input that contributes to our collective success.

How do you encourage other women on your team to become leaders themselves? Are there any stories you can share that showcase how you’ve done this?

Encouraging other women to become leaders is a crucial part of building a strong, inclusive and thriving workplace.

I’ve found that one of the most effective ways to do this is by acting as both a mentor and a sponsor. As a mentor, I provide advice, guidance and support while actively advocating for other women on my team.

A key part of this is helping them build a professional network. Networking is vital for career advancement, but building meaningful connections can be challenging. As a leader, I try to help by making introductions and creating opportunities for them to connect with senior leaders and peers they otherwise might not meet.