Teresa Ward-Maupin
Director of Digital Experience, AIO Wireless
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
I try to approach all business challenges with an entrepreneurial spirit. This enables me to come up with unique solutions that lead to the transformation of existing operations, and in some cases, the formation of impactful new business units. Along the way, I’ve learned the following:
- It’s okay to make mistakes as long as you use them to build future successes. By setting this example, I empower others to try new things and not be afraid of failing. This freedom to task smart risks will enable them to achieve greater success in the long run.
- How to say “no” and when to say “yes.” I am also trying to give my personal objectives the same priority I give to my career objectives. Making sure that I allow myself time to support both is the key. Maintaining this balance is easier said than done, but I’ve made some great improvements in achieving this over the last 10 years.
- There are very few obstacles you can’t overcome if you are able to conquer your fear of the unknown.
BEST CAREER ADVICE
Seek out opportunities and always try to be the go-to person others think of first when faced with a challenge. Never turn down an assignment just because it doesn’t align with your job description and always be willing to take a special assignment. It can be a great way to learn and get exposure.
MY INSPIRATION
One of my main inspirations is James Braxton—a jazz musician from the civil rights era. His ability and passion to share his creative spirit, despite the challenges he faced, has taught me to stay true to my beliefs and goals in life despite distractions and obstacles.
WHAT I’M READING
The Four Disciplines of Execution by Stephen R. Covey
ON MOTIVATION
I think it’s really important to learn and understand how friends and coworkers respond to feedback and direction. Knowing that each person is different, I try to tailor my communications in a way that sets them up for success. It’s important to acknowledge that each individual makes a valuable contribution to the larger team and that cross-functional teamwork is key to an organization’s success.
COMMUNITY AND LEGACY
One of the biggest challenges I see in the African-American community is the loss of a sense of community and the overall lack of social awareness. When I was growing up, it was still important for parents to share the stories of previous generations and to know the sacrifices they made for all of us. It was important to know how African-Americans endured and how they fought for generations to gain liberties and equality. Today, it too often feels like it is less important to pass along this history. However, because my parents shared these rich stories with me, I feel more grounded and have a desire to play a more active role in the community. This mentality appears to be lost on today’s youth, who seem to lack an understanding of how hard African-Americans fought to get us where we are today and the initiative to help us go even further.
HOW I GIVE BACK
I give back by taking the time to formally mentor other young women and get involved in my community. For me, it is not enough to just be successful and not give back to the greater society. In my position, I feel a sense of obligation to help young women learn how to invest in themselves so their opportunities in life are truly unlimited.
MY ALMA MATER
I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing and public relations from Texas Tech University.
