By: Jessica Lambert, Director, Monitoring Operations
Before we get into the soul of this article, I would like to start by acknowledging all of you that have reached out to me with your congratulatory words. You are all kind, and I appreciate you all!
The main question I get asked is, “How do you feel?” To answer the question, I am in complete bliss. I am so grateful to be among one of the chosen candidates in such a prestigious honor. This achievement goes to show that hard work, determination, dedication, and endurance does pay off. I am even more excited that I can be a shining example to others of what they can achieve if they put their mind to it.
The fire within me has always been lit, but it’s scorching hot right now. In addition to how I feel about this achievement, I would like people to know that I am not stopping here. There is still tremendous work to be done. This is not the typical 5k race where once the finish line is reached, it’s time to stop, rest, and receive a medal. Instead, I consider this accomplishment as a checkpoint. We as a nation, we as a community, we as a business are still dealing with a pandemic that still holds a potential threat to all businesses, and it is my job to bring about success for my staff, department, and GMS during these times. Security Systems News raised several different questions to me. One question especially resonated with me. They asked me to describe some of the keys to succeeding right now during these difficult times, both personally and in business. I would like to give you all a sneak preview of my response to this question:
“I believe it is important for businesses to prioritize people. A business is only as successful as its employees. We do this by keeping them happily engaged in our company culture. This is especially critical right now during these times because we do not know what people are silently taking on in their personal lives. From a business perspective, all we understand is that they arrive to work every day ready to do the jobs we pay them to do. So, creating a positively engaged work culture, despite these hard times, will keep your business thriving. If I can offer any advice for personal growth and success, it would be: do not give up on yourself. My grandmother would always say to me, “Nobody said it would be easy, so don’t ever give up when it gets hard.” This year has tested many of us, and for a lucky few who have yet to experience that test, one thing is sure: that test will happen. When it does, do not give up. You cannot fail if you get back up and try again.”
Overall, I am extremely honored by this achievement. I may have even celebrated with my husband and kids by ordering pizza, baking cookies, and letting the kids stay up past their bedtime one night. As the celebration subsided, I knew I had only just reached a checkpoint in life, and I am fully locked and loaded to keep going.
Special Thanks!
I want to give a special thanks to my supervisors, Lyaisha Ellison, Eryn Healy, and Angelina Wampler, and a special thank you to their entire team of employees. I am only as successful as you all.
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