This feature is in our weekly Monday Morning Report newsletter, which showcases our highest-level members. Leaders You Should Know highlights community leaders who are making a notable impact in the Nashville region.
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Tell us about yourself?
Born and raised in East TN, I spent the majority of my adult life moving from state to state with my husband and two children. Then in 2022, I was given the opportunity to further my career and make the move to Nashville. I am the oldest of 5, so the oldest daughter clichés fit me to a tee. I am driven, passionate and empathetic. My favorite things to do are see live music, try new restaurants, and spend time with family. And with most of my extended family in this area, Nashville is the spot. When people ask me what my day-to-day looks like, I most often simply answer with “I support my team and drive sales.” I am not a manager but a coach, a leader, a mentor, and a mentee.
Tell us about your business/industry.
The industry I am currently in is the competitive hospitality sector. We bring people together through fun and food. Topgolf Nashville is also home to The Cowan, our music venue, so I also help create a space for artists to share their craft.
What should we know about you?
I love connecting with others. A network of peers, advocates, mentors, and those new to their career journey is crucial to my personal growth. I also am growth oriented. I never want to get stale or too comfortable, but rather, what can I do to push myself, and how can I encourage those on my team to do the same.
How did you get to your current position?
I have always been in the people business. Fresh faced out of college I was a management trainee with a sales focus, then onto pharmaceutical sales. I took some time off to have my second child and then found my way into the nonprofit sector with the YMCA. I was fortunate to work for three different YMCA organizations across three states and ultimately in the role of Associate Executive Director. Fast forward to a move for my husband’s job and I was pulled away from the Y. I then found Topgolf and have the self-appointed title of most unique background as a Director of Sales.
What value do you see in Chamber involvement?
The connections I have made through the Chamber have been invaluable. New to the city, it was a lifeline to grow my network and promote events at Topgolf Nashville. Now that I have joined a committee, those connections have grown and deepened and provide me with an opportunity to give back.
What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?
Be vulnerable, you don’t always have to know the answer right away or pretend like you do. Your team will appreciate it and be more willing to do the same. Strong work relationships that invite honest feedback and growth come from trust, not from being the keeper of all the answers.
How does your business support the Chamber’s mission of creating economic prosperity by facilitating community leadership?
Nashville is home to so many incredible non-profits that are making a true difference, it is too hard to choose only one. I have been fortunate to work with many that have hosted fundraisers here at our venue. All of their causes are worth supporting and lifting up, so I make sure to volunteer at least 4 times a year. Most recently our management team supported the Second Harvest Food Bank and coming up we will be at the Community Resource Center. We also work with the Rally for Kids Foundation every year for their annual Day of Play.
What are key trends in your industry?
The competitive entertainment industry, and really all of hospitality, is seeing an uptick in consumers wanting customizable options with diverse options. Especially in a city like Nashville, guests want unique and memorable experiences with food selections to match.
What was the first concert you ever attended? What is the best live show you’ve seen in Nashville?
My favorite concert so far in Nashville was Miranda Lambert’s Mutt Nation fundraiser at Ascend last year. She had a special guest every 3-4 songs, so we not only got to see Miranda but also Little Big Town, Dan+Shay, Riley Green, Hardy, and more. It was a true “Only in Nashville” moment.