
Juatise Gathings
Regional Operations Director
Discover Financial Services
Chicago, IL USA
“We get better as a company when we bring diverse personalities and perspectives to the table.”
Discover Financial Services
Chicago, IL USA
“We get better as a company when we bring diverse personalities and perspectives to the table.”
Regional Operations Director
I lead the day-to-day operations at a financial services company.
I spend a lot of time interacting with people. I ensure my leadership team has the right tools to make sure employees can realize their full potential at work. I spend time understanding customer experience, including problem-solving for any blockers. I also work on budgeting to make sure our expenses aren’t growing faster than the profit or value they’re driving for the company. I also spend time in the community. For example, I coach local nonprofits to help enhance their financial structures.
Here's the first step for professionals
If you want to work as an operations director, it's important to seek out diverse opportunities throughout a company. People are so focused on upward mobility, which is still important, but it's also important not to underestimate the value of lateral and cross-functional movement. For example, if you're in compliance but you want to gain experience managing a project, then don't be afraid to move over and take a project management position. These experiences help create a well-rounded leader.
"I can't fully be myself here. I need to temper who I am in order to fit in."