IST's Women in Technology, Part 2

Innovate & Integrate

IST's Women in Technology, Part 2

Building a successful career is not a set path determined from the beginning but a trail of accepted opportunities. IST's leaders may share different experiences, but what unites them is their persistence and curiosity to excel.

In our series, Women in Technology, IST leaders share their stories and passion for their careers. We're excited to speak with Vice President of Human Resources Administration Lori Mitchum and Regional Vice President, Shareholder Rachel Murphy for this edition.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS INDUSTRY? WHAT INTERESTED YOU ABOUT A CAREER IN TECHNOLOGY?

RACHEL: I started my career with IST in 2012 as an Account Executive in Charlotte, NC. Technology will always be the driving force for future business, and IST's position to ensure that people are in the driver's seat interested me. I've seen how our proprietary technology helps clients access the tools to make their operations faster and more efficient. It's rewarding to help clients stay ahead of the curve.

LORI: Like many people in the HR profession, I accidentally fell into it. I started at IST when I was 23 years old in Marketing as a Graphic Designer. I did proposals for sales, signs, and implementation manuals for operations and began assuming anything else needed. Those needs grew, and eventually, I oversaw Marketing, Office Management, Events, and a growing list of HR-related functions.

Once it became apparent that I could no longer oversee Marketing and Human Resources, I chose to branch into HR exclusively. By that point, I had two young children, and HR brought more predictable hours than sales support did. I found a passion for being able to solve problems, help people, and take on HR-related projects.

WHAT WAS A PIVOTAL MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER THAT LED YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

LORI: The day Hal Blackman offered me a job in 1997 - he asked me to promise to stay for at least one year. One day in 2000, I asked for flexibility in the workday to take my kids to their events on time. My boss supported me and allowed me to adjust my schedule so that I could meet the needs of both my family and my career.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU IN YOUR CAREER?

LORI: I enjoy projects, details, and finding solutions to problems. HR offers a lot of opportunities for this. I've been in the same position for many years, but something challenges me to learn something massive and new every year. Keeping up with rapidly changing federal, state, and local HR-related laws and working for a rapidly growing and evolving company can be exhausting. Still, it is worth coming to the other side and realizing what I just learned and accomplished.