Creating Genuine Connections in a Virtual World with Parker Nielson

1 00:00:01,600 --> 00:00:04,500 welcome to ask Ashley the podcast 2 00:00:04,500 --> 00:00:07,066 where we shine a light on the unsung heroes 3 00:00:07,066 --> 00:00:08,166 of the workplace 4 00:00:08,466 --> 00:00:12,633 I'm your host Ashley Russo financial AI board member 5 00:00:12,633 --> 00:00:15,200 thought leader and wealth management advisor 6 00:00:15,466 --> 00:00:18,400 each week we sit down with inspiring leaders 7 00:00:18,400 --> 00:00:20,000 exploring their journeys 8 00:00:20,066 --> 00:00:23,500 motivations and the real challenges they face 9 00:00:23,566 --> 00:00:27,266 from job insecurity to the evolving role of AI 10 00:00:27,266 --> 00:00:30,000 in a world where many feel overlooked 11 00:00:30,000 --> 00:00:30,900 these guests 12 00:00:30,900 --> 00:00:34,000 are building hope and connection for their colleagues 13 00:00:34,000 --> 00:00:36,466 join us as we uncover their stories 14 00:00:36,500 --> 00:00:38,633 and discover how they're making a difference 15 00:00:38,633 --> 00:00:41,333 one conversation at a time 16 00:00:43,166 --> 00:00:47,533 hello everybody Ashley Russo here with Parker 17 00:00:47,533 --> 00:00:49,000 who I know 18 00:00:49,000 --> 00:00:51,400 we're all gonna walk away from this conversation 19 00:00:51,400 --> 00:00:54,900 just feeling empowered and dare I say happy 20 00:00:54,900 --> 00:00:56,166 he just brings joy 21 00:00:56,166 --> 00:00:59,000 at least that's been my experience no pressure Parker 22 00:00:59,000 --> 00:01:02,533 so with that Parker would you please introduce yourself 23 00:01:02,800 --> 00:01:05,733 yeah I I feel honored with that introduction 24 00:01:05,733 --> 00:01:07,566 so maybe I'll just run with that one 25 00:01:07,566 --> 00:01:10,333 but I'm Parker Nielson I'm head of people 26 00:01:10,333 --> 00:01:10,833 strategy 27 00:01:10,833 --> 00:01:13,600 and operations at a company called Thoropass 28 00:01:13,600 --> 00:01:15,266 and we do risk and compliance 29 00:01:15,600 --> 00:01:19,266 but absolutely love people and growing organizations 30 00:01:19,400 --> 00:01:20,800 and I always joke 31 00:01:20,800 --> 00:01:23,366 I focus on the awkward teenage phase of a company 32 00:01:23,366 --> 00:01:24,900 so that's a little bit about me 33 00:01:24,900 --> 00:01:26,366 love that I love that well 34 00:01:26,366 --> 00:01:29,233 Parker will you start with walking us through your 35 00:01:29,233 --> 00:01:30,766 career path so far 36 00:01:30,766 --> 00:01:33,766 so what inspired you to pursue tech 37 00:01:33,766 --> 00:01:35,433 and the startup ecosystem 38 00:01:35,433 --> 00:01:38,566 and how did you end up at your current company yeah 39 00:01:38,566 --> 00:01:41,133 um how did I get into recruiting 40 00:01:41,166 --> 00:01:44,500 first off like most luck is an answer 41 00:01:44,500 --> 00:01:45,833 when I was young in my career 42 00:01:45,833 --> 00:01:47,633 I simply just said yes to everything 43 00:01:47,633 --> 00:01:50,633 I was one of the first people at a startup uh 44 00:01:50,633 --> 00:01:53,100 they said hey who wants to help us open a new office 45 00:01:53,100 --> 00:01:54,033 oh me right 46 00:01:54,033 --> 00:01:55,766 and and it just kind of opened a door 47 00:01:55,766 --> 00:01:58,300 a bunch of doors to a lot of opportunities 48 00:01:58,300 --> 00:02:01,933 and as that company grew and and we exited 49 00:02:01,933 --> 00:02:05,400 I I kind of sat and thought what do I do next 50 00:02:05,400 --> 00:02:06,100 I realized 51 00:02:06,100 --> 00:02:08,700 one of the things that I found the most joy in 52 00:02:08,700 --> 00:02:12,500 is finding people who have raw potential or skill 53 00:02:12,500 --> 00:02:14,800 maybe they just need help getting into the right place 54 00:02:14,800 --> 00:02:15,833 and helping them get there 55 00:02:15,833 --> 00:02:18,766 so that's what got me really excited about recruiting 56 00:02:18,766 --> 00:02:21,900 um I first started at an agency called K Force 57 00:02:21,900 --> 00:02:25,833 I then got recruited from a company called Wayfair 58 00:02:26,233 --> 00:02:28,233 they were looking for someone to help grow their sales 59 00:02:28,233 --> 00:02:32,000 organization I had some peers that went over to toast 60 00:02:32,033 --> 00:02:35,300 so I went there and then one of my peers from 61 00:02:35,300 --> 00:02:37,166 wayfair started her own agency 62 00:02:37,166 --> 00:02:39,733 and she had throw passes a client 63 00:02:39,733 --> 00:02:40,566 and reached out to me 64 00:02:40,566 --> 00:02:42,300 when they were looking for someone to lead 65 00:02:42,300 --> 00:02:43,966 their recruiting and people team 66 00:02:43,966 --> 00:02:46,333 and so I'm so excited to be here today 67 00:02:46,333 --> 00:02:49,333 and my network is kind of helped bridge those gaps 68 00:02:49,333 --> 00:02:52,933 in between sounds like saying yes and being open 69 00:02:52,933 --> 00:02:56,766 and available to the universe of possibility 70 00:02:56,766 --> 00:02:59,033 and opportunities certainly was part of it 71 00:02:59,033 --> 00:03:00,833 which is neat to hear it is 72 00:03:00,833 --> 00:03:04,033 and I think it was great at the time 73 00:03:04,033 --> 00:03:04,733 looking back 74 00:03:04,733 --> 00:03:06,833 there's probably some things I should have said no to 75 00:03:06,833 --> 00:03:08,800 uh but that's part of the learning lesson 76 00:03:08,800 --> 00:03:10,333 right as we learn 77 00:03:10,333 --> 00:03:12,533 and it it helped define who I am as a leader 78 00:03:12,533 --> 00:03:13,900 and I know what I want to be 79 00:03:13,900 --> 00:03:15,933 and I also know what I don't want to be 80 00:03:15,933 --> 00:03:16,600 so yeah 81 00:03:16,600 --> 00:03:18,833 equally as valuable equally as valuable 82 00:03:18,833 --> 00:03:20,966 so can you share a key 83 00:03:20,966 --> 00:03:24,100 turning point or challenge in your journey 84 00:03:24,100 --> 00:03:28,500 that defined how you show up and approach leadership 85 00:03:28,500 --> 00:03:29,500 hmm