Operations Manager
Texel Americas, Inc.
I started off in the science field; I have my Bachelors in Biochemistry and Master's in Public Health. Out of university, I started working in a national laboratory company in the US within a department that supports the US Department of Labor. I found the work to be very repetitive and nothing like I imagined when I went into university. So from there I started working in office management and operations for a small pharmaceutical intermediary company for years. I didn't feel fulfilled in that role either. Then I found a job opening for an Operations Manager for an insurance brokerage. I applied and got the job! There was a steep learning curve since I was completely new to the insurance industry, but I found the job to be engaging, stimulating, and exciting. In that role, I worked mainly in HR, broker support, IT support, and seeing after general business needs; various business and tax filings, taking care of all admin work that's not related to broking. When I started at Texel Americas, I was doing very similar roles but now I've expanded my expertise to finance and compliance as well.
Productive meetings in the morning, taking care of smaller tasks between morning and afternoon, and in the afternoon I then focus on larger projects. But as everyone knows, every day is different in operations which is what makes this job so exciting!
Honestly, just getting to where I am today. I'm lucky enough that my company shows me how much they appreciate what I contribute, and I am grateful for being a part of a team that can see that within me and value it. I've worked in so many other companies that absolutely just see me as another employee. Being able to fully shine in this role, having the freedom to take the lead on projects, being trusted to get my work done and done well, has really propelled me in my career.
I can hyperfocus quite well.
My to do list and calendar. I do keep various to do lists because I have ADHD, I absolutely need to be organized, otherwise I will forget everything.
Taking a breath, come up with a quick plan of attack, then put my head down and just get on with it.
Someone with empathy, expertise in their business, attention to detail, and the ability to problem solve effectively while still exudes calmness even under pressure.
Perhaps not controversial within the ops community, but I think we are all undervalued to a certain extent (whether acknowledgement or in pay) because we aren't in "revenue-generating" roles.
The fact that the community is getting bigger and more recognized as a real field!
Learn something new every day. Be open-minded. Recognize that change is inevitable and develop the resilience to adapt and thrive.