Here's what I believe.
LET'S TALK PHILOSOPHY
Automation and AI are two of the most powerful partners you have. That doesn't mean that you should remove human intervention from every process.
My rule of thumb: use it as a starting point or an ending point — not both.
(Also no, I will not get rid of my em dashes.)
Not everything should be automated or powered by AI.
Even if your business is small, that doesn't mean you don't need any systems. Mess scales more mess.
Processes and flexibility aren't mutually exclusive.
Yes, even if you're in the early stages — and yes, even if you're changing quickly. Obviously, no one wants to spend time documenting processes just for them to become outdated.
The problem is, if that's your reason for not documenting anything, you'll likely wait way too long to start.
Documentation isn't just about processes. It's about knowing, not assuming, that everyone is on the same page.
Documentation will save you (as long as it's reliable).
If you're trying to reach new heights, a generalist is your key.
I've worked in drastically different industries, for profit and non-profit, among 3 employees and among thousands, in front of customers and behind the scenes. Basically, my problem solving toolkit is overflowing.
No two problems are the same, so my strategies won't be either.
Generalists are masters at creative problem solving.
How something looks and how it's presented will directly impact how your customers feel and what assumptions they make about you.
Presentation matters.
I know it's tempting to cut down your tech stack as much as possible. Fewer tabs open sounds nice. What happens too often, though, is that platforms try to do too much and end up doing a lot of things just okay instead of doing a few things really well.
(Yes, I recognize the irony of promoting the power of generalists, and then advising you not to purchase a “jack of all trades” platform.)
All-in-one platforms are not always the right choice.
It's rare to meet someone who combines efficiency, insight, and initiative so seamlessly. I knew within minutes she was someone I wanted on my team.
KATIE KELLER,
FORMER MANAGER
The team and role she helped me build at Trainual wouldn't have had the high internal value and respect without her. I'd work with her again in a heartbeat.
BRADFORD JONES,
FORMER MANAGER
She is the type of leader who communicates clearly, advocates for her team, and builds trust effortlessly. It's no surprise that everyone loves working with her.
ALI SEMPEK,
FORMER DIRECT REPORT
She helped us build our entire customer onboarding playbook from scratch. She is hard working, smart, collaborative, and highly effective - all the right attributes for an A+ employee.
ADAM LOVILL,
FORMER MANAGER
She struck the perfect balance of providing guidance while trusting us to take ownership, which made me feel both supported and empowered.
CODY WILLIAMS,
FORMER DIRECT REPORT
[She] was pivotal for the success of Salesforce in our Business Development team. Her ability to problem solve and deliver business solutions helped elevate the entire team.
RUBEN ORTIZ,
FORMER COLLEAGUE
Here's what else you should know.
SO, ARE WE A GOOD FIT?
I will adapt to your preferred communication style, but until we establish trust, I will default to over-communicating and details.
I'm always thinking about the future and what we can do now to benefit us weeks, months, and years from now.
Ambiguity in process is fine. Ambiguity in expectations is not.
I don't want to hear "that's just the way we do things here" if you're not open to change.
I want to understand the why, and I will ask.
I am not typically a live brainstormer. I perform best when I can absorb, process, then come back with ideas and recommendations.
I am an integrator at heart and love being a partner to visionaries.