yeah 86 00:03:29,500 --> 00:03:33,500 I I would say there's been a couple moments in my life 87 00:03:33,500 --> 00:03:35,433 right it's never been one exact thing 88 00:03:35,433 --> 00:03:39,600 but I would say one of the direct moments early on 89 00:03:39,600 --> 00:03:41,900 is when I was a teenager in 16 90 00:03:42,333 --> 00:03:43,600 I had a really rare tumor 91 00:03:43,600 --> 00:03:45,500 called nodular fasciitis in my neck 92 00:03:45,500 --> 00:03:46,900 and that's a lot right 93 00:03:46,900 --> 00:03:48,366 I think when we're teenagers 94 00:03:48,366 --> 00:03:49,633 we think we can take on the world 95 00:03:49,633 --> 00:03:51,566 we can do anything nothing can hurt us 96 00:03:51,566 --> 00:03:53,533 and to hear you know 97 00:03:53,533 --> 00:03:56,000 I was the third case in the last 50 years 98 00:03:56,000 --> 00:03:57,133 with this specific case 99 00:03:57,133 --> 00:03:59,333 and it really makes you pause and reflect 100 00:03:59,333 --> 00:04:02,133 and as I started looking around at other individuals 101 00:04:02,133 --> 00:04:04,233 going through similar situations 102 00:04:04,800 --> 00:04:07,366 I realized there's really only two choices 103 00:04:07,366 --> 00:04:10,933 it's that simple you can give up or you can fight still 104 00:04:10,933 --> 00:04:11,500 to this day 105 00:04:11,500 --> 00:04:14,133 I've yet to meet someone that has had a tumor or cancer 106 00:04:14,133 --> 00:04:17,400 or serious illness that gave up and lived 107 00:04:17,400 --> 00:04:20,200 I have met people that fought till the very end 108 00:04:20,200 --> 00:04:21,500 and I've met people that have fought 109 00:04:21,500 --> 00:04:23,000 and made through it and 110 00:04:23,000 --> 00:04:23,366 and so 111 00:04:23,366 --> 00:04:25,300 I think that was one of the biggest takeaways for me 112 00:04:25,300 --> 00:04:28,533 is if I even wanted a shot at winning 113 00:04:28,566 --> 00:04:30,533 my only option was to fight and learn 114 00:04:30,533 --> 00:04:31,933 and to push through and 115 00:04:31,933 --> 00:04:34,733 and that's really carried into my personal life 116 00:04:34,733 --> 00:04:37,200 hobbies and sports that I did as a kid and now as 117 00:04:37,200 --> 00:04:39,100 as a career and a leader wow 118 00:04:39,100 --> 00:04:41,533 that's powerful powerful 119 00:04:41,533 --> 00:04:46,500 and I'm curious how has going through 120 00:04:46,900 --> 00:04:48,133 how is going through that experience 121 00:04:48,133 --> 00:04:49,500 those health challenges 122 00:04:49,533 --> 00:04:52,366 how is that shown up in your professional life 123 00:04:52,366 --> 00:04:55,033 how does that shape the leader that you are today 124 00:04:55,033 --> 00:04:57,300 I think for me this is a great question 125 00:04:57,300 --> 00:04:59,233 the world's not black and white right 126 00:04:59,233 --> 00:05:00,133 and I think 127 00:05:00,133 --> 00:05:04,533 we all look for the checkbox approach to life 128 00:05:04,600 --> 00:05:06,800 and I know that's how our brains tend to work 129 00:05:06,800 --> 00:05:09,233 it's tell me exactly what to do and how do I get there 130 00:05:09,233 --> 00:05:11,600 and give me the check box to success 131 00:05:11,600 --> 00:05:13,900 but it's always pivoting it's always changing 132 00:05:13,900 --> 00:05:15,533 you never know what's gonna happen 133 00:05:15,533 --> 00:05:18,100 and so it's really how do you pivot in those moments 134 00:05:18,100 --> 00:05:19,533 how do you learn and grow 135 00:05:19,833 --> 00:05:20,966 and more importantly 136 00:05:20,966 --> 00:05:22,366 how do you appreciate those moments 137 00:05:22,366 --> 00:05:25,200 cause they're what got you to where you are today yeah 138 00:05:25,200 --> 00:05:26,400 that's a good 139 00:05:26,433 --> 00:05:28,933 that's a good thing for all of us to hear 140 00:05:28,933 --> 00:05:30,700 maybe something that we know 141 00:05:30,700 --> 00:05:31,300 you know in 142 00:05:31,300 --> 00:05:32,300 in theory 143 00:05:32,300 --> 00:05:35,066 but to hear it and to remind ourselves of that 144 00:05:35,066 --> 00:05:37,166 I know we've had previous conversations 145 00:05:37,166 --> 00:05:39,533 and you also had potentially not the 146 00:05:39,533 --> 00:05:42,400 the most traditional education approach 147 00:05:42,400 --> 00:05:42,600 so 148 00:05:42,600 --> 00:05:45,433 I'm curious if you'll share your journey around that 149 00:05:45,433 --> 00:05:47,366 and how that's shaped your 150 00:05:47,366 --> 00:05:49,633 your perspective and your approach as a leader 151 00:05:50,133 --> 00:05:51,700 yeah um 152 00:05:52,300 --> 00:05:55,333 it was something I was actually really embarrassed by 153 00:05:55,333 --> 00:05:56,333 until I don't know 154 00:05:56,333 --> 00:05:57,733 probably the last five years 155 00:05:57,733 --> 00:06:00,400 is when I decided to be brave enough to speak up 156 00:06:00,400 --> 00:06:04,633 but I dropped out of college not because I struggled 157 00:06:04,633 --> 00:06:05,100 I in fact 158 00:06:05,100 --> 00:06:06,166 I did really well 159 00:06:06,166 --> 00:06:09,166 but the startup I was at just took over 160 00:06:09,166 --> 00:06:10,100 some of the classes I took 161 00:06:10,100 --> 00:06:11,633 I actually felt like I was getting 162 00:06:12,033 --> 00:06:13,400 and just kind of wasting time 163 00:06:13,400 --> 00:06:14,233 you know doing a 164 00:06:14,233 --> 00:06:16,000 a checkbox and so 165 00:06:16,000 --> 00:06:16,700 you know I 166 00:06:16,700 --> 00:06:19,233 I just kind of joined the workforce and figured it out 167 00:06:19,233 --> 00:06:20,966 and well I do believe that 168 00:06:20,966 --> 00:06:23,366 that has defined who I am as a person today 169 00:06:23,366 --> 00:06:25,400 and it's it's kind of a chip on my shoulder right 170 00:06:25,400 --> 00:06:28,533 it's I know I don't have something that most people do 171 00:06:29,233 --> 00:06:30,733 it's something that drives me 172 00:06:30,733 --> 00:06:32,500 but the reason I didn't talk about it is 173 00:06:32,500 --> 00:06:34,600 I also felt judged