Her Story
About Sole
I started millions of years ago studying art and worked as an infographic designer creating graphics for newspapers. Newspapers started to die so I transitioned but wanted more creative data work with numbers and KPIs. I went back to school for a master's in UX just before COVID. In Houston, I consulted for oil and gas clients and fell in love with the complex field working with knowledgeable engineers and developers. My expertise is making complex data palatable visually. I have two people under me, onboard new team members, identify gaps for new applications, and collaborate on enterprise tools.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sole
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from curiosity. I am not necessarily more intelligent than others and never chased success directly. What interests me is doing new things, being good at something, and learning more. Being successful has been secondary to my curiosity.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
From my mother: treat the people you love or work with well, and try to treat even better those you don't like so they never feel the brunt of it. Also, if you can do it, do it yourself, don't pass it along, though I note this can lead to overworking.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be curious, be open, keep your eyes open, learn from others, listen to everybody even if you think they cannot give you information. Any information is gold especially with AI. Exercise empathy, put yourself in others' shoes to understand and turn situations around.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Oil and gas is slow to adopt technology like AI, still converting Excel to apps a few years ago. The market is very volatile, like a tinderbox with big ups and downs, not for the faint of heart.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is very important. Being a good person is paramount. I like people who are honest even if hurtful, good people who share, are personable, and can put themselves in others' shoes with empathy.
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