The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2023 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 25, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 16.
Next is Tonia Patt, vice president of talent at Two Six Technologies, and finalist in the Marketing Executive of the Year, Private Company (annual revenue less than $250M) category. Here, she shares career advice and proud career moments.
What’s your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Raise your hand. To grow professionally, you must take on new and challenging tasks. Doing good work does not always mean, more good work will come your way. At times leadership is not aware of your interests and they don’t want to mess up a good thing. When you raise your hand and let leaders know you are willing and able to do more, often exciting (and challenging) work will come your way.
Don’t be afraid to take on something where you have little to no experience. New experiences are what expand your skills the most and position you for bigger roles in the future. And remember, failure is just part of life. Learn from your mistakes and keep moving ⏤ just don’t repeat them.
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
Having led teams for more than 30 years now, I have had the pleasure of positioning others in new and exciting roles. It’s the benefit of leading others. Seeing in someone, what they fail to see themselves is one of the coolest experiences. I’m so proud of the long list of individuals (you know who you are) who exceeded expectations, after placing them in new and challenging roles.
I am honored to have worked with some very talented people, who trusted me enough to take on these challenges ⏤ and today have exciting and rewarding careers.