Learn how to effectively contribute in professional settings by mastering the art of intelligent questioning, demonstrating active listening, and building confidence to speak up among senior colleagues, ultimately enhancing your career growth and meeting participation value.
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Influential Woman · Retail
Tara T. Tate
Services Project Coordinator, Lowe's Companies, Inc
Wilkesboro, NC 27505
1Article published
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Tara Tate for Bold. Brilliant. Unstoppable.
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Tara T. Tate: Speaker: Tara Tate, Services Project CoordinatorWhat's one piece advice would you give to younger women chasing their dreams?Tara Tate: One piece of advice that I would give younger women chasing their dreams is to know yourself, know what you want, don't be overly influenced by any person other than yourself. It is wonderful to have people who are where you're trying to go. And people who have been where you are to give you um advice, stories, anecdotes, but don't follow any one of those anecdotes to the letter because you were created to be exactly who you are. You think differently, you see things differently. You were just a different person altogether, nothing about your journey is the same as someone else's journey, so you have to take the best things out of your journey to get you to where you're trying to go. I give that advice, and I am dressed this way on purpose, the glasses, the jacket, the hair even. Do you see this as a banker 20 years ago. I don't think you would have seen a banker wearing any of this 20 years ago, so that is the point. That person was a banker. But inside the banker was this person, the wild glasses, the wild jacket, the hair that was not suspect back then. So I say that to say that in that banker was hiding this person. And of course I could be this person on the weekends, but this personality is not a weekend personality, so banking was not a great fit for me, but I learned a lot. I worked almost in every department in banking there was except for being a teller. So it helped me a lot. It gave me a foundation of professionalism and communication because, um, luckily I worked for banks that were not afraid to train their employees, afraid that they would go somewhere else and use it. Um, I never understood that thinking because while they're there, they are benefiting you, but I digress. So I got out of banking and Honestly, people would probably say I am not on a specific track, but I know what my future, what I want my future to look like. So in my head, I am on the exact track that I'm supposed to be on, and that too is an encouragement to you. Don't let anyone tell you that you have to take this step and then that step and then another step. Do what it is that is in your soul and your spirit to do. Walk according to your own way. It may be that you meet people that you walk with for a while, but then you diverge and they go one way and you go another. Don't get caught up in this is the way it's supposed to look, because you will not only disappoint yourself, but those other women who are coming behind you, who you're going to influence, they need to hear you say, do what it is that you are passionate about. Do what it is that you wake up in the morning happy to do. And if you're not happy to do it, at least have a plan about what you're going to do. To be excited and happy about or do that in your part time. What it is that really interests you, do that in your off times, and it's hard to find off times, I know when you're trying to follow that track that everybody's telling you to follow, but what you love, you'll find time for. And that's what I'll say. You'll have time for what you love, so you'll find places to put what it is that drives you to wake up in the morning. What is that? Um, I wouldn't say necessarily make it your career, but you can find a career that actually uses those talents and skills that you are passionate about. That is what I would say to you. Know what it is that you want to do. And set a plan for how to get there. The plan may not work exactly the way you expect it to, but that teaches you how to adapt. Everything may not turn out, um, roses, and it won't be perfect, but as long as you stay adaptable, stay courageous, and know who you are and what you want to do, you will do wonderful things. It may not be as big as what's going to show up on a streaming channel or anywhere else, but you'll know that you are happy.What does being an Influential Woman mean to you?Tara Tate: Hello, to me, being an influential woman means that I have done something somewhere along the line that was worth sharing my experience. We all have different experiences and we all respond to them differently, so. To me, being influential means that I can influence someone else to do what it is that they would love to do, um, to influence them to know that they are important as well, and whatever they do one day will be an influence to someone else. So being an influential woman just means coming together with other wonderful women who are doing things. That are specific to them that they know that they are supposed to do. So to me being an influential woman means that we're out there doing what it is that we do, especially better than anyone else, or maybe not better than anyone else, but we're willing to put what we have learned, our skills, our personality, whatever we have to offer, we are. Able to do that and influence someone within our sphere of influence. Now that sphere during the past decades has, has gotten larger. We're not just influencing those who are directly around us. We can influence people all over the world in different countries. are in different societies and environments than we are. So being an influential woman now today during this time is such an exciting thing to be because of social media, because of the reach of the internet. You can influence someone who's not just in your neighborhood, but around the world. And so we get to be influenced by other women, wonderful women. With what they're doing from around the world. So it's making the world a whole lot smaller and our influence reaching so much greater. So thank God that influential women reached out to me and I was able to find out the great things that they do. Not only for me where I am, but for women everywhere, which is amazing and exciting, so. I am grateful for the chance and the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful group. They take excellence seriously. They take diversity seriously. So being an influential woman is just an exciting time for me. They have exposed me to things that I wouldn't have been exposed to. Before and without being involved with them. So I just look forward to the great things that being an influential woman has for me. So thank you for listening. And have a great rest of your day.
