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Biography
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Ready to take on our retail banking business!
Making connections...
I got a promotion!
A new year of possibilities
Wrapping up 2007
Corporate citizenship
Continued learning opportunities
Finding work/life balance
Tackling a new opportunity
Ready to take on our retail banking business!
In the true spirit of developing talent at Capital One, I’ve been given the opportunity to explore our branch banking business and accepted a new role as a Deposit Development Product Manager. I am extremely excited to get my feet wet and learn a completely new business, and I’m also ready face a different set of challenges. In my new role, I will be able to travel to our bank branches in New York, New Jersey, Louisiana and Texas and truly understand the various transactions with our Capital One customers.
I’ve been with Capital One in the Credit Card organization for over three years and have had the ability to move across various teams, report to different managers and work in different lines of business. Here at Capital One, associate career development is one of the keys to the overall success of our company. By fostering talent and truly tapping into the strengths of the associates that work here, Capital One has a solid workforce of people enjoying what they do for a living.
June 10, 2008
It’s been a while since I’ve written… I’ve been working on a very high priority project for the business, and I recently returned from a wonderful vacation in Costa Rica!
I’ve also recently had the opportunity to co-manage a speed networking event with the African American Network and LGBT Network associations. At Capital One, we value diversity and strive to foster the differences amongst our associates. The speed networking event was a creative way to bring together two of the many associate networks at Capital One to build relationships and grow professional and personal networks. Associates participated in a networking version of the speed dating phenomenon and met as many people as possible within a very short period of time.
The event was truly a success! I made a connection with an executive-level VP, learned about our new Banking organization and was able to recruit new members to the Community Volunteer Board that I currently serve on. Events such as this and the ability to be involved in a network association is another reason why working at Capital One is a wonderful experience. I’m able to engage in dialogue with different people from different walks of life with different experiences. This diversity is truly a reason why Capital One is a great place to work!
May 13, 2008
It's been a while since I've written last, and I'm super
excited to share my good news! I was promoted to Senior Product Manager during
the end of year Performance Management process!
Although it's only been
a few weeks, I'm already feeling more challenged and feel like I'm being held to
higher standards, which is great for my personal and career development. I'm
looking forward to working on meatier projects and really adding value at a more
senior level. As our organization shifts and re-brands, there are so many
opportunities for me to work on innovative projects and really challenge the way
we do business.
As I continue to progress in my career here at Capital One, I've considered applying to graduate schools in pursuit of my MBA. Because Capital One has one of the best tuition reimbursement programs in the industry, I'm more inclined to begin studying for the entrance exams and begin conversations with my manager on how to move forward ASAP! I hope that my next blog will begin with a note indicating I've been accepted to an MBA program. Wish me luck!
March 20, 2008
Happy New Year! After a wonderful two-week vacation, I'm getting back into the swing of things! It's a New Year full of new possibilities!
We are in the midst of our end-of-year Performance Management process. Our company culture encourages continuous feedback, and I believe it really helps all of us to drive toward better results, improve on our competencies and develop in our careers as a whole. It creates an environment where people are always striving to do their best. One of the best parts about the feedback process is the ability to provide feedback for everyone, across the different levels of the organization. This means I can give valued feedback to my manager and my manager's manager.
I look forward to reviewing the feedback that I get from other associates. This will allow me to really understand my contributions to the organization and where I can improve in my day-to-day job.
In addition to the end-of-year Performance Management process, my team and I are looking at ways to revamp our products and marketing tools, so I'm super excited about what lies ahead for 2008!
January 18, 2008
It's that time of year again! Projects are wrapping up and folks are heading out on vacation for the holidays. I'm looking forward to a healthy mix of vacation and working from home over the next few weeks, so that I can really enjoy the holidays.
This is the time of year when we reflect on our accomplishments and struggles over the year and look to the future. For me, this is a perfect time to reflect on my personal career accomplishments and plan for the upcoming year.
This year, I've had the opportunity to truly develop as a project manager. I've completed over half of my Project Management Masters Certification courses, and I plan to complete all courses by mid-2009. In addition to the training, I've been given the opportunity to be placed in a stretch role. This has allowed me to work on more challenging projects and obtain more responsibility on my team and exposure to senior leadership. In 2009, I hope to be promoted and continue to grow professionally. Our business is growing and changing every day, so if the opportunity presents itself, I'd love to explore roles in other areas of the organization and in other locations.