by it right 174 00:06:34,600 --> 00:06:36,566 I especially when you're leading a team 175 00:06:36,566 --> 00:06:39,400 and you have some phenomenal individuals that report 176 00:06:39,400 --> 00:06:41,700 to you that went to Ivy League schools 177 00:06:41,700 --> 00:06:43,566 or got this fantastic degree 178 00:06:43,566 --> 00:06:44,333 and you're like my gosh 179 00:06:44,333 --> 00:06:47,333 I didn't achieve that and it is a big accomplishment 180 00:06:47,333 --> 00:06:49,800 and I think the thing that really stood out to me 181 00:06:49,800 --> 00:06:53,100 I had a mentor who LED the e and I at Wayfair 182 00:06:53,300 --> 00:06:56,533 and I was talking to her about this once and I was like 183 00:06:56,533 --> 00:06:58,433 like how do I talk about this 184 00:06:58,500 --> 00:06:59,900 even when I apply to a job 185 00:06:59,900 --> 00:07:01,366 like I get automatically rejected 186 00:07:01,366 --> 00:07:03,200 cause I don't have a bachelor's degree 187 00:07:03,233 --> 00:07:04,233 and she's like Parker 188 00:07:04,233 --> 00:07:05,133 if you feel this way 189 00:07:05,133 --> 00:07:07,466 about something as silly as a piece of paper 190 00:07:07,566 --> 00:07:10,833 how do you think people from minorities feel 191 00:07:10,833 --> 00:07:13,433 of different backgrounds or colors or 192 00:07:13,433 --> 00:07:17,166 or maybe a learning disability or right 193 00:07:17,166 --> 00:07:19,200 like those are real problems 194 00:07:19,200 --> 00:07:20,700 right that they can't control 195 00:07:20,700 --> 00:07:22,733 and you could go back to school if you wanted to 196 00:07:22,733 --> 00:07:25,766 and I think that's really what helped me get like 197 00:07:25,766 --> 00:07:28,433 an aha moment into Dei specifically 198 00:07:28,800 --> 00:07:31,633 is I'm embarrassed about something silly right 199 00:07:31,633 --> 00:07:32,966 a piece of paper that says 200 00:07:32,966 --> 00:07:34,433 I Learned something that 201 00:07:34,433 --> 00:07:36,000 there's not even a recruiting 202 00:07:36,233 --> 00:07:38,366 degree that I could have gotten in the first place 203 00:07:38,366 --> 00:07:40,333 right it's not even in my profession 204 00:07:40,533 --> 00:07:41,900 and it's really helped me 205 00:07:41,900 --> 00:07:43,633 become more accepting of others 206 00:07:43,800 --> 00:07:45,800 and understand that 207 00:07:45,800 --> 00:07:48,366 we all have skeletons in our closets 208 00:07:48,366 --> 00:07:49,900 or things that we feel ashamed of 209 00:07:49,900 --> 00:07:52,533 and that we're our own worst critics 210 00:07:52,533 --> 00:07:54,933 but it's nothing that we should be afraid of 211 00:07:54,933 --> 00:07:57,766 or to hide and we need to be brave enough to speak up 212 00:07:57,766 --> 00:08:00,500 another very very good message and whatever it is 213 00:08:00,500 --> 00:08:02,633 I'm sure people have a million different examples of 214 00:08:02,633 --> 00:08:04,533 fill in the blank is something that they 215 00:08:04,533 --> 00:08:06,733 just feel embarrassed to say out loud 216 00:08:06,733 --> 00:08:07,933 or think they'll be judged for 217 00:08:07,933 --> 00:08:09,533 maybe they actually are judged for 218 00:08:09,533 --> 00:08:10,633 but who's judging 219 00:08:10,733 --> 00:08:12,800 skeletons do they have in their closet right 220 00:08:12,800 --> 00:08:14,933 so I think it's a really good call out 221 00:08:14,933 --> 00:08:15,033 you 222 00:08:15,033 --> 00:08:18,500 you mentioned obviously diversity and I'm curious your 223 00:08:18,500 --> 00:08:20,500 your current company operates in what 224 00:08:20,500 --> 00:08:22,500 over 19 countries 225 00:08:23,033 --> 00:08:23,966 which is incredible 226 00:08:23,966 --> 00:08:26,233 that's an incredibly diverse workforce 227 00:08:26,533 --> 00:08:27,000 uh 228 00:08:27,000 --> 00:08:30,100 what have been some of the opportunities and challenges 229 00:08:30,100 --> 00:08:33,833 when it comes to building connections in a global 230 00:08:33,833 --> 00:08:35,266 virtual environment 231 00:08:36,000 --> 00:08:37,533 fantastic question 232 00:08:37,533 --> 00:08:39,166 one of the things we have at Thorough Pass 233 00:08:39,166 --> 00:08:42,366 is a social committee and we have individuals from 234 00:08:42,366 --> 00:08:44,633 all different teams within the organization 235 00:08:44,633 --> 00:08:47,500 who we try to drive belonging 236 00:08:47,500 --> 00:08:48,900 well we had a meeting last week 237 00:08:48,900 --> 00:08:50,800 and I gave them a teaser 238 00:08:50,800 --> 00:08:52,566 that I was gonna be on a podcast and 239 00:08:52,566 --> 00:08:54,033 and talk about this and I asked 240 00:08:54,033 --> 00:08:56,933 is there anything that you wish I brought here 241 00:08:56,933 --> 00:08:59,200 that makes Thorough Pass different 242 00:08:59,200 --> 00:09:01,233 and makes people feel belong 243 00:09:01,366 --> 00:09:03,966 like they belong and everyone spoke up 244 00:09:03,966 --> 00:09:06,300 but one individual spoke up specifically and was like 245 00:09:06,300 --> 00:09:07,766 the thing about Thorough Pass is 246 00:09:07,766 --> 00:09:09,666 I truly feel like I can be myself 247 00:09:10,600 --> 00:09:14,100 and it's because it's not like an assigned task 248 00:09:14,100 --> 00:09:16,300 it's something I truly want to do 249 00:09:16,333 --> 00:09:19,233 and everyone else wants to do it too 250 00:09:19,233 --> 00:09:21,200 and he shared a story that he was at a 251 00:09:21,200 --> 00:09:23,400 an off site with a bunch of individuals 252 00:09:23,400 --> 00:09:25,033 and they were doing a conference 253 00:09:25,033 --> 00:09:26,766 and in most organizations 254 00:09:26,766 --> 00:09:28,800 it's like I have to do this dinner 255 00:09:28,800 --> 00:09:30,833 and I'm gonna be up from 7 till midnight 256 00:09:30,833 --> 00:09:32,700 every single day he's like 257 00:09:32,700 --> 00:09:36,433 but we all wanted to in fact is the meeting ended uh 258 00:09:36,433 --> 00:09:37,433 or the conference would end 259 00:09:37,433 --> 00:09:38,833 and we were going to dinner 260 