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Elizabeth Schofield Woodall Beta Lambda - University of Tennessee/Knoxville
Senior Coordinator, Customer and Carrier Experience, Nolan Transportation Group (NTG)
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? Empowerment
Can you share a brief 5-7 sentence biography about yourself, highlight key moments in your career that have shaped who you are today?
I started my career working for PepsiCo Inc. in Nashville, Tennessee. I had to make the difficult decision to leave this position due to my husbands acceptance into medical school. This moved us to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where I had to rebuild my career after I found a position in logistics. I worked my way from an account coordinator to a team leader and now to my role working at the corporate level. Although it was tough to leave a blossoming career, I am so thankful for the career I have built today.
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from this friendship?
My boss, Taylor, has been a great mentor for me in my current CX role. I have watched her become a new mom in the past year. It has been inspiring to watch her go through this change in her personal life, but still watch her succeed in her career. She has taught me how you can ”do both.” As a manager, she expects me to want more for myself by asking things like, ”what is a goal that you want me to help you accomplish this year?” Her leadership has been so valuable to me as a woman in logistics.
How did you discover your passion and what opportunities have helped shape your curiosity for what you do?
We have had to move quite a bit for my husband’s medical school journey. We have moved three times in our five-year marriage. I quickly learned that I could let moving for his career slow down my own development, or I could use it as an opportunity. I made the choice to put myself first and find ways to develop myself personally and professionally. Giving myself the freedom to ”get after it” has made the biggest impact in my overall well being. I want to spread the same feeling of empowerment that I have experienced to the rest of my community.
Looking ahead in your career, how do you envision continuing to incorporate generosity into your leadership style and professional endeavors?
I have learned quickly throughout my career that the most generous thing you can do is give someone your time. I look forward to continuing to be generous with my time as I progress through my professional career. This looks like, making time for the meeting of the EmpowHer ERG. Donating 30 minutes a week to lead a Junior Achievement seminar for 2nd graders. Your time is valuable and I think that is the most generous gift you can give your community.
How has your community helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
My community has been vital for encouraging me throughout the many life changes that I have experienced. I have relied on them through each move to a new city, change in my husbands career and trying to navigate my new normals. My Delta Zeta sister, Rachel, was a bridesmaid in my wedding, and has been with me every step of the way in my career. She is a constant friend and we can always pick up right where we left off.
What does empowerment mean to you, and how have you worked to empower others in your career or personal life?
Empowerment means giving yourself permission to ”get after it.” I have worked hard to make sure I have outlets in my community where I can empower others on a daily and weekly basis. For me, this looks like NTG’s EmpowHER ERG, Junior League of Knoxville and Junior Achievement. It’s a gift to be able to empower different members of my community like co-workers, community members and kids.
What does it mean to you to create an environment of belonging for others, and how do you carry that lesson into your personal and professional life?
As someone who moves a lot, I know what it’s like to have the internal panic of wondering where you belong. This translates into me being passionate about recruitment for my many organizations. I want to make sure others feel the same sense of belonging as I do. I am a member of Side by Side, which is a Christian, Medical Wives life group. This has been the biggest blessing as the medical spouse journey can be very lonely. I am very passionate about making sure woman with medical spouses know that they are not alone in their crazy journey and feel that they have a community surrounding them.