SHE LEADS – with Pamela Kenyon
Job Title
Lead Software Test Engineer, Cox Automotive
What would you tell your younger self?
Be open-minded, purposeful, and a life-learner. You can find revelation in the most unlikely of places! There will be tough times, but choose joy and serve others over yourself. Know that you are loved. Also, buy stock in Apple and Google!
What was your major in college and how did you get to the position you are in today?
Computer Information Systems. I was a teenager that loved video games. Sure, it was nothing like the awesome games and gaming consoles we have today, but it was fun! Computing concepts always made sense to me, and when choosing a major computer information systems interested me the most. After gaining a role as a Systems Representative at a large personal investment firm, I was asked to lead a team for a large-scaled testing effort. I found that I really enjoyed test management! Since then, I have been a part of several engineering teams, across different companies, for both desktop and mobile platforms. I love it being a part of a software development team because we desire to ensure that our software solutions provide the best experience for our customers and users. And, we have a lot of fun at work!
What was your inspiration and what helped you become successful? How do you define success?
My father is my inspiration. He always expects the best from me, has always encouraged me, and most importantly…he has allowed me to make mistakes. Success is the philosophy of choosing the positive over the negative, options instead of regret, and being a servant leader whenever one can.
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.
People balance that?! Just kidding. It is a challenge, but choose what is important and make it important.
What is your favorite quote?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” –Maya Angelou
What’s your favorite part of your job and why?
My team, and the great stuff we create. We work hard, but we enjoy each other too. Team dynamics is so important, more important than some realize.
What is your favorite hobby?
I really enjoy reading historical fiction series books. I also enjoy learning Spanish and French.
What advice do you want to give the next generation of women leaders?
Be bold. Be strong. Find your voice, and use it! Don’t mistake that for some sort of cliché. I say what I mean, and mean what I say. You can as well. Trust yourself.
What does leadership mean to you?
An opportunity to use life lessons to inspire others, so they can be better and help someone else on their journey to greatness.
What’s your advice on mentoring?
Resolve to believe in them, without hesitation. Listen for the purpose of learning, and help them soar.
What’s your favorite ice cream?
Okay, so you might find this odd but I really love plain frozen yogurt. LOL! I also love Gold Medal Ribbon from Baskin Robbins. Nom nom!
Is there any other information that you think Girl Talk members would benefit from?
It’s okay to be yourself. Give yourself permission to love everything about yourself! Believe that you are awesome, and you WILL BE awesome. You don’t need anyone’s permission. Go and show the world what they are missing! Someone is always watching.