00:09:39,033 --> 00:09:39,633 they said hey 261 00:09:39,633 --> 00:09:41,566 like this is what we're doing if you want to come 262 00:09:41,566 --> 00:09:43,366 great if you don't great and it 263 00:09:43,366 --> 00:09:45,066 it wasn't forced and it's 264 00:09:45,066 --> 00:09:49,100 it sounds so silly that being genuine and caring 265 00:09:49,100 --> 00:09:50,933 and just wanting to help other people 266 00:09:50,933 --> 00:09:52,500 is the way to make that happen 267 00:09:52,500 --> 00:09:56,300 so that's that's one thing from a more tactful version 268 00:09:56,500 --> 00:09:57,533 I think when I first started 269 00:09:57,533 --> 00:10:00,000 we tried to plan the big virtual events 270 00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:01,733 how do we have a speaker talk about this 271 00:10:01,733 --> 00:10:03,533 or how do we have this happen 272 00:10:03,533 --> 00:10:05,533 and I remember when I joined the committee 273 00:10:05,533 --> 00:10:07,733 I said what does good turnout look like 274 00:10:07,733 --> 00:10:08,100 and like oh 275 00:10:08,100 --> 00:10:10,733 most of these events we get like 20 to 30 people 276 00:10:10,733 --> 00:10:12,466 a really good one we get forty 277 00:10:12,933 --> 00:10:14,200 and that was something that they were our 278 00:10:14,200 --> 00:10:16,033 our team was really proud of 279 00:10:16,200 --> 00:10:17,000 and I said wait 280 00:10:17,000 --> 00:10:20,100 20 people that's 10% of the company 40 people 281 00:10:20,100 --> 00:10:21,700 that's a third of the company 282 00:10:21,766 --> 00:10:24,166 so the best initiative and meetings 283 00:10:24,166 --> 00:10:25,766 and moments that we were doing 284 00:10:25,766 --> 00:10:27,800 we were only getting a third percent 285 00:10:27,833 --> 00:10:29,300 a third of the people there 286 00:10:29,300 --> 00:10:32,833 and a lot of it is in a virtual environment 287 00:10:32,833 --> 00:10:35,200 we're busy we all work different time zones 288 00:10:35,200 --> 00:10:36,200 we all have different life 289 00:10:36,200 --> 00:10:38,100 I talk a lot about work life balance 290 00:10:38,100 --> 00:10:39,333 and work life blend 291 00:10:39,666 --> 00:10:41,733 and one of the things we realized is 292 00:10:41,733 --> 00:10:45,733 our team loves Slack and so how do we find a better 293 00:10:45,800 --> 00:10:46,766 more meaningful way 294 00:10:46,766 --> 00:10:48,766 where people can engage on their own time 295 00:10:48,766 --> 00:10:50,500 and so uh 296 00:10:50,500 --> 00:10:52,800 things like International Family Day 297 00:10:52,800 --> 00:10:54,400 hey today's International Family Day 298 00:10:54,400 --> 00:10:56,100 everyone post a picture of your family 299 00:10:56,100 --> 00:10:58,733 and it creates these moments of natural connection 300 00:10:58,733 --> 00:11:00,766 where everyone can get involved 301 00:11:00,766 --> 00:11:04,833 whether it's 1:00am my time or noon your time right 302 00:11:04,833 --> 00:11:06,600 and it it really does create that space 303 00:11:06,600 --> 00:11:07,700 for us all to come together 304 00:11:07,700 --> 00:11:08,500 I love that 305 00:11:08,500 --> 00:11:11,333 I love that and finding ways where it's again 306 00:11:11,333 --> 00:11:14,166 genuine versus forced that's great 307 00:11:14,166 --> 00:11:15,900 so I'm curious based off that 308 00:11:15,900 --> 00:11:20,833 what role do these committees and ERGs play 309 00:11:20,900 --> 00:11:23,133 in the company can you share a story 310 00:11:23,133 --> 00:11:25,166 of a program or initiative 311 00:11:25,166 --> 00:11:27,200 that had a meaningful impact 312 00:11:27,200 --> 00:11:28,333 on the team yeah 313 00:11:28,333 --> 00:11:30,233 I would say first off 314 00:11:30,233 --> 00:11:32,500 doing something is better than nothing 315 00:11:32,500 --> 00:11:35,133 so I highly recommend starting with the committee 316 00:11:35,133 --> 00:11:36,433 starting with the organization 317 00:11:36,433 --> 00:11:38,533 starting with the ERG 318 00:11:38,533 --> 00:11:42,033 whatever it is to get that off the table 319 00:11:42,133 --> 00:11:43,766 that is the best starting point 320 00:11:43,766 --> 00:11:47,733 now can you teach people to be genuine and caring 321 00:11:47,733 --> 00:11:49,333 and do it out of the goodness of their heart 322 00:11:49,333 --> 00:11:50,433 not as much right 323 00:11:50,433 --> 00:11:52,333 but you'll find those people with time 324 00:11:52,333 --> 00:11:54,700 and that's something that really drives that 325 00:11:54,700 --> 00:11:55,900 I would say 326 00:11:55,900 --> 00:11:58,900 one of the things that I've done in my career is 327 00:11:58,900 --> 00:12:01,233 specifically around minorities 328 00:12:01,600 --> 00:12:03,866 there's a lot of organizations out there 329 00:12:03,933 --> 00:12:06,800 that are trying to help minorities enter the workforce 330 00:12:06,800 --> 00:12:08,633 specifically tech right 331 00:12:08,633 --> 00:12:09,633 and so 332 00:12:09,633 --> 00:12:12,100 these are great partnerships that you can work with 333 00:12:12,100 --> 00:12:14,433 early on in your career 334 00:12:14,433 --> 00:12:16,966 to help staff customer success roles 335 00:12:16,966 --> 00:12:18,333 SDR roles right 336 00:12:18,333 --> 00:12:21,300 entry level positions and it really 337 00:12:21,466 --> 00:12:24,133 brings a different and unique perspective to your team 338 00:12:24,133 --> 00:12:27,466 and your culture as you strategically start to target 339 00:12:27,633 --> 00:12:28,500 non profits 340 00:12:28,500 --> 00:12:31,200 that truly care about making a difference out there 341 00:12:31,200 --> 00:12:31,633 so I know 342 00:12:31,633 --> 00:12:32,833 that was kind of an ambiguous 343 00:12:32,833 --> 00:12:34,533 way to answer your question 344 00:12:35,033 --> 00:12:36,700 but happy to go deeper well 345 00:12:36,700 --> 00:12:40,700 I'm gonna double click on potentially a heated topic 346 00:12:40,700 --> 00:12:43,300 way so in this environment 347 00:12:43,300 --> 00:12:48,966 right where there's a lot of energy and feeling