Her Story
About Christine
Christine Bailey serves as a sales professional for the ITAD business at ARCOA, a role she has held for 8 years. In this position, she manages electronic recycling, buybacks, hard drive destruction, and the end-of-life processing of IT devices, ensuring no landfills are used and providing necessary reporting for customers. Prior to ARCOA, she spent 8 years at CDW selling IT equipment, where she started the healthcare segment and developed a contract with Health Trust, one of the largest group purchasing organizations. Before that, she worked for 10 years at Cardinal Health. Christine attended UC Berkeley but did not complete her degree after discovering her passion for sales at age 19 with her first role at Gotcha Sportswear. She has nearly 30 years of sales experience and is an active member of the Chicago Commerce, participating in the Women's Council and Technology Council. Her professional achievements include being named Sales Rep Rookie of the Year at Cardinal Health, earning a President's trip there, receiving a President's trip twice at CDW, and multiple Sales Excellence Awards. She attributes her success to her drive as a single mother for 20 years and her competitive nature, and she is currently exploring philanthropic opportunities with St. Jude's.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Christine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I was a single mom for 20 years and had to provide for my family. I'm very competitive and money was the main driver. I had to raise a family so I didn't have a choice, but sales fit well because you make what you work for. Now as an empty nester I'm having more fun with networking. Hard work pays off and it's satisfying to make goal. It's not how you handle defeat but how you pick yourself back up.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Treat everyone equally and never burn a bridge because you never know when that road's going to reappear. Get along with everyone, put yourself in their position, treat people with respect, kindness, and honesty. It pays off and customers can be friends too. Hard work always pays off. Be honest if you don't know something and say you'll find out.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You have to be a go-getter, stay on top of things, don't let things go through the cracks. Be on your A-game and respond to people in a timely manner because an opportunity can come to you just as quickly as it leaves. Stay consistent with your workflow.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include the up and down of the market and timing, as end-of-life devices are sometimes the last thing companies want to deal with, leading to low months. Opportunities are everywhere every day. My mantra is there are creative possibilities for abundance each day. There's always a new account and you just have to keep working and uncovering new contacts. You never know who you'll meet, so always stay on your A game.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value family above all. Your in-basket will always be full but you have to put your family first because kids grow up so fast. Work-life balance is key and I love the flexibility companies now give. COVID helped with remote work opportunities. When companies give flexibility, workers are happier and more productive and want to give back. Don't forget about your family. Work will always be there but spend time with your kids. I learned this when my daughter was in high school.
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