When you meet Business Strategist Michele Marshall, you can’t help getting excited about whatever she’s talking about. Whether it’s being a part of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, heading to the Downtown YMCA to workout, or hitting the Greenbelt for a bike ride, Michele brings a contagious enthusiasm for life to the ZAG team.
What’s most incredible is the enthusiasm Michele offers as a Business Strategist on ZAG’s Client Strategy team. Michele relishes the role she holds in learning more about the needs of a new client or making connections for educational opportunities around strengthening technology strategy options for an organization. She works alongside Development Director Joe Foos and Business Strategist Dave McCary to help connect organizations with the technology they need to enable their organization to succeed in a constantly evolving landscape.
Having gotten her start in technology with Bank of America, Michele brings a wide base of knowledge to ZAG, along with a focus on being curious first. Here, she tells us a little more about her background:
How and when did you get your start in the technology industry?
I had to make a choice between waitressing, retail, or working for a Data Center … decisions, decisions, decisions. I chose a Bank of America credit card authorization analyst role based on my aptitude for the computer keyboard, a passion for the banking business, and wanting to be part of keeping financial transactions secure.
Why did you decide to join ZAG?
The opportunity to work with the most dedicated, passionate, and talented IT consultants to help agribusiness, food/beverage, and manufacturing companies optimize their technology.
What are the responsibilities you have in your role at ZAG?
Sharing with companies the options for maintaining and enhancing their IT operations to help them stay competitive and relevant.
How would you describe your job to a class of kindergartners?
My company helps get food to families safely and on time.
What would you be doing for a career if you weren’t in IT?
Criminal lawyer, junior high math teacher, or a rock star … it’s never too late!
What do you like most about your job?
The clients, colleagues, and communities coming together to protect the food supply chain and apply technology services to help food manufacturing companies be better at what they do.
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
Lead with curiosity before concluding anything …
And for some more personal questions:
Do you have any hobbies or interests you’d like to share?
Cooking, road trips, anything in, on, or under the water (swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, boating …), YMCA 5Ks, volunteering … I am a joiner!
Name three words that describe you.
My Clifton Strength Finders assessment (which is five words, but that’s OK):
- Strategic
- Command
- Restorative
- Activator
- Ideation
What’s a fun fact about you that people may not know?
I was recruited by nuns to join their convent … I took an office administration role instead.
What is your dream travel destination?
Israel to visit the Holy Land and the amazing surf spots on the coast.
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
“Honor your parents” … I had good ones! If I hadn’t, “To thine own self be true.”
