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Leadership plays a vital role in a company’s health, and a good leader makes all the difference. Our leadership team exists to serve our customers and team members and helps to shape our company’s culture. That’s why we have an exciting initiative! Every month, we are going shine a spotlight on one Strategic leader. These leaders are truly amazing, and we want to share a bit about them with you. To kick us off, we’ll be sharing about Wendy Todaro, our Director of Fulfillment. Wendy has been part of our team since 2020. We asked her a series of questions, so we could better understand the unique strengths she brings to her team through her leadership style.
What is your professional background and how it has shaped you as a leader at Strategic?
I started my career as a proprietary software implementation specialist. This role involved collaborating with cross-functional teams to analyze business requirements and design and implement software solutions tailored to meet specific organizational needs. Through this experience, I developed a strong understanding of project management, technical problem-solving and the importance of effective communication and collaboration.
Following my tenure in software implementation, I transitioned into a managerial role as a Software Implementation and Technical Writing Manager. In this position, I led the software implementation team and a team responsible for creating and maintaining documentation for software products, ensuring clarity, accuracy and user-friendliness. Managing a diverse group of writers and software specialists taught me the significance of fostering a supportive work environment, providing clear guidance and empowering individuals to perform at their best.
In May of 2020, I came onto the Strategic team as a Customer Solutions Representative. About a year later, I was promoted to Customer Solutions Manager. This was a fairly easy transition, shifting my focus from individual customer interactions to customer interactions and team performance, organizational goals and process improvement. Then at the start of 2023, I took on a new role as Director of Fulfillment. The change from Customer Solutions Manager to Director of Fulfillment required a broader perspective and focus on operational excellence across multiple departments.
Having experienced both the technical and managerial aspects of the software industry, I bring a unique perspective to my current role as the Director of Fulfillment. I understand the importance of aligning business goals with operational efficiency, and I leverage my past experience to optimize our fulfillment processes. By drawing upon my background, I emphasize continuous improvement, automation and leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction.
Are there any specific values or principles that have guided your approach to leading your team?
I prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member feels valued, respected and heard. I make an effort to understand their perspectives, challenges and aspirations, and I approach situations with empathy and understanding. Additionally, I believe in fostering a growth mindset among team members, encouraging them to embrace challenges, learn from failures and continually develop their skills. I promote a collaborative mindset, knowing that diverse perspectives and skills contribute to stronger outcomes. Fostering teamwork creates an environment where everyone feels valued and can contribute their unique strengths.
What aspects of your role as a leader ignite your enthusiasm the most?
As a leader, I am passionate about streamlining and optimizing processes to enhance efficiency and productivity. I enjoy analyzing workflows, identifying bottlenecks and implementing improvements. This aspect allows me to continuously refine operations and create a more effective and streamlined work environment and create a positive impact on the team’s success and the organization’s growth.
Aside from your professional responsibilities, what personal passions or interests do you bring to your role as a leader?
I have a genuine passion for learning and staying updated on leadership best practices. Additionally, I enjoy supporting team members in their professional growth, providing guidance and empowering them to overcome challenges. I find great fulfillment in seeing my team members thrive and reach their full potential.