around 348 00:12:48,966 --> 00:12:53,133 even the word diversity or the word inclusion 349 00:12:53,133 --> 00:12:54,433 and in this climate 350 00:12:54,433 --> 00:12:58,300 how do you create that psychological safety 351 00:12:58,300 --> 00:13:01,733 that that space where people 352 00:13:01,733 --> 00:13:04,966 do you feel safe to bring their authentic selves yeah 353 00:13:04,966 --> 00:13:07,566 I I think it starts with being vulnerable right 354 00:13:07,566 --> 00:13:09,433 and it starts with being yourself 355 00:13:09,433 --> 00:13:15,000 and not making that an awkward topic to talk about 356 00:13:15,000 --> 00:13:17,800 I know that sounds silly and hard to do 357 00:13:17,800 --> 00:13:19,200 and it's you know 358 00:13:19,200 --> 00:13:20,633 I can't talk about you know 359 00:13:20,633 --> 00:13:22,566 religion or politics or whatever around the 360 00:13:22,566 --> 00:13:23,333 the dinner table 361 00:13:23,333 --> 00:13:25,733 but then you're expected to do it at work uh 362 00:13:25,833 --> 00:13:27,533 kind of seems seems backwards 363 00:13:27,533 --> 00:13:31,566 but people genuinely assume positive intent 364 00:13:31,566 --> 00:13:33,200 as you continue to listen 365 00:13:33,566 --> 00:13:38,900 one of the best parts about working with a multi uh 366 00:13:38,900 --> 00:13:41,800 country workforce is things are different 367 00:13:41,800 --> 00:13:44,400 I mean I can't tell you how many meetings I join where 368 00:13:44,400 --> 00:13:46,400 wait why did your president do this 369 00:13:46,400 --> 00:13:47,766 or why is this happening in the US 370 00:13:47,766 --> 00:13:49,000 like help me understand 371 00:13:49,000 --> 00:13:50,633 here's how the rest of the world's seeing it 372 00:13:50,633 --> 00:13:52,800 and I wouldn't have had those conversations 373 00:13:52,800 --> 00:13:54,133 at previous organizations 374 00:13:54,133 --> 00:13:55,600 that were solely US based 375 00:13:55,700 --> 00:14:00,200 but because I have a team that truly accepts each other 376 00:14:00,200 --> 00:14:02,333 wants to learn and grow and talk through it 377 00:14:02,333 --> 00:14:04,233 I think that's one of the starting points 378 00:14:05,000 --> 00:14:06,766 but it starts with a leader 379 00:14:06,766 --> 00:14:09,533 being brave enough to approach that subject 380 00:14:09,533 --> 00:14:11,133 and to have that conversation 381 00:14:11,133 --> 00:14:12,700 with whoever they talk with 382 00:14:12,700 --> 00:14:15,700 so if someone was feeling disconnected 383 00:14:15,700 --> 00:14:17,400 because you clearly celebrate 384 00:14:17,400 --> 00:14:20,900 obviously the authenticity and the genuine connection 385 00:14:21,000 --> 00:14:23,833 I'm curious if someone felt disconnected or 386 00:14:23,833 --> 00:14:25,533 or hesitant to speak up 387 00:14:25,533 --> 00:14:29,400 how do you find the support for that person 388 00:14:29,400 --> 00:14:30,200 yeah 389 00:14:30,933 --> 00:14:32,766 um every person's different 390 00:14:32,766 --> 00:14:35,800 and maybe that also talks to my leadership style there 391 00:14:35,800 --> 00:14:39,733 there isn't one size fits all blanket statement that 392 00:14:39,733 --> 00:14:40,166 you know what 393 00:14:40,166 --> 00:14:41,833 here's the one thing that works with everybody 394 00:14:41,833 --> 00:14:44,500 and even with my team I have some individuals 395 00:14:44,500 --> 00:14:46,266 that I have great relationships with 396 00:14:46,266 --> 00:14:49,200 but they need 24 hours to process anything right 397 00:14:49,200 --> 00:14:51,300 especially feedback or or 398 00:14:51,300 --> 00:14:52,966 or even positive things right 399 00:14:52,966 --> 00:14:53,900 it's like they're 400 00:14:54,000 --> 00:14:56,033 they're not good at thinking on the the fly 401 00:14:56,033 --> 00:14:57,300 there's nothing wrong with that 402 00:14:57,300 --> 00:14:58,133 it's how they learn 403 00:14:58,133 --> 00:15:01,133 and I'm able to adapt to that as a leader of hey 404 00:15:01,133 --> 00:15:02,600 here's the information 405 00:15:02,633 --> 00:15:05,533 let's reconnect tomorrow to talk through a plan 406 00:15:05,900 --> 00:15:07,566 I have other individuals that 407 00:15:07,566 --> 00:15:08,900 if I were to share information 408 00:15:08,900 --> 00:15:10,300 or have a conversation with 409 00:15:10,300 --> 00:15:12,800 that's gonna be in their brain until it's resolved 410 00:15:12,833 --> 00:15:13,433 right and so hey 411 00:15:13,433 --> 00:15:15,933 I will stay on till midnight if that's what it takes 412 00:15:15,966 --> 00:15:17,733 let's talk through this let's work through it 413 00:15:17,733 --> 00:15:18,700 let's figure it out 414 00:15:18,700 --> 00:15:20,900 and so I think that's to answer your question 415 00:15:20,900 --> 00:15:23,433 Ashley right if someone doesn't feel like they belong 416 00:15:23,433 --> 00:15:25,200 or that they can't fill that space 417 00:15:25,200 --> 00:15:26,733 or that they don't feel safe 418 00:15:26,733 --> 00:15:28,733 how do we create it right 419 00:15:29,100 --> 00:15:30,833 I think the other thing is 420 00:15:30,833 --> 00:15:32,933 if you wait till the moment of stress 421 00:15:33,333 --> 00:15:35,066 you've already waited too long 422 00:15:35,200 --> 00:15:37,366 and I think that's the other thing we forget 423 00:15:37,366 --> 00:15:40,733 it's kind of like relationships right when you uh 424 00:15:40,733 --> 00:15:43,600 talk to your friends and family about the boyfriend 425 00:15:43,600 --> 00:15:44,866 girlfriend whoever 426 00:15:44,933 --> 00:15:46,900 and you're telling them everything that's wrong 427 00:15:46,900 --> 00:15:49,066 and they're like well then just leave and you're like 428 00:15:49,066 --> 00:15:50,933 but I love them right 429 00:15:50,933 --> 00:15:53,433 it's it's kind of that wrong moment right 430 00:15:53,433 --> 00:15:55,033 and there's that heated stress 431 00:15:55,033 --> 00:15:57,233 and you're already there and you're already frustrated 432 00:15:57,233 --> 00:15:58,900 and then you have these two different perspectives 433 