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Her Story
About Tara
Tara Tate is a dynamic professional whose career reflects both breadth and depth across multiple industries. With a foundation in Management Information Systems from Winston-Salem State University, she has worked in roles spanning finance, technology, retail, government, pharmaceuticals, and home improvement. Tara’s ability to adapt has been her greatest asset—whether managing vendor relationships for over 100,000 suppliers, operating a forklift in a high-volume lumber yard, or offering pharmacy support to hundreds of patients each week.
Her journey hasn’t followed a straight path, but that’s exactly what has shaped her into the well-rounded expert she is today. She has served as a project administrator, analyst, customer service specialist, and now, an emerging voice in the world of freelance writing. Her experience writing blogs, articles, persuasive emails, and business content has fueled a growing passion for copywriting, copyediting, and content creation. Tara sees writing not just as a skill, but as a way to build connections—something she’s honed across every position she’s held.
Tara is also the author of Foundation to Finishing: A Soul Constructional, a deeply personal book that reflects her perspective on growth, faith, and purpose. Her ability to move between the technical and the emotional—between operational tasks and creative expression—sets her apart in a world that demands both structure and story.
Through every role, Tara brings the same guiding principle: help however you can. Whether assisting a software upgrade during a surge in support tickets, resolving a vendor issue, or simply offering a kind word to a co-worker, she is grounded in service. She believes adapting isn’t just something you do—it’s something you become.
Looking ahead, Tara continues to build her writing portfolio and nurture a lifelong dream: opening a tea shop where conversation, reflection, and community can flourish—just like her career has, one intentional step at a time.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tara
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the variety of industries I’ve worked in—particularly communications, banking, and home improvement . These environments sharpened my understanding of customer needs and taught me how to navigate fast-paced, detail-oriented settings. My experience in project administration gave me the structure and discipline to handle shifting priorities while staying focused on results. Each role added a layer to my professional foundation and helped shape the adaptable, solutions-driven person I’ve become.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was simple but profound: Make sure you are pursuing what you are passionate about. It reminded me that fulfillment doesn’t come from a paycheck alone—it comes from purpose. That advice has guided me through every career pivot and even led me to write my first book and explore freelance writing opportunities. Passion is the fuel that keeps me going, especially when the work gets hard.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If I were to offer advice to young women entering any industry, it would echo that same message: Make sure you are pursuing what you are passionate about. It’s easy to get caught up in doing what seems practical or expected, but long-term success—and peace of mind—comes from doing what feels aligned with who you truly are. Trust your instincts, be open to growth, and know that your path doesn't have to look like anyone else's.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Personally and professionally, I value creativity, balance, and self-expression. I find peace in cooking, clarity in writing, and joy in reading a good book. These aren’t just hobbies—they’re forms of self-care and personal grounding. Making space for these things helps me stay centered and present, especially when life gets busy. Whether I'm working on a project or planning my next tea blend, I believe in honoring the things that feed the soul.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Tara
Courage to Contribute
Master the Art of Speaking Up: Transform Questions into Impactful Contributions in Professional Settings
When I found myself in rooms with people who held intimidating titles or had more experience, I contributed by asking intelligent questions. Intelligent is the key word—you need a solid understanding of the topic being discussed. I would restate what was said in the form of a question, then offer my input as a potential solution.
This gives you the courage to speak up without trying to sound like an authority in a room full of superiors. It can also help bring the conversation back to its central focus. In many meetings, discussions tend to drift. Asking a thoughtful question shows you were paying attention and demonstrates your knowledge of the topic.
However, avoid repeating what was said word-for-word. Reframe it in your own voice. This shows the group that you have critical thinking skills. The way you form the question also reflects your communication abilities. For example, if the topic is increasing cherry trees in a certain area, your question could sound like:
“Is it correct to say the cherry trees are sparse due to a lack of rain? If so, could we partner with a mobile irrigation company?”
By doing this, you show that you understand the topic and can offer possible solutions. In any conversation, the art of listening is highly valued. Some people speak only to push their agenda and may not truly practice active listening.
When you’re called on to speak—or you volunteer your input—you set yourself apart as an active participant. This builds credibility and often leads to being invited into more discussions. You leave a positive impression: one of courage, skill, and intelligence.
Now you’ve laid a strong foundation for success in future meetings. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect—or at least better. Once others recognize the value you bring to discussions, your input will be sought out in other areas of your role as well.
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