SHE LEADS – with Angela Berry

Job Title

Senior Applications Analyst, Cox Enterprises

What would you tell your younger self?

Don’t waste not one minute of an opportunity to learn and to network.  Do it early; do it now!

What was your major in college and how did you get to the position you are in today?

My major was Technology Management/Project .Management.  Later I received a Masters in Human Resources.  Yes, I do have a position in my field of study

What was your inspiration and what helped you become successful? How do you define success?

I was inspired by very strong mentors; a CIO and a Senior Manager who kept pushing me to the next finish line.  I was a late bloomer as it relates to school, but they encouraged me to keep going.  My father was also a great support.  I had always promised him that what I started, I would finish!  That’s how he was.

How do you balance your work and personal life? Often times one has more importance, and we’re curious to know how you’ve handled the balance.

It’s not easy.  There are days when the work takes priority, and days when the family takes priority. On days when work takes priority, you have to compensate in the best way possible to connect with family.  If that means carryout, over cooking, then know that it’s the connection with family that is important. On days when family takes priority, then make sure that you have addressed your daily tasks or at least prioritized your “To Do” list at work.  Ask yourself, what can I delegate today to ensure that the work still gets done?  Who can I network with to share a task?  You have to be creative in order to balance work and personal life.  You won’t win at it every day.  When you don’t, don’t beat yourself up about it.  Ask yourself, what can I do differently?

What is your favorite quote?

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends…..John 15:13

What’s your favorite part of your job and why?

Interacting with the customer, to meet their needs.  I love knowing that I have met a need for them that helps them to work better, smarter, and easier.

What is your favorite hobby?

Spending time with my son.  Interior design and home make overs!  I love recreating spaces; making them new and comfortable. My son can get in on the action, and he’s good at helping me.

What advice do you want to give the next generation of women leaders?

You can be focused and be vigilant, but you can also be kind.  You don’t have to hurt people on your climb to the top.

What does leadership mean to you?

1. Intentionally doing the right thing, because it is the right thing to do.  2. Inspiring someone else to do the right thing especially when you don’t know they are watching!  3. Provoking a person to think, motivating individuals toward a common goal.

What’s your advice on mentoring?

Be transparent, be honest, and be a listener.  Not all mentoring is talking, sometimes it’s being a sounding board.

What’s your favorite ice cream?

Chocolate Almond!