Consultant Spotlight: Erin – From Backstage to Boardroom

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September 17, 2024
Consultant Spotlight: Erin – From Backstage to Boardroom

A Symphony of Career Transitions

Picture this: A young woman from St. Louis, surrounded by the pulsing energy of a concert crowd, meticulously organizing band merchandise as the music thunders through the venue. This was Erin, embarking on a journey that would take her from the vibrant world of music tours to the dynamic realm of product management.

Erin's career path reads like a captivating playlist, each track representing a new chapter in her professional life. As she traversed the globe with bands, managing their merchandise, she was unknowingly laying the foundation for a career defined by adaptability and a passion for connecting with people.

The Remix: From Politics to Product

As the final chords of her touring days faded, Erin found herself drawn to a new rhythm—the cadence of political discourse and public service. Armed with a double degree in Public Administration and Political Science, she stepped into the role of Director of Communications for a labor union. Here, her voice became an instrument for advocacy, amplifying the concerns of workers and championing their causes.

But just as a skilled DJ reads the room and adjusts the playlist, Erin sensed the shifting political landscape and decided it was time for a change of tune. She transitioned into eContent writing, where her knack for communication flourished. It was in this digital realm that Erin discovered her true calling—Product Management—a role that would allow her to orchestrate the creation of solutions that resonated with users' needs.

Finding Her Anthem at Blend

The global pandemic struck a discordant note in many careers, but for Erin, it became the catalyst for a bold new composition. As she searched for remote opportunities with larger, global companies, Blend emerged as the perfect harmony to her aspirations. As she weighed multiple offers, a conversation with Shana and Courtney, her now-leader, solidified her decision.

"Courtney's vision for the team and her approach to product management made the decision to join Blend and American Express a no-brainer," Erin recalls, her eyes lighting up as she speaks.

Since 2022, Erin has been part of a symphony of success at Blend. The supportive environment feels like a well-tuned orchestra, where each member's success contributes to a beautiful collective performance. The unique learning opportunities and flexibility provided by Blend and American Express have allowed Erin to fine-tune her skills and achieve a perfect work-life balance.

Collaborating on a Masterpiece

At American Express, Erin found herself surrounded by virtuosos of the business world. The highly engaged and supportive colleagues rekindled the passion she once felt in politics. Together, they compose strategies and innovate solutions, with smart monitoring projects being some of her favorite, albeit confidential, performances.

The Encore: Making a Lasting Impact

As Erin looks to the future, her goals may not be as defined as a musical score, but her desire to create positive change resonates clearly. "I want to be doing something that matters, that's making a difference somewhere," she says with conviction.

In the grand concert of life, Erin's career stands as a testament to the power of adaptability, continuous learning, and the pursuit of meaningful work. From the backstage of music tours to the boardrooms of American Express, her journey reminds us that with passion and flexibility, we can all compose a career that not only succeeds but also leaves the world a little bit better than we found it.

A Symphony of Career Transitions

Picture this: A young woman from St. Louis, surrounded by the pulsing energy of a concert crowd, meticulously organizing band merchandise as the music thunders through the venue. This was Erin, embarking on a journey that would take her from the vibrant world of music tours to the dynamic realm of product management.

Erin's career path reads like a captivating playlist, each track representing a new chapter in her professional life. As she traversed the globe with bands, managing their merchandise, she was unknowingly laying the foundation for a career defined by adaptability and a passion for connecting with people.

The Remix: From Politics to Product

As the final chords of her touring days faded, Erin found herself drawn to a new rhythm—the cadence of political discourse and public service. Armed with a double degree in Public Administration and Political Science, she stepped into the role of Director of Communications for a labor union. Here, her voice became an instrument for advocacy, amplifying the concerns of workers and championing their causes.

But just as a skilled DJ reads the room and adjusts the playlist, Erin sensed the shifting political landscape and decided it was time for a change of tune. She transitioned into eContent writing, where her knack for communication flourished. It was in this digital realm that Erin discovered her true calling—Product Management—a role that would allow her to orchestrate the creation of solutions that resonated with users' needs.

Finding Her Anthem at Blend

The global pandemic struck a discordant note in many careers, but for Erin, it became the catalyst for a bold new composition. As she searched for remote opportunities with larger, global companies, Blend emerged as the perfect harmony to her aspirations. As she weighed multiple offers, a conversation with Shana and Courtney, her now-leader, solidified her decision.

"Courtney's vision for the team and her approach to product management made the decision to join Blend and American Express a no-brainer," Erin recalls, her eyes lighting up as she speaks.

Since 2022, Erin has been part of a symphony of success at Blend. The supportive environment feels like a well-tuned orchestra, where each member's success contributes to a beautiful collective performance. The unique learning opportunities and flexibility provided by Blend and American Express have allowed Erin to fine-tune her skills and achieve a perfect work-life balance.

Collaborating on a Masterpiece

At American Express, Erin found herself surrounded by virtuosos of the business world. The highly engaged and supportive colleagues rekindled the passion she once felt in politics. Together, they compose strategies and innovate solutions, with smart monitoring projects being some of her favorite, albeit confidential, performances.

The Encore: Making a Lasting Impact

As Erin looks to the future, her goals may not be as defined as a musical score, but her desire to create positive change resonates clearly. "I want to be doing something that matters, that's making a difference somewhere," she says with conviction.

In the grand concert of life, Erin's career stands as a testament to the power of adaptability, continuous learning, and the pursuit of meaningful work. From the backstage of music tours to the boardrooms of American Express, her journey reminds us that with passion and flexibility, we can all compose a career that not only succeeds but also leaves the world a little bit better than we found it.

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