I’m a business professional originally from East Tennessee, who relocated to Kentucky in 2008 amidst the financial crisis. My journey into leadership didn’t begin there, though.
Born in Morristown, TN, I grew up in the picturesque yet economically challenged town of Sneedville, nestled along the Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky borders. Despite its status as the 10th poorest city in the U.S., Sneedville’s natural beauty remains unmatched. Growing up surrounded by poverty, I faced a choice: accept the status quo or strive for something more. Raised by a single mother with my younger brother, we never lacked for necessities, thanks to my mother’s unwavering dedication as a nurse. Her relentless work ethic, often picking up night shifts and traveling for assignments, ensured our needs were met.
Following my father’s debilitating brain injury, which led to his departure from our family, our upbringing was split between weekdays with my mother and weekends with my father and his parents. I can still vividly recall my grandmother’s words as she gazed out the back window, content with what she saw: “Everything in the world I need, I can see from standing right here.” Her reluctance to venture beyond our small town contrasted sharply with my growing desire to explore the world beyond its borders. This thirst for exploration and new experiences became the driving force behind my ambition.
After graduating from high school, I dove into the workforce full-time while also juggling college courses, which eventually steered me toward a career in the hospitality industry. Holding leadership roles at esteemed establishments like Hyatt Hotels and other organizations, I gained valuable experience. A pivotal moment came when I secured an internship with The Walt Disney Corporation as part of their prestigious leadership program. The insights gained during this period were instrumental as I navigated through various Fortune 50 companies and eventually ventured into consulting.
However, the onset of the 2008 financial crisis prompted me to reassess my career trajectory. It was during this time that I met my future wife in Louisville, KY. Her unwavering support became the catalyst for my decision to return to academia and pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. This educational journey not only ignited my passion but also paved the way for excelling in leadership positions within the digital product realm. Fuelled by this newfound drive, I embarked on the path of obtaining an MBA to further augment my professional growth.
Who Did I Work For
Who I Contracted With
After a quarter-century of leadership roles spanning various industries, I’m driven to share the wealth of knowledge gleaned from past mentors, extensive training programs, educational pursuits, and the trials of corporate America. I welcome you to accompany me on my blog journey as I offer insights and nourish my ongoing personal and professional development in the next chapter of my career.
