Stick to It: To Lead a Team, First Be a Great Teammate

With an appreciation for the creativity of writing, advertising and graphic design, Tonya Goforth pursued a degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Marketing. Since college, she’s navigated her way through different positions in various industries, gaining valuable experience and meeting supportive contacts along the way.

Now, as Alorica’s Director of Sales Enablement, she and her remote team of six help Alorica grow by assembling strategic business proposals and developing compelling sales presentations. Read her full Q&A below.

How did you reach your career goal of becoming a director?
After I originally applied for the director position, I was disheartened when an external person was hired instead. But I knew that I was still a vital part of the team, so I continued to remain positive and do my best as a proposal manager. Later when that director didn’t work out, I was promoted when my skills and experience demonstrated that I’d be a great fit. My “stick-to-it-ness” paid off!

What do you find most rewarding in your role?
Seeing my team’s accomplishments through organized collaboration is so rewarding because we’re always working with several different people. Being in this central position exposes us to all departments and many perspectives throughout the company, making it clear that it really does take a village to prepare each well-rounded proposal and presentation.

Did you have any noteworthy mentors along the way who were impactful in some way?
I would definitely say (now Alorica’s Senior Director of Product Strategy) Holly Hanak-Weaver, who I reported to as a proposal manager. She always showed a protectiveness over her team, while empowering them, too. I try to copy off her great leadership style—we both want to see our people grow and be the best they can be.

What’s the best way to pave a fulfilling career path?
At any job, it’s very important to establish genuine friendships with people you can depend on and who can depend on you in return. Then as your career changes, you’ll find that by maintaining a professional network, you’ll always have connections available for referrals, advice and encouragement.

Any additional advice for work life?
Don’t be intimidated; have confidence in yourself and your skills. Make yourself indispensable by being flexible and open to change. And roll with challenging situations while keeping a positive attitude and your best interests in mind of how you want to see yourself in the long run.