I was entirely on my own when I was 19. While I was enrolled in college, I worked full-time at night in the call center of a fintech company, Jack Henry & Associates. It was a gritty, hands-on role, but an exciting time to be with the company, which was growing quickly. I didn't have a typical college experience. I worked a lot so I could pay for my car and home. At work, I put my hand up any chance I could. I was never the smartest person, but I worked really hard and was always willing to figure out problems. Even if I'd never done something, I would figure it out. I couldn't afford to fail, personally or professionally.
Anna Lundstrom, now at the helm of Nespresso's U.K. and Ireland operations, once strutted in the world of high-end fashion with Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci on her résumé. In an industry notorious for its cutthroat competition and nepotistic tendencies, landing a job at just one of these fashion powerhouses would be the realization of a lifelong dream for many. Yet, the reality is that the world of couture often remains elusive for the average job seeker.
I've wanted to work in advertising since I was a teenager. When I was 13, my aunt, who worked for an advertising company, said, "You like design, you should be an art director." She explained that it involved drinking coffee, coming up with ideas, and going on photo shoots. I was like, "Wow. That sounds amazing." I studied graphic design and did everything I could to get an internship at an ad agency.
I grew up in Anhui Province, China, and earned my bachelor's degree in finance and economics. I joined EyeBuyDirect in 2007, starting in an entry-level role in the finance department. After eight years of working full time, I did my master's in Shanghai. I was drawn to EyeBuyDirect's mission and digital-first model, and I saw a unique opportunity to grow with a brand. Over time, I assumed additional responsibilities in operations, product development, marketing, and general management, and developed leadership skills through hands-on experience.
MC: It required a lot of discipline, a lot of time management, but also provided the reward of such an incredible network and camaraderie of teammates and girls who I got to see day in and day out. Lacrosse conditioned in me a mindset and temperament that I leaned on throughout the networking, the application, and when it came to it, the interviewing stages. I draw on these intangibles - such as the need to think quickly on my feet, to stay resourceful, and to be a self-starter - every day.
A coroner has called on military fitness to be "decoupled" from career progression within the Defence Forces because of the fear of personnel speaking out if they were experiencing physical or psychological health problems.
"I think my career is going just how it's supposed to be, just how it was destined to be. I came off of two losses after having all wins and mostly knockouts, so I felt unstoppable as an amateur and an early pro."
