Annie and her twin brother were raised by their father and extended family after tragically losing their mother to suicide. Instead of allowing this trauma to define her, with the help of her family she developed a thirst for knowledge from a very young age. This appetite projected her into some very inspiring career moves and a library of passports.
Professional Responsibilities
Annie is currently a Senior Account Executive responsible for selling digital forensic technology to US Federal agencies. Annie has been supporting this industry since 2003.
In her words…
Career History
After many internships, my first full-time job was working as an admission officer for my alma mater. I then did a brief stint with the US Government in law enforcement. From there, I spent 5 years with a government contractor as an intelligence analyst. I then pivoted to technical sales serving as a subject matter expert for the company that made the software product I loved most as an analyst. I spent 8 years doing that, then went to another company for two years as an account manager, and now am a full-time seller for another IT company.
Hobbies
Volunteering – I’m especially active with the Daughters of the American Revolution, and I’m passionate about helping the community. I also love adventure, especially SCUBA diving, traveling the world, and wine.
What is something that you do for you?
I have a glass of wine almost every night as a way of celebrating my day.
What are some of your favorites?
Sashimi, 80s music, United Airlines, iPhone, wine.
What is a common preconceived assumption of you that is false?
One might be that because I have red hair, I have a fiery personality. But, that’s true : )
Childhood
I have a twin brother. Our mother died when we were young so I we were raised by our father and nannies. I was also fortunate to have grandparents, aunts and parents of good friends who took good care of me.
Are there any childhood contributing factors or events that have led you to the success you have today?
My mother moved out when I was 4 and died when I was 7, so many assumed I was set up for failure. However, I was surrounded by smart and successful people who were amazing role models for me. Even though I felt my family situation was abnormal, I admired the way my cousins and my friends’ families operated, and I wanted to be more like them. I lived with my relatives for one summer after 7th grade and my uncle made us read the Wall Street Journal every day and would quiz us on it at dinner. I actually loved that because it made me feel like I was part of a smart, successful family. I continued to read the WSJ through college, and then the Economist because I noticed that’s what people I perceived to be successful did. I think being surrounded by people I perceived as successful – relatives and friends – had a very positive impact on me.
Has there been a “fork in the road” decision you came to that could have gone extremely wrong? How did you / what helped you to make the better decision?
Given my family situation, I think there were a lot of opportunities when I could have chosen to run with the bad crowd and I didn’t. I credit God with making better decisions. He’s always been there for me, and guided me, and forgiven me, even when I did make bad decisions. Also, I’ve encountered many forks in the road in my travels – sometimes even literally. I live fearlessly because I know God has a plan for me. I admit I sometimes take risks that would make most people cringe, and I’ve been fortunate He has protected me through many seemingly bad decisions.
How do you push through your worst times?
When I’m having a bad day, I motivate myself to do some sort of exercise (kickboxing and punching bags are especially effective for me!). It helps give me a fresh perspective. If it’s something that doesn’t go away, I evaluate what is causing such a negative impact on me and do I need to make a major change in my life. Sometimes, the answer is obvious.
What are your success habits?
Prioritize properly. I also give myself a break and reward everyday – it almost always involves wine, either on my porch or in front of the fireplace, and no computer.
What has been one of your biggest professional challenges and how did you overcome it?
Probably the biggest professional challenge I’ve faced was training to become a Federal law enforcement agent. And I made several bad decisions along the way that certainly changed my career path. One of them was not being prepared physically for the training. I couldn’t do any pushups and I was required to do a minimum of 14. Fortunately, they were willing to give me time and assistance improving, and ultimately helped me be able to meet this requirement. It was a very challenging two months, though, to the point where anytime somebody mentioned pushups, I would get down and do some. Even 17 years later, I still do pushups to remind myself I still can. Ultimately, it was a mentality that helped me overcome this challenge.
What have you sacrificed both professionally and personally at each stage of your career?
I have made all sorts of sacrifices along the way. As an intel analyst, I sacrificed much of my personal life to do my job the best I could. I worked long hours, rarely saw sunshine, and couldn’t talk much about my job. I didn’t realize how unhealthy that was until I changed careers. Professionally, I probably could have stayed on that team and eventually been promoted to manager, but I wanted to go to Afghanistan and it was not an option in that job. So, I took a different role as a newbie on the team so that I could experience war firsthand. Many years later, I again made personal and professional sacrifices when I decided to finish my MBA. I had previously postponed it because I had spent so much time traveling for work and I didn’t have any more time to give to my education. When my role changed and I was working in an office instead of airports, I decided it was time. It was expensive, with both time and money, but it gave me knowledge I knew would outweigh the costs.
How do you balance “domestic life” and a career?
Honestly, as a single female with no kids, it’s not too hard. Probably balancing my interests – volunteering and travel – with work is a bigger challenge. I have help cleaning my house, and usually order takeout, so I can focus on the things most important to me.
What advice would you give to women trying to achieve your role and responsibilities?
For a woman who wants to have a successful career in sales, I would advise her to get sales experience selling something she loves. If she is passionate about it, she’ll find success. Also, take advantage of free training opportunities, especially leadership training. One of my mentors often reminds me to get as much out of my employer as it gets out of me and I believe it’s sound advice.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?
Emotions. I think we’re naturally more emotional than men. Sometimes some level of emotion is appropriate, but I believe we have to work hard to find a balance.
What is a barrier you have faced and did you overcome it? If so, how?
The first time I applied for the IBM Corporate Service Corps (CSC), I was not selected. I believed the program was perfect for me, so I really wanted to be a part of it and needed to figure out how to become a stronger candidate. I found people who had participated in the program and asked them for advice about the application. I found one quality in common with all of them and that was that they were all part of an internal leadership program. So, I talked to my manager about it and he nominated me for the program. The next year, I again applied for CSC and I was selected.
Have you experienced resistance when leading men? If so, how do you handle it?
Yes, I have found resistance leading men and strong women. I find that having a backbone, and showing I am strong, not leading with emotion, is key.
What is some advice you would share with young women entering a male dominated profession?
Show those men why you’re good at your job! Think back to the world wars when women were not allowed in the military but volunteered to do the men’s desk jobs while they were away at war. The women did their jobs better, faster, etc, enough so that women were given the opportunity to join the military. God has blessed women with many unique skills and it’s on us to use them!
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
We are so excited for you! We know that women are blessed with many amazing unique qualities and with women at the helm, I have no doubt the world will accomplish more than they would solely with male leadership.
What is the most important characteristic, trait, behavior, or skill a leader can possess?
Integrity.
What woman and/or man has inspired you? Why?
Rosa Parks is inspiring because she did not let gender or race get in the way of what she felt was right – equality. I believe all men and women are entitled to equal rights, I believe our forefathers thought so too when they established the USA, and I’m proud that she took action.
What book would you recommend everyone should read?
The Five Love Languages.
Anything else you would like to add?
For girls looking for inspiration, believe in yourselves, speak words you believe to be true, and surround yourselves with people you admire. If you speak it, and you live it, it will happen.
Annie John
Senior Account Executive
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