WAR Story – Jessica Curtiss

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Name and how long you have been in the industry

Almost 10 years! Yikes, that feels crazy!

Short background bio – How did you get into the industry? Anything that drew you in?

I started in this industry by happenstance if I am being honest. I had worked for a few different corporations and while it gave me some ground work for building a career, I never felt at peace. I ended up finding a role in customer support for a startup ultrasound organization and thrived on growing relationships, building new relationships and blazing a new trail for myself. There is something about developing a role that can support end users, allow for some creative control and also benefit a company. I quickly learned that HTM was a space where I can be myself authentically. This is not to say there haven’t been many speed bumps.

What milestones or contributing factors helped elevate you to where you are today?

Well…there have been a few. To condense them into the major factors is hard, because I am long winded, but I will try.  I have an incredibly strong support system. I work incredibly hard to build community, personally and professionally…IT.IS.NOT.FOR.EVERYONE. But, for me it is important to know that I am surrounded by people that want growth and will open up a seat at the table for you.

What roadblocks did you have to overcome?

There have been a few, I have a big personality, I am loud…not by choice I was born that way (my husband always asks me if I need to get my hearing checked haha). This trait can be incredibly challenging when building relationships with your colleagues, but I refuse to dim who I am. I also keep hearing “imposter syndrome” but as an early 80’s baby I like to say fake it till you make it. You don’t know what you don’t know. The hard lessons always come with failure, whether its showing up to a conference call in workout clothes (facepalm…yes I did that, yes you could tell and yes it’s my Roman Empire).   I also think the biggest roadblock has been the stigma surrounding being a working mom. I am a mom, a great one, an engaged and involved one (call me Coach Jess during fall and spring); No matter how much progress I make, or relationships I build there is always a different tone and a look when people find out my kids are 8 & 6.  I am also a leader, a business professional, a wife, a friend and a colleague. I don’t have to choose between them all.

What do you feel makes a great leader in this industry?

A great leader will allow you space to grow, nurture your ideas and be graceful with your failures. This industry is constantly changing. There are no hard and fast rules for success, but mentorship and open communication can go a long way. I have only worked under Amber Sportsman for a short time, but she is showing me how to lead with compassion, dedication, grit, and grace!

What advice to you have for the other women in HTM?

Community.

Grow it, be part of it, and give it every bit of effort you can. Had it not been for me taking the personal initiative to grow my community and seek out a mentor and other strong women in HTM I would not be where I am (insert Kim Rowland, Kelsey Mach, Jessica Chambers). You need strong women around you who will support you, make room for you at the table, and most importantly if they make you laugh (a lot) that is also a huge bonus! I always refer to something I heard Jane Fonda say in an interview “we need women friends, women who challenge us”. This is true more than ever in the HTM space.