Celebrating women in leadership: Michelle L. Smith

In recognition of Women's History Month, Bell Techlogix is highlighting some of the women in leadership who drive change in our company. Meet Michelle L. Smith, Financial analyst. 

What is your role at Bell Techlogix?  I support the Finance Department and Services Operations managing accounting activities such as accounts receivables, client/project revenue, costs, and profitability financial reporting and analysis. Additionally, as an Administrator for Acumatica our corporate ERP/Financial information technology system, I support the administration, maintenance, process improvements, and security processes.

Please share your career path prior to joining Bell Techlogix? I received my undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Marian University in Indianapolis. Recently, I earned my CAPM certification (Certified Associate in Project Management) from the Project Management Institute (PMI). I have worked in the public and private sectors, for both large global and smaller local companies. I am grateful for my diverse career path which has allowed me to learn and grow both personally and professionally.

What do you consider as one of your biggest career accomplishments? One of the biggest highlights of my career was also the most challenging. I was appointed to be the Lead Regional Coordinator for the roll-out of a new management training initiative. The goal was to train 1,000+ managers at multiple venues across the region within a specified time. As you can imagine, this was a huge logistical challenge! The project was very successful, which resulted in me receiving a “Process Excellence” award and a monetary gift from my employer.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a leader? Everyone has some strengths and weaknesses. Everyone is not meant to be the same, and embracing diversity makes us all better. Be respectful of myself and others.

What advice would you offer women just starting out in their careers?  It is not as important where you start, but that you keep going, learning, and growing until you reach your goals. Don’t stop until you are proud of your accomplishments and who you have become!

Favorite quote... James 5:17-18 (Faith without works is dead) Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.  But someone will say, “you have faith and I have works.”  Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

Read more insights from women in leadership at Bell Techlogix.