She Leads – With Savanah Jackle
Name:
Savanah Jackle
Title:
Cox Enterprises
Advisory and Assurance Specialist
What would you tell your younger self?
I would tell my younger self that it is perfectly okay to not have everything figured out as far as life plans. Keeping an open mind and exploring all your interests and options is so important. I put a lot of pressure on myself to be locked into a career path as early as possible, and it caused me more stress than if I had just “gone with the flow” and followed where my heart took me.
What was your major in college and how did you get to the position you are in today?
My major in college was biomedical engineering. Medical school had been my plan for a long time. As I went throughout my classes, however, I found that I was more interested in the problem solving behind the engineering concepts than I was in becoming a doctor. I ended up sticking with engineering, and then went straight into my MBA after undergrad. The business skills I learned helped lead me to my consulting-oriented position at Cox. I get to apply both my undergrad and grad school knowledge everyday to help the business solve real problems.
What is your favorite quote?
“Never tell yourself you missed your chance. Never tell yourself that you aren’t good enough. You can do it. Whatever it is.” – Drew Forrester
What’s your favorite part of your job and why?
My favorite part of my job is that each day brings something new and different. My team’s work is project-based, so I gain experience in multiple different business arenas and topics, and have many different opportunities to network with others. I am someone who likes to stay busy and have lots of brain stimulation, so getting to switch up what I work on each day is great.
What is your favorite hobby?
Going jogging or for walks around cool spots in Atlanta! I love the Beltline area.
What advice do you want to give the next generation of women leaders?
Never forget that you have a seat at the table. Seek out opportunities where you can use your unique voice to drive real change and present innovative ideas. Find a career where you feel valued and invested in by those around you.
What’s your advice on mentoring?
Find someone who feels like a friend in addition to a mentor, and someone who makes you feel safe and accepted. Also, don’t be afraid to have more than one mentor! Mentoring relationships can take on many different forms, and it’s great to have support from all walks of life. Some of my mentoring relationships have been more formal, but others have been as simple as grabbing coffee every few weeks and catching up on life!
What’s your favorite ice cream?
Chocolate chip cookie dough!