00:15:58,900 --> 00:16:00,633 that don't see eye to eye 434 00:16:00,933 --> 00:16:03,400 versus before that even began 435 00:16:03,766 --> 00:16:04,833 helping someone understand that 436 00:16:04,833 --> 00:16:06,033 you're always there for them 437 00:16:06,033 --> 00:16:08,233 no matter what the situation is 438 00:16:08,233 --> 00:16:10,300 so when we get to this crossroads 439 00:16:10,533 --> 00:16:13,300 you have that relationship and that trust to navigate 440 00:16:13,300 --> 00:16:17,200 and it sounds like you're really meeting people 441 00:16:17,200 --> 00:16:18,933 where they're at I mean you're 442 00:16:18,933 --> 00:16:22,100 you're talking to them in the language they understand 443 00:16:22,100 --> 00:16:24,500 you know or you're helping them process 444 00:16:24,600 --> 00:16:26,266 in the way that they understand 445 00:16:26,500 --> 00:16:27,400 um I think that's 446 00:16:27,400 --> 00:16:29,533 that's important imagine 447 00:16:29,533 --> 00:16:33,000 you know how people's relationships would be 448 00:16:33,000 --> 00:16:35,466 whether it's professional or personal 449 00:16:35,500 --> 00:16:38,433 if we all adopted that mentality right 450 00:16:38,433 --> 00:16:38,833 really 451 00:16:38,833 --> 00:16:41,100 speaking to someone in a way that they can hear it 452 00:16:41,100 --> 00:16:42,566 I think that's that's brilliant 453 00:16:42,566 --> 00:16:45,533 in terms of your own influences 454 00:16:45,533 --> 00:16:48,766 obviously you are a very self aware human 455 00:16:48,766 --> 00:16:51,333 who then engages with other humans 456 00:16:51,333 --> 00:16:54,000 to also maintain their own awareness 457 00:16:54,000 --> 00:16:54,733 right in the world 458 00:16:54,733 --> 00:16:59,400 so who are your mentors who do you follow in leadership 459 00:16:59,400 --> 00:17:01,366 how do you have this perspective 460 00:17:01,366 --> 00:17:02,666 ooh um 461 00:17:02,700 --> 00:17:05,700 first off I am a middle child of 8 462 00:17:05,700 --> 00:17:08,100 so I have a little bit of middle child syndrome 463 00:17:08,100 --> 00:17:11,533 where I have to prove my way and define who I am 464 00:17:12,066 --> 00:17:13,033 so so that's 465 00:17:13,033 --> 00:17:14,266 that's part of it 466 00:17:14,300 --> 00:17:17,966 but I would say from a mentor standpoint 467 00:17:17,966 --> 00:17:21,500 I can think through my career of a handful of people 468 00:17:21,500 --> 00:17:22,300 where you know what 469 00:17:22,300 --> 00:17:24,500 I like this from you know 470 00:17:24,500 --> 00:17:26,200 Courtney and I like this from Molly 471 00:17:26,200 --> 00:17:27,700 and I like this from Millie and 472 00:17:27,700 --> 00:17:28,400 and Dicken and and 473 00:17:28,400 --> 00:17:30,500 and the names can continue 474 00:17:30,566 --> 00:17:32,166 does that mean I like the whole bucket 475 00:17:32,166 --> 00:17:33,633 or I want to be exactly like them 476 00:17:33,633 --> 00:17:34,433 no right 477 00:17:34,433 --> 00:17:34,600 but 478 00:17:34,600 --> 00:17:37,466 I want to bring the best qualities of all the leaders 479 00:17:37,700 --> 00:17:40,066 and people I've LED in the past 480 00:17:40,200 --> 00:17:42,533 to kind of Frankenstein myself together 481 00:17:42,633 --> 00:17:45,000 on that same note and I think where we started this 482 00:17:45,000 --> 00:17:46,100 this call 483 00:17:46,233 --> 00:17:49,300 I've also had leaders where I don't want to do that 484 00:17:49,300 --> 00:17:51,366 and I don't want to be that kind of person 485 00:17:51,366 --> 00:17:51,833 um and so 486 00:17:51,833 --> 00:17:55,633 I've made intentional ways to not become that human 487 00:17:55,633 --> 00:17:57,933 so as much as I would love to say 488 00:17:57,966 --> 00:17:59,633 one day I want to be like X 489 00:17:59,633 --> 00:18:01,566 one day I want to be me right 490 00:18:01,566 --> 00:18:04,766 and that's something that I'm really pushing towards 491 00:18:04,766 --> 00:18:05,766 and me is the best 492 00:18:05,766 --> 00:18:07,400 of all of those people that I've met 493 00:18:07,400 --> 00:18:09,666 throughout my life and my journey 494 00:18:09,766 --> 00:18:11,733 and the people I'll meet to come 495 00:18:11,733 --> 00:18:13,166 ooh I like 496 00:18:13,166 --> 00:18:14,700 that's a mic drop moment 497 00:18:14,700 --> 00:18:16,200 can we just stay on that for a second 498 00:18:16,200 --> 00:18:17,300 that's great sure 499 00:18:17,300 --> 00:18:18,500 thank you I mean 500 00:18:18,500 --> 00:18:22,766 doesn't that give people permission to choose them and 501 00:18:22,766 --> 00:18:25,200 and also you've had a journey right 502 00:18:25,200 --> 00:18:26,000 you haven't 503 00:18:26,133 --> 00:18:29,233 for one moment said that you had it all figured out 504 00:18:29,233 --> 00:18:31,133 you said you've Learned along the way 505 00:18:31,133 --> 00:18:32,500 and you're taking different pieces 506 00:18:32,500 --> 00:18:34,600 and you're evolving and Frankenstein 507 00:18:34,600 --> 00:18:35,900 you know this person together 508 00:18:35,900 --> 00:18:38,500 which is great but it's you 509 00:18:38,500 --> 00:18:39,366 and the version of you 510 00:18:39,366 --> 00:18:41,500 that you are creating along the way 511 00:18:41,500 --> 00:18:43,733 that you wanna be that's incredible 512 00:18:43,733 --> 00:18:44,766 you know and actually I 513 00:18:44,766 --> 00:18:46,500 I still haven't figured it out 514 00:18:46,500 --> 00:18:48,200 and I think that's the other thing right 515 00:18:48,200 --> 00:18:51,733 it's we we grow up our entire lives and they say well 516 00:18:51,733 --> 00:18:53,633 Ashley what do you wanna be when you grow up 517 00:18:53,633 --> 00:18:56,366 and you're expected to have this defined answer of 518 00:18:56,366 --> 00:18:58,900 I wanna be a doctor or an astronaut right 519 00:18:58,900 --> 00:19:00,166 I don't know what I wanna be 520 00:19:00,166 --> 00:19:01,900 and I've very rarely 521 00:19:01,900 --> 00:19:02,766 have met an adult 522 00:19:02,766 --> 00:19:04,633 who actually has an answer to that question 523 00:19:04,633 --> 00:19:07,333 but going back to where we started 524 00:19:07,333 --> 00:19:10,033 I think sometimes we're afraid to admit that right 525 00:19:10,033 --> 00:19:11,633 versus saying you know what 526 00:19:11,633 --> 00:19:12,733 I don't know what I wanna be 527 00:19:12,733 --> 00:19:14,200 but I know what makes me happy 528 00:19:14,200 --> 00:19:16,333 I know what makes me feel valued 529 00:19:16,433 --> 00:19:18,300 I know what I like to learn and grow 530 00:19:18,300 --> 00:19:20,566 and as long as I do those things 531 00:19:20,566 --> 00:19:22,100 I'm gonna feel fulfilled 532 00:19:22,533 --> 00:19:25,633 and it's gonna get me to where I should be one day 533 00:19:25,633 --> 00:19:26,533 it's again 534 00:19:26,533 --> 00:19:28,066 such a beautiful sentiment 535 00:19:28,333 --> 00:19:30,700 because I feel like 536 00:19:30,700 --> 00:19:33,033 in this fast paced technology world 537 00:19:33,033 --> 00:19:34,133 right in this 538 00:19:34,133 --> 00:19:36,233 this perfect Instagram world 539 00:19:36,233 --> 00:19:39,000 where people are supposed to just arrive at perfection 540 00:19:39,000 --> 00:19:42,766 versus find their way towards their version of perfect 541 00:19:42,766 --> 00:19:44,633 that's beautiful permission 542 00:19:44,633 --> 00:19:47,833 I'd be curious what are some of the routines 543 00:19:48,033 --> 00:19:52,433 habits things you practice regularly to stay grounded 544 00:19:52,433 --> 00:19:54,200 you know both personally and professionally 545 00:19:54,200 --> 00:19:56,933 especially when you spend your professional career 546 00:19:56,933 --> 00:19:59,000 pouring into others what keeps you whole 547 00:19:59,000 --> 00:20:02,700 yeah so I think the official word is omnivore 548 00:20:02,700 --> 00:20:04,500 but don't quote me on that one 549 00:20:04,500 --> 00:20:06,900 I am very extroverted at work 550 00:20:06,900 --> 00:20:09,500 I am very not right in fact 551 00:20:09,500 --> 00:20:11,833 I'm pretty silent outside of work right 552 00:20:11,833 --> 00:20:15,933 and that's something that it's often strange to others 553 00:20:15,933 --> 00:20:17,733 but I like my alone time 554 00:20:17,733 --> 00:20:21,600 I like to go grab dinner by myself and just relax and 555 00:20:21,600 --> 00:20:23,233 and you know I spend all day talking to people 556 00:20:23,233 --> 00:20:25,200 sometimes the last thing I wanna do is talk 557 00:20:25,200 --> 00:20:26,600 talk to people at the end of the day and 558 00:20:26,600 --> 00:20:29,566 and that's okay I would say the one routine that I have 559 00:20:29,566 --> 00:20:32,733 that I do every single morning is the way I get ready 560 00:20:32,733 --> 00:20:34,166 my wife makes fun of me cause 561 00:20:34,166 --> 00:20:36,700 I probably take longer to get ready than she does 562 00:20:36,700 --> 00:20:38,233 and I have to do it the exact same 563 00:20:38,233 --> 00:20:38,633 she's like well 564 00:20:38,633 --> 00:20:39,666 can't you just like 565 00:20:39,733 --> 00:20:41,633 shower and like throw on a shirt and get out the door 566 00:20:41,633 --> 00:20:42,400 no I can't 567 00:20:42,400 --> 00:20:44,300 I just feel like I'm you know 568 00:20:44,300 --> 00:20:46,200 forgot to wear my watch right that day 569 00:20:46,200 --> 00:20:48,733 and and it's just a very weird feeling 570 00:20:48,733 --> 00:20:50,600 and so that's the one thing that I know 571 00:20:50,600 --> 00:20:52,533 I can always start off the same 572 00:20:52,533 --> 00:20:54,900 and then the rest of my day can be a roller coaster 573 00:20:54,900 --> 00:20:58,066 on the topic of still growing and evolving though 574 00:20:58,333 --> 00:21:00,700 I think one of the other things that again 575 00:21:00,700 --> 00:21:04,166 I was ashamed by and just recently started to share 576 00:21:04,166 --> 00:21:07,733 I tend to handle stress very well at work 577 00:21:08,500 --> 00:21:10,900 and one of the things I'd noticed is 578 00:21:10,900 --> 00:21:12,233 you know people often Parker 579 00:21:12,233 --> 00:21:13,233 you're really level headed 580 00:21:13,233 --> 00:21:14,400 you're talking through this 581 00:21:14,400 --> 00:21:16,300 well then I'd bring that stress home 582 00:21:16,300 --> 00:21:17,933 it doesn't help that I have a seven year old 583 00:21:17,933 --> 00:21:19,400 a four year old and a two year old 584 00:21:19,400 --> 00:21:20,800 who are chaotic 585 00:21:20,800 --> 00:21:23,800 and wanting everything from dad all the time 586 00:21:23,933 --> 00:21:26,166 and I started struggling with anxiety right 587 00:21:26,166 --> 00:21:28,300 and although it didn't show up in my work life 588 00:21:28,300 --> 00:21:29,833 it showed up in my life life 589 00:21:29,833 --> 00:21:31,800 I think it took my wife two and a/2 590 00:21:31,800 --> 00:21:33,433 3 years of constantly saying like 591 00:21:33,433 --> 00:21:35,500 go talk to a doctor go talk to a doctor 592 00:21:35,500 --> 00:21:38,366 go do this and talking about mental health 593 00:21:38,366 --> 00:21:40,000 let alone men's mental health 594 00:21:40,133 --> 00:21:41,233 no that doesn't exist 595 00:21:41,233 --> 00:21:42,800 that's not real I'll tough through it 596 00:21:42,800 --> 00:21:43,933 I'll figure it out 597 00:21:43,933 --> 00:21:47,000 it wasn't until I was brave enough to finally go 598 00:21:47,000 --> 00:21:49,600 seek help and how do I work through this 599 00:21:49,600 --> 00:21:52,000 how do I talk through it it's still something I'm 600 00:21:52,000 --> 00:21:53,733 obviously sensitive to talking about 601 00:21:53,733 --> 00:21:56,133 but again if I'm too ashamed to talk about me 602 00:21:56,133 --> 00:21:58,900 feeling stressed by a bunch of kids that scream 603 00:21:58,900 --> 00:22:00,200 and yell and throw toys 604 00:22:00,200 --> 00:22:02,033 everyone else feels that too right 605 00:22:02,033 --> 00:22:04,033 it's just about being brave enough to bring it up 606 00:22:04,033 --> 00:22:07,166 I wanna just commend your bravery for a second 607 00:22:07,166 --> 00:22:12,166 and I I know someone listening will just