SHE LEADS – with Sheila Banks

Job Title

Sr Manager Talent Acquisition, Cox Enterprises

What would you tell your younger self?

Love yourself first.  Stay the course, stay motivated and driven no matter what obstacles get in your way and you will achieve your goals.

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

My major was Child Development & Education.  For many years prior to my journey with Cox, I taught pre-k and ran preschools and child development centers both abroad and in the states.  I was referred to Cox by a parent of one of the students in our school.  I interviewed and accepted a position as an Admin Asst to our Senior Leadership then after a year, I was offered & accepted a role as a Recruiter.  I moved up over the years into the role I am in today. Lots of opportunities are available for career advancement with Cox.

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

My inspiration was always my mother!  She always believed in me and told me I could be and achieve whatever I wanted.  What helped me to become successful was believing in my own abilities (confidence), being humble, having integrity, patience and valuing others (leaders, employees, candidates, peers).  Success is being content, happy and satisfied with who you are, and continuously striving and challenging yourself to be the best person you can be. It is achieving true self-fulfillment so that I can feel happiness and peace of mind about my past, present and future situation.

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.

Maintaining balance is very important in order to fully be present in the moment.  I am very structured and organized which helps me to manage my schedule and stay focused on the tasks at hand.  I fully give all of my attention to my job while I am in the office so I am almost always able to fulfill my responsibilities during the 8 – 9 hours.  When I get home, all of my attention goes to my family that way when on occasion I have to work late or travel, my family does not feel deprived.  Being in leadership, my team and leader have my personal mobile number in cases of emergencies after hours and weekends. 🙂

What is your favorite quote?

On your journey of life, everything happens for a reason.

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

I love working with people and making a positive difference in others’ lives.

What is your favorite hobby?

Travel

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

Stay true to yourself and always remember you are a role model for other young women that follow behind you.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership to me is setting direction for both self and the team to do the right thing to move forward by creating an inspiring vision, and motivating and inspiring others to reach that vision/goal. It is also important to build strong personal relationships with each individual, however, to lead, one must give direct, honest feedback which is needed to help each of them develop.

What’s your favorite ice cream?

Chocolate