Describe what you do at Datalink - in your own words
Both the Requirements Manager and the Product Owner require one main objective – mitigate risks for internal/external stakeholders while delivering results that are meaningful. While I may have different goals to meet as an RM than the PO, I approach both the same way – how can I best serve the client, the company, and my coworkers? By keeping this question at the forefront of my mind, I am able to better manage each of the BA/PO team members as well as the quarterly/annual goals for the EHR/RAE specifically. I am ultimately responsible for delivery of a successful product and am surrounded by amazing team members who share the same ideals.
What do you like most about Datalink?
In my 11 years here at DataLink, I have always been encouraged to learn more, do more, and ‘be’ more. My mentors are great listeners and offer advice that is not only useful for my role(s) here but also for my life in general.
Which DataLink value is your favorite? and Why?
Engage & Grow Together is my favorite value as I feel it truly encompasses all other values. When we are engaging (communicating) and growing across and within teams, then everything else falls into place and the company is ultimately successful.
How do you put this value to work in your worklife?
Honest and transparent communication, in my experience, is the cornerstone for success in growth. I constantly learn about how our business is changing, and I adapt my approach accordingly. It is best not to live in a vacuum.
What makes you feel most valued at DataLink?
Feeling heard. Seeing action. Receiving feedback.
What has been the best part about working at DataLink?
Honestly, the amount of opportunities that exist to build upon knowledge is invaluable
How have you grown at DataLink?
I have been lucky to be involved in so many projects and roles at DataLink. I have never felt that I was at a stopping point in my growth; which is an amazing thing to say about a workplace.
How has Datalink helped you in your career development?
My mentor(s) have always encouraged me to take classes and obtain certifications and have supported me in the time away needed to accomplish that training/education. While there is always more to learn, if I think back on when I started, I cannot believe all that I know now and it is mostly due to that support.
A little about you...
Do you have a nickname?
No, but I always wanted one….a good one 😉
Please provide us with a personal quote.
Rule #76: “No excuses, play like a champion.”
How did you first learn about Datalink
I was a single mom of 2 little ones working a dead-end job paying less than minimum wage, and Kevin Steele reached out to me. What he proposed was very intriguing, and I could not resist. I’ve not regretted it a day since.
Do you recall any embarrassing moment at work?
Early on, I accidentally ran a HUGE sql query on production, causing the server to essentially crash. IT was not happy with me, nor was anyone else. I learned very quickly to use No Lock and run after hours instead. I was pretty embarrassed.
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given, and how has it impacted your life?
“Stop putting your head on other people’s shoulders…” (my dad) … I remember this quote any time I am having difficulty understanding the purpose behind an individual’s actions. It basically means that not everyone will think like you, act like you, believe like you, respond like you and you have to try to meet them where they are in order to move forward.