I hope you all have wonderful holiday season!
December 14, 2007
It’s that time of year again! The holidays are approaching, and I’m extremely excited! Not only because of the time off and the time I get to spend traveling and visiting my family, but because of the volunteerism that I’m involved with through Capital One.
Since I’ve been at Capital One, I’ve participated in the Food and Friends Thanksgiving community event. Food and Friends is a community center that makes and delivers meals to area residents who are living with life-altering illnesses, such as cancer, HIV or AIDS. Each year during the week leading up to the actual Thanksgiving holiday, a group of associates go to the local Food and Friends venue to prepare the Thanksgiving meals. We put in two-hour shifts during that day, then return on Thanksgiving Day to pass out meals to the families. This has been such a rewarding experience!
In addition to the Food and Friends initiative, my family rallies together to purchase a coat for a young child through our Angel Tree initiative, which runs closer to the Christmas holiday. As a volunteer for our local holiday parties with elementary schools, I actually have the pleasure of seeing my coat delivered to a child in need.
Events like this and others that Capital One participates in throughout the year make me proud to work here. It’s truly amazing to see how dedicated we are as an organization to giving back to the communities in which we do business.
November 30, 2007
Continued learning opportunities
Unfortunately, I haven't made it to the ski slopes yet; however, this month I've had the opportunity to take a master's certification course through Capital One University (COU) toward my Project Management certification, which is pretty exciting as well! The course was three days long at our Town Center facility in West Creek.
This course is one of seven that I must complete to become formally certified. As a part of my development plan, my manager has supported me signing up for these courses to increase the value that I add to the organization and position me for success in the future. These courses - and the hundreds of other courses offered through COU - are truly a reflection of the investment that Capital One makes in associates. Our learning resources include instructor-led courses, a reference library with reading and audio materials and online training. I've had the opportunity to take courses in presentation skills, negotiation tactics and assertiveness training for women.
The course options are endless and the folks who work at COU will work with you individually or schedule a course for your entire team. Being able to have this resource internal and onsite is convenient and allows for collaboration of thought with other associates across the organization. Tomorrow is Day 3 of the course and I have an exam at the end of the day, so I better get back to studying! I have three more courses to go - wish me luck!
October 16, 2007
Finding work/life balance
Now is the perfect time to sing the praises of Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs).
Over the recent summer months, I've had the privilege of working from airports, beaches and my own kitchen table - while remaining productive and having an impact on the various projects and products that I manage. Here at Capital One, much of our workforce is armed with the tools to be successful, productive and collaborative even if we are working in different physical locations. I never leave the office without my laptop and BlackBerry, so I can stay connected to my duties at work; however, I have the flexibility to manage my responsibilities in my personal life outside of work as well.
Today, I actually worked from home so that I could receive a furniture delivery. However, with the convenience of my laptop, and a dial-in number, I actively participated in four meetings and engaged in real-time conversations via our internal IM system. I strongly believe that when an organization recognizes, respects and supports a work/life balance, it increases productivity and morale.
Who knows? My next blog may be written from the ski slopes!
September 12, 2007
When I was approached about creating a blog for Capital One, I was shocked and amazed! I occasionally browse through pop culture blogs - and never in a million years would have guessed that Capital One would ask associates to spend time sharing their thoughts and opinions about the organization. I actually feel pretty cool having this opportunity!
I debated for some time over what the topic of my first blog would be, and I couldn't decide between Flexible Work Arrangements, team fun events or the overall culture. I decided to go with team fun events and will wait to touch on Flexible Work Arrangements next month when I'm working from the beach house in Florida!
Last week, my Product Management team participated in a half-day team event with an outdoor BBQ lunch and go-cart racing! Although I received a few black and blue flags - which meant no bumping, slow down or move over - I had a blast! It was a nice way to come together as a newly formed team. In true Capital One competitive fashion, the average lap and overall race times were tallied. Although I didn't come in first place on either of those dimensions, "J-Dogg" - my racing name - definitely didn't come in last!
Team fun events are one element of the Capital One organization that still raises eyebrows when I mention them to my friends and family. Since I joined Capital One in April 2005, I've been horseback riding, canoeing, golfing, bowling, sailing, skiing, to the spa and to a gourmet cooking class. All of these events created memories and working and personal relationships that will last for a long time!
June 20, 2007
