Her Story
About Jessica
I've spent my entire career in industrial software, about 20 years now. The first 10 years or so were in control system sales, which had a very heavy software component, and then the last half have been more focused on enterprise-wide data software. I just started my current position in January. My main area of expertise is definitely client relations and helping startups or scale-ups build funnels and marketing presence. In my role, I handle building brand reputation in our geography, building a very strong pipeline, closing deals, and managing the team. My most notable professional achievement so far is definitely closing multiple million-dollar deals with Fortune 100 companies. I was inspired to get into this field by my dad, who had an engineering degree but worked in sales. His job seemed interesting and fun, and I figured if he could do it, I could too.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I definitely attribute my success to my faith and also just the upbringing that I had. My upbringing gave me such a solid foundation for which I'm truly grateful. My dad was the first person in my family to go to college, and I was the second. We both have electrical engineering degrees, and he really inspired me to get into this field. His job seemed interesting and fun, and I figured if he could do it, I could too. That foundation and example he set has been instrumental in my journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that you should treat everyone up and down the chain with respect and kindness. After you stay in your position for a year or a couple of decades, like me, you never know where people are going to end up or in what positions they might serve in the future. Just treat everyone with respect and kindness, no matter what their role is, or whether they're above or below you. This has been such an important principle throughout my 20-year career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I think it's such a great industry for women to get into, or anyone to get into really. It doesn't matter, woman or not, but it's a great degree to get. An engineering degree just qualifies you for so many roles that are in high demand. Just like anything else, you have to believe in yourself and work very hard, but it's definitely an attractive option and should be an attractive option for people who are considering careers. There are tons of opportunities available in this field.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The opportunities are challenging right now. Like everybody else, we're just trying to figure out how artificial intelligence is going to impact or change the way we do things. But I think it is also an opportunity to do more with less and get better at what we do. So the challenge in and of itself is also an opportunity. It's about embracing AI and using it to improve our work rather than seeing it only as a threat.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I definitely value freedom, freedom to make my own decisions and chart my own course. But of course, I also value friendship and honesty. These values guide both my professional decisions and my personal relationships. Having the freedom to lead while maintaining honest, genuine friendships with those around me is what matters most to me.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Texas
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.