Marilyn Shimp

I've been in technology for about 20 years, and I'm actually only on my third job in my entire career. Before technology, I was doing data entry, finance, and inventory work at a lumber company - it was just a job when my daughter was very young. What led me to technology wasn't the industry itself, but an opportunity to make a job change from a company where I was just a number to a company where I was actually going to be part of something bigger. As a regional sales leader, I lead a team in Northeast Ohio providing technology solutions to our clients, but my favorite part is helping those individuals become the best version of themselves every single day. It's not about the product or widget - it's the people I get to work with. About three years ago, I started my own LLC called Empowered Woman, where I do one-on-one coaching with women, speak at events, and used to host monthly brunches with local ladies. When my daughter went off to college, she was my purpose, and then she was gone. I hit rock bottom personally and got a life coach, which helped me determine what I don't want in life and what my zone of genius is. That's my life's purpose - helping other people become the best version of themselves - and that's how I approach every single day. Recently, I made what I'm most proud of: a career change to a different company. After almost 19 years at a company that had become very corporate and toxic after being acquired, I finally chose myself. I made a move for less money but more peace, and I only wish I would have done it sooner. Now I get to work with a whole new group of people, and I'm shifting their culture. I'm having the time of my life.