The path from an entry-level position to leadership can often be winding and filled with challenges. However, for some, these obstacles became the road to success. At AT&T, three extraordinary individuals, Jeremy Siefert, Cory Taylor, and Lisa Watson, have navigated this journey with resilience, ambition and a commitment to professional and personal development. Their stories offer valuable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to progress their careers.
The Early Days
Jeremy started his career in 2001 as a Customer Care Representative in the Lubbock Call Center, supporting what was then known as Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems. As a single father, he had a clear immediate goal: to provide stability and healthcare for his son. Driven by necessity, Jeremy’s aspirations soon grew beyond his initial role, eventually leading him to an Assistant Retail Manager role.
Lisa began her #LifeAtATT almost 28 years ago when a friend’s brother told her about technician opportunities with Southwestern Bell. A historically male-dominated field, Lisa felt empowered to prove herself. “My mechanical inclination and engineering aptitude made the technician role a perfect fit,” she said.
For Cory, sharing career goals openly and networking extensively were key strategies that helped him transition from a Retail Store Representative to an Associate Director in Dallas. “Be unapologetically bold about your aspirations and bring your whole authentic self to work,” Cory advises.
Embracing Opportunities and Challenges
Jeremy’s journey took him through various roles, from training new hires to holding multiple positions in learning and development. “My career growth was fueled by AT&T’s support for my education through tuition reimbursement and diverse assignments,” he explained. It wasn’t just his commitment to continued learning that brought him so far. It was making connections along the way with frontline and listening to what they need has been crucial to his path to AVP of Talent Acquisition, as well. “I’ve always made it a point to gather unfiltered, honest feedback; which is essential to making informed, strategic decisions,” he adds.
For Lisa, initial skepticism from her colleagues didn’t deter her. “By working the same load and volunteering for difficult jobs, I earned their respect,” she recalled. Twenty-one years later, empowered to make a difference, Lisa took an opportunity to further her career and moved to Dallas-HQ. She is now the Network People Team Lead. Her key areas of focus are employee experience, engagement, and talent strategy within the Network organization. She explained, “We develop leadership training, advocate for self-development, and emphasize social and corporate responsibility. These People priorities enable us to increase our employee engagement, inspire one another, and drive the culture we want through connection.”
Cory’s climb was marked by what he calls the “Big Three” — Performance, Image, and Exposure (PIE). He surrounded himself with a supportive team — including a mentor for guidance, a cheerleader to champion his achievements and a pusher to keep him accountable. “Your career is uniquely yours. Each win, no matter how minor, is a stepping stone toward your goal.”
Invaluable Insights
All three leaders emphasized the importance of building relationships and treating people with respect. Jeremy noted, “I make a point as a leader to be approachable, building trust and treating everyone as equals is key.” Cory added, “Seek people who can provide invaluable insights. Actively network with professionals in diverse organizations.”
Lisa reiterated the importance of networking and education, “Understanding the business and being resourceful are key. You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room, but you must know how to build relationships and collaborate across teams.”
The Road Doesn’t End Here
Jeremy, Lisa, and Cory’s experiences at AT&T prove that success is not just about the positions you hold but also the relationships you build and the challenges you overcome. These trailblazers leveraged their unique strengths and opportunities to carve out remarkable careers, demonstrating that with the right mindset and support, becoming a leader isn’t just an aspiration. It’s an attainable reality for anyone willing to put in the effort and dedication.
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