- Fun Facts:
- I love surfing. I can’t go now because I am expecting, but I’m definitely going to take my little one to go surfing with me. I started in Japan—it’s a pretty common activity over there. I came here and had a stereotype that everyone wanted to go surfing in California, but it’s not true. I started going to Santa Cruz, though, and the people are great. They’re all just waiting for a great wave.
What initially drew you to apply to work at Medallia?
I was looking for something exciting, and a friend referred me to Medallia. The position seemed like it wouldn’t be just doing one job. It appealed to me that there were a bunch of things I could do, and I could help with any department that needs it.
What other opportunities and fields were you considering?
I was working as a waitress and a hotel receptionist.
Why did you ultimately choose Medallia?
I love organizing events. That was the biggest thing I had always wanted to do but never had.
How has your experience measured up to your expectations? What surprised you or has surprised you over time?
Definitely there is more than I thought I would be able to try. Before I joined here, I never knew what I like or what I’m good at and not good at. Since I joined, there have been so many things I’ve been asked to try that a normal company wouldn’t let me do. This is a great place for me to learn myself and what kind of person I am. If I’m willing to try something new, there are always opportunities for me to learn.
How does your experience at Medallia compare to your friends’ experiences in other jobs?
Mine is more exciting. If I want to learn something, I can always go talk to my boss and say what I’m interested in. I feel like at this company if I say something, it will come true, or they will at least try to give me an opportunity to do something I’m interested in. At a hotel job, everyone does the same thing. Here, as long as I do what I’m supposed to do, if I’m interested in something beyond my role, I can always find that opportunity.
How would you describe your responsibilities at Medallia?
I am responsible for helping with making this company’s culture so unique. The purpose of Admin is to create a home for employees, a welcoming place for guests, and an environment where people can get stuff done. My role in that is to handle the Monday catered lunch, grocery orders, office supplies, food trucks, hiring vendors to handle small office tasks, booking conference rooms for meetings, that kind of thing. I plan or help plan happy hours, the holiday party, the company picnic, snow trip, and the best practices forum. I look for the venue, organize the food. Make sure everyone is fed and has enough to drink. If someone needs to do a speech, I find the projector. Basically every detail that needs to be planned. The nice thing about it is there are always people willing to help—that always makes it more fun, too. The people here know how to enjoy themselves. We just try to accommodate everyone, as there are so many diet restrictions and other kinds of diversity.
What are some similarities/differences between your past and current roles?
From being a waitress, I learned that I have to be around people. I really enjoy having the kind of relationship with people where if they like me they’ll come back. Here, I like the fact that I don’t have to do the same thing every day. There’s more trust and responsibility.
What is the best thing about working at Medallia?
It’s a great place to know myself—that’s the biggest thing. My coworkers respect who I am and try to grow my strengths. Mostly just the opportunity—if I try hard people will let me help, they won’t say, “Hey, you’re Admin, you can’t help with this.” They will let me try, and if I do a good job they will give me another project, which to me is amazing. And of course having people from everywhere makes it so exciting.
How would you describe Medallia to your friends? What would you want them to know about Medallia?
It’s a very energetic place. Even when we are very busy, everyone is excited and willing to work hard. At some places people can afford to do as little as they can in a day, but here people are just trying to help each other and make the company better. That atmosphere is so different from other places. Everyone likes what they’re doing. The fact that I can be in this situation is very lucky.
