Trail Blazer.....

So, yesterday I drove up to McLean to celebrate a very special lady.  Aimee is our current director at Capital One. She has transformed our current organization from a dysfunctional to a functional unit. She has neatly laid the groundwork for the next up and coming director.   Aimee has decided, that even though Capital One is way too much fun, to take another opportunity outside the company.  I will admit that I have shed a few tears over her leaving because she has been a solid mentor to me over the past year.

When you work for a company as large as Capital One sometimes it’s difficult to know who you can really trust and who really has your back.  Last year I had the opportunity to grow in my job and test my limits.  Some days were challenging, and other days made me question what I was thinking taking this on.  However, during one of those difficult days I found myself stretched beyond what I felt comfortable.  A couple of days later I decided to reach out to Aimee and talk to her about my situation. I never really talked to her before, never confided in her about a work situation and I knew it might get messy.  However, when I reached out her response was, “how about now”?   Well to say that I was in shock from her reply is an understatement, but I took that leap of faith and spent the next hour outlining my story.

I don’t regret that day or that conversation because Aimee was authentic, genuine, and understanding.    She has the ability to look at a situation objectively and give feedback that is constructive but also encouraging.   I can honestly say, in my many jobs over the years, I have never met a more grounded and confident person as Aimee.  I mean most women I have encountered are so worried about making their mark they could care less who they tear down in the process, but not Aimee.  She never cared about that (making her mark), she cared about her tribe.

So Aimee, if you are reading this, thank you.  There needs to be more women leaders and mentors in this world for the next group of women rising to the challenge.  You are a “Trail Blazer” and I am so fortunate our paths crossed.  You will be missed by many folks but as Dorothy told the Scarecrow, “I will miss you most of all”.  🌻💋❤️