Her Story
About Marci
Marci Fairbanks serves as Programs Director in the sports equipment manufacturing industry, where her company produces pickleball equipment. She has over 10 years of experience in sports and fitness, beginning with Parks and Recreation work in high school that led to a full-time aquatics role, promotion to facility director for about two years, and four years with a third-party management company before assuming her current position 18 months ago. Marci holds a bachelor's degree in general studies with an emphasis in business from Brigham Young University, as well as an MBA and a Master's of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Missouri University of Science and Technology. She also possesses an Agile Level 1 certificate. Marci attributes her professional success to her ability to solve problems and values honesty and empathy both at work and in her personal life. She advises young women entering the field to track their successes, particularly in male-dominated workplaces, and notes that the biggest challenge is competition while the opportunity lies in the rapid growth of pickleball.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marci
01What do you attribute your success to?
Honestly, I think it's because I can solve problems. I have been put in roles continuously where I can think, and that is the thing that is most valued in what I do. If I'm not solving a problem, then I'm not being challenged.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Probably that nobody is looking out for me, except me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them to make sure that they keep track of their successes. I think a lot of times, especially women, take for granted that they are making progress. Keeping track of those successes, however minor, and being able to look back and see what my impact was helps, especially in male-dominated workplaces.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is competition. There's a lot of voices and you just have to do something unique to stand out. The biggest opportunity is that we're in a growing field. We manufacture pickleball equipment and pickleball is growing rapidly, so that is an opportunity to reach more customers.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty for sure, both at work and at home. Empathy is another one that I highly value.
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