She Leads – With Drew Nelson
Name: Drew Nelson
Job Title: Senior Client Solutions Executive, CAI
What would you tell your younger self? Identify your passions and seek those that work in that space. Ask questions and determine how you can prosper in those areas.
What was your major in college? Marketing; I dealt with Manheim in my prior position and was looking for a change. I reached out to the hiring manager to advise of my interest and was offered the position.
What was your inspiration and what helped you become successful? How do you define success? Being successful is like happiness, you are the only person to decide that. Success is a feeling and a mindset, not a number. It is being satisfied with your track record of conducting yourself in a manner that you and the people around you can be proud of.
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. There is no such thing as 50/50 balance. You must be present where your feet are, so give 100% to work when you are there and be 100% focused on your family when with them.
What is your favorite quote? “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” Amelia Earhart
What’s your favorite part of your job and why? No 2 days are the same. The players are the same, but the game always is different.
What is your favorite hobby? Coaching baseball for my kids.
What advice do you want to give the next generation of women leaders? Be open to new ideas, but do not sacrifice your character and ethics for anyone or anything. Always be consistent.
What does leadership mean to you? Leadership is showing others what to do and how to do it with pride and good character. It is nothing to do with hierarchy.
What’s your advice on mentoring? Not everyone wants to be a mentor, whether it is time or lack of confidence in themselves. Ask questions in order to feel comfortable that they will give you good direction and advice to follow.
What’s your favorite ice cream? Mint chocolate chip…but let’s face it, there isn’t a flavor I’ve eaten that I would turn down!
Is there any other information that you think Girl Talk members would benefit from? Look for people that you admire or want to be more like, and ask to spend some time with them in order to learn.