Hi all! My name is Tina Butters and I'm the Sales Development Manager for the North America Sales Team out of Chicago. I joined NCC Group in November of 2018 on the Sales Development Team. Before joining NCC Group, I worked at Trustwave as a Healthcare Account Executive and then a Global Client Success Manager for Enterprise Healthcare & Hospitality organizations. I joined NCC Group because of the values the company stands for and the incredible work we do but mostly, because of the diverse culture. I remember reading an article when I was interviewing that has always stuck with me and it talked about how NCC Group embraces difference and change, and encourages women leadership. NCC Group is truly a remarkable organization continuing to break barriers with challenging stereotypes and I'm so proud to be a part of it to continue supporting women in cyber security.
Questions:
What do you work toward in your free time?
In my free time, currently, I'm furthering my education at ASU in their Technology & Global Management program. When I started in the cyber security field, I did not realize it would be something I would become so passionate about and once I realized that, I decided to go back to school to become more technologically equipped and understand the business elements from a global perspective.
Who are your role models and mentors?
My mom is a huge role model and mentor for me. Since I was little she always encouraged my sister and me to try anything once, only quit if we don't like something not when we fail. She reminds me daily that failure is a part of life and we only get stronger the more that we're able to overcome those challenges. She is incredibly strong and doesn't let anything stand in the way of her goals and dreams. She has always encouraged me to do what is right for me, not for anyone else.
I'm lucky enough to also have great mentors at NCC Group. Three people that I have looked up to over the past year are John Collins, Jim Jordan & Dana Hehl. These three have different strengths that I've been able to learn from, they all have challenged me throughout my career here and I know I can always go to them for help and advice.
If you were a Microsoft Office program, which one would you be?
Does Microsoft Teams count? Because I'm super chatty, I love staying connected with people and I'm always making a lot of facial expressions so, between the chats and the memes on the program, I think it fits my personality to a T.
What inspires you?
Seeing other people succeed and breakthrough challenges or barriers. This has always been something that continues to make me challenge myself and think outside of the box. Whether it's women in leadership and executive roles (especially in male-dominant industries), running a marathon or a simple 'ah-ha moment' is something that inspires me to keep trying every single day. When I'm able to see and be a part of the successes that people have as they break the barriers of what is considered the 'norm' it truly ignites a fire in me and keeps me going every day.
What was the last gift you gave someone?
I just put together a care package/congratulations gift for one of my best friends who got engaged over the weekend! Since we're on lock down in Chicago, I'm not able to celebrate with her and her fiancé until April at the earliest so I wanted to send them something to keep their engagement as exciting as it would be if we were all able to get together. In the package, I put together some wedding planning & celebratory items along with a few gift cards to some of our favourite local places to continue to support local businesses during this time of need.
If you could compare yourself with any animal, which would it be and why?
An animal I would compare myself to would be an elephant. They are extremely social animals, they work together, have great problem-solving abilities and are a bit goofy. Their deliberate movements exude both confidence and calmness in all aspects of their lives and have strong loyalty, patience, devotion, courage, and cleverness. And they seem to always be happy and have a lot of fun!