Her Story
About Lynne
My work experience has almost nothing to do with my education. I started as a volunteer in mental health, working at a residential therapeutic community for youth and young adults with severe behavioral problems. That led me to design and run a therapeutic community model at Vianna Correctional Center in Illinois, where I learned how to deal with fear and work with challenging populations. I then worked at Chester Mental Health Center, a maximum security facility for the criminally insane, where I was placed on the most aggressive unit as the first woman besides a nurse to work there. After that experience, I redirected to business and moved to Chicago, getting into recruiting at the entry level. I did really well fast and moved into executive search, recruiting stockbrokers even though men in that field were absolutely not convinced I had any business taking up space on the planet. I proved I was really good at that too. I started my own business called Marketect, where I was an early small business entrepreneur helping companies grow through business plans and strategic guidance. After the 2008 market crash, I got into the payment industry, working as a lead generator and closer. Throughout my career in male-dominated fields like commodity brokerage, where my production matched managers who had been in the business for years, I've proven that you can be nice and you can make money. My expertise is in developing relationships in business that are more personal and trusting, being a consultant who really listens well and comes up with creative ideas.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lynne
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I really think it's important that you know your stuff. Be confident, but most of all, put your client first, always, as far as how you develop the relationship. You gotta develop trust with them, but you also have to get them to think of you when they have a problem that they want to address. You can be nice, and you can make money, but try to be original, try to come across as intelligent. Try to be your authentic self, and at the same time, be an expert in your field. I think it's important to speak well and write well. Pay attention to what other people want. A lot of people who make money in business development are more focused on power and money, and I have no problem with money, but I just think that sales got a bad name because of the stereotypical aggressive salesperson. I wouldn't do business with most of them.
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