Influential Woman · IT and business staffing

Mary (Gannon) Taylor

Client Executive, Kforce Inc

Milwaukee, WI

2Awards received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Master's degree in speech pathology Degree 2021 Cert Master's degree in speech pathology Member Women in Technology of Wisconsin Member Board Member Member Northeast Chapter

Her Story

About Mary (Gannon)

I transitioned from being a speech therapist in an elementary school to the IT and business world, and I've been at K-Force for coming up on two years in August. In my current role, I support clients and find new clients to build partnerships to support their staffing or IT initiatives. What's been really meaningful is that within my first year, I was listed as the top new performer under one year tenure across our entire company, and I was voted Rookie of the Year this year. I received my master's degree in speech pathology, finishing in 2021, and I didn't even realize how much going through college and my master's degree, and pivoting degrees, was still supporting communication and still learning those skills. But really what's shaped my journey is the people that I've met and the conversations that I've had to make that pivot. I'm on the board for Women in Technology of Wisconsin, where I support our Northeast chapter. Transitioning from education, a field of majority women, to now being a minority, I think it's especially important to have enough voices out there supporting one another.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Mary (Gannon)

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to having a positive mindset, both in my personal and work relationships. I also think it's the mentality to keep going, no matter what challenges come up. Those two things together have really helped me achieve what I have so far.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I've received is that even when you're not in a leadership position, you can still find a way to lead with your own energy. It's about really engaging in your authentic self, being who you are, and showing up as you are at work, and staying true to your genuine self. That advice has really shaped how I approach my career.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I'd say find your circle of energy givers, and listen to the advice of them, and block out the other noise, and just keep going. Find your community and find the people that will keep building you up and cheering you on. Try to keep finding that community as you move across your career. Transitioning from education, a field of majority women, to now being a minority in my current field, I think it's especially important to have enough voices out there supporting one another.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I'd say navigating the various economic challenges right now, and supporting businesses through the times of unknown. That's probably my biggest challenge in the field at the moment, helping clients navigate uncertainty in the current economic environment.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values most important to me are authenticity, honesty, and fun. I believe in being genuine and truthful in everything I do, while also making sure to enjoy the journey and not take things too seriously.

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