breathe deeper 608 00:22:12,166 --> 00:22:14,333 just from hearing that again 609 00:22:14,333 --> 00:22:18,133 it's why do we put this pressure on ourselves 610 00:22:18,133 --> 00:22:20,500 to not have these moments of 611 00:22:20,500 --> 00:22:22,700 I gotta work on myself too 612 00:22:22,700 --> 00:22:24,433 I need these moments this is stressful 613 00:22:24,433 --> 00:22:26,933 I take on what's interesting in the leadership position 614 00:22:26,933 --> 00:22:27,400 you're in is 615 00:22:27,400 --> 00:22:30,733 you do have to stay so strong for everyone around you 616 00:22:30,733 --> 00:22:33,100 you're a human too at the end of the day right 617 00:22:33,100 --> 00:22:35,866 and the fact that you are a real person 618 00:22:35,900 --> 00:22:37,600 with real life experiences 619 00:22:37,600 --> 00:22:39,033 and a real family boy 620 00:22:39,033 --> 00:22:40,300 how refreshing is that 621 00:22:40,300 --> 00:22:43,933 and you're working on the things that you wanna work on 622 00:22:43,933 --> 00:22:46,433 to make yourself feel more whole 623 00:22:46,433 --> 00:22:48,500 that is a beautiful call to action 624 00:22:48,500 --> 00:22:50,100 it's a beautiful call to action 625 00:22:50,700 --> 00:22:52,000 um thank you 626 00:22:52,200 --> 00:22:54,966 I wanna ask if you can design a fun question 627 00:22:54,966 --> 00:22:57,433 if you could design a perfect 628 00:22:57,433 --> 00:23:00,133 Ferris Bueller's Day Off for yourself 629 00:23:00,333 --> 00:23:03,433 what would it look like um yeah 630 00:23:03,433 --> 00:23:04,833 I'm curious yeah 631 00:23:04,833 --> 00:23:07,366 sleep if that's a fair answer 632 00:23:07,366 --> 00:23:09,766 I absolutely love sleeping 633 00:23:09,766 --> 00:23:11,900 and so sleeping in waking up 634 00:23:11,900 --> 00:23:14,633 having a cup of coffee and then taking a nap 635 00:23:14,633 --> 00:23:17,500 and then waking up and going out to dinner 636 00:23:17,733 --> 00:23:19,700 I know that sounds so simple 637 00:23:19,700 --> 00:23:23,766 but isolation would be like my ideal dream day 638 00:23:23,766 --> 00:23:26,200 maybe throw on like a massage or a spa package 639 00:23:26,200 --> 00:23:27,333 and done deal 640 00:23:27,333 --> 00:23:30,500 I think I want that exact fair spieler day off honestly 641 00:23:30,500 --> 00:23:33,133 I think once you have kids 642 00:23:33,133 --> 00:23:35,033 you realize how precious the morning is 643 00:23:35,033 --> 00:23:37,200 and when you get that morning to yourself 644 00:23:37,366 --> 00:23:38,700 all the cup of coffee 645 00:23:38,700 --> 00:23:40,633 and just sitting and eating breakfast 646 00:23:40,633 --> 00:23:41,733 you know yeah 647 00:23:41,733 --> 00:23:43,500 I and then and then going back to sleep 648 00:23:43,500 --> 00:23:44,533 I think that is a beautiful 649 00:23:44,533 --> 00:23:46,666 every parent listening will be like 650 00:23:46,700 --> 00:23:49,033 I want that day and I'm glad you threw in the 651 00:23:49,033 --> 00:23:49,833 the spa 652 00:23:50,000 --> 00:23:52,300 because that was what was missing originally from that 653 00:23:52,300 --> 00:23:53,800 that equation that's perfect 654 00:23:53,933 --> 00:23:55,766 of course always love a good massage 655 00:23:55,766 --> 00:23:57,333 so we can't say no to that 656 00:23:58,900 --> 00:24:00,933 so my final question 657 00:24:00,933 --> 00:24:03,133 the question I always like to end with 658 00:24:03,133 --> 00:24:04,933 with all of the wisdom 659 00:24:04,933 --> 00:24:07,900 and knowledge and experience that you have 660 00:24:07,900 --> 00:24:11,666 at this point if you can go back and say anything 661 00:24:12,066 --> 00:24:14,566 to your younger self what would you say 662 00:24:14,566 --> 00:24:16,233 yeah um 663 00:24:16,233 --> 00:24:19,233 the silly answer that I could give is like 664 00:24:19,233 --> 00:24:22,200 invest in like Amazon or Google or 665 00:24:22,200 --> 00:24:23,633 or buy real estate 666 00:24:23,633 --> 00:24:27,400 but I think one of the mantras that I live by now 667 00:24:27,400 --> 00:24:29,866 that I wish I would have lived by earlier is 668 00:24:29,866 --> 00:24:32,400 worst case tomorrow or worst case scenario 669 00:24:32,400 --> 00:24:34,700 we won't do that again tomorrow right 670 00:24:34,700 --> 00:24:36,966 I've Learned a lot of throughout my career 671 00:24:36,966 --> 00:24:39,366 but most of those learnings are from mistakes 672 00:24:39,366 --> 00:24:42,200 that I've made and even people that I've hurt right 673 00:24:42,200 --> 00:24:44,300 as I've I've been a a leader and a manager 674 00:24:44,300 --> 00:24:46,300 and even though my intent was good 675 00:24:46,300 --> 00:24:48,633 sometimes delivery's bad and there's you know 676 00:24:48,633 --> 00:24:49,600 it's a learning lesson 677 00:24:49,600 --> 00:24:52,200 and I I think we all wish we could learn faster 678 00:24:52,200 --> 00:24:53,900 I think we would all wish we could be perfect 679 00:24:53,900 --> 00:24:56,466 out of the gates and 680 00:24:56,533 --> 00:24:58,233 as soon as I figured out that 681 00:24:58,233 --> 00:24:59,733 it's okay to make mistakes 682 00:24:59,733 --> 00:25:02,433 it's okay to learn it's okay to be a failure 683 00:25:02,433 --> 00:25:04,200 it's okay to be human 684 00:25:04,300 --> 00:25:06,100 learn from it and just don't do it again 685 00:25:06,100 --> 00:25:08,633 I mean everything became so much more easy 686 00:25:08,633 --> 00:25:11,366 and I became way more grounded as an individual 687 00:25:11,366 --> 00:25:14,000 and as a lead that is the official mic drop moment 688 00:25:14,000 --> 00:25:16,233 there's been a few but that's the official one 689 00:25:16,500 --> 00:25:19,166 Parker you are just a delight 690 00:25:19,166 --> 00:25:24,200 I appreciate your honest real truthful approach in life 691 00:25:24,200 --> 00:25:26,400 I know so many myself included 692 00:25:26,400 --> 00:25:27,900 really appreciate your perspective 693 00:25:27,900 --> 00:25:29,133 thank you for being here today 694 00:25:29,133 --> 00:25:30,333 yeah thank you so much