Every company has one: the person who keeps so many things moving behind the scenes that set the team up for continued success. At ZAG, that person is Executive Administrator and Office Manager Jeanette Dela Cruz.
As part of her role, Jeanette is responsible for organizing and scheduling meetings and appointments, assisting in preparing regularly scheduled reports, submitting expense reports, and organizing and executing company events.
Late last year, Jeanette was part of a core team that set out to plan and execute ZAG’s first in-person training, team building, and networking event, ZAG Unite, which brought together ZAGerati from all over the country for three days of planning and events aimed at improving teamwork and ensuring strong relationships across teams and lines of business.
Here, she shares a little more about what she does at ZAG.
How and when did you get your start in the technology industry?
My first start in the technology industry was working as a high school intern at IBM. While attending high school and working as an intern, I was able to collect an array of experience. They offered me a full-time position as a Customer Volume Planner, where I worked to support the goals relating to the supply and demand of big box servers. I also collaborated internally with the multiple departments such as the Account Service Representatives, OEM Volume Analysts, Manufacturing, Sales, and the Logistics Center to ensure the highest level of service was delivered with IBM’s product in a timely manner. I had to maintain accuracy with the logistics of the servers and provide a detailed inventory spreadsheet to verify all complete details.
What are the responsibilities you have in your role at ZAG?
My role is to provide the utmost support to the executive team with their needs related to a specified project or requested tasks. The support can be varied and includes ensuring all team members and departments are supported at ZAG.
I also ensure operations run smoothly by doing everything from handling phone calls, sending emails, overseeing supplies, juggling schedules, and whatever it takes to keep the company and its people productive.
How would you describe your job to a class of kindergartners?
My job is to help plan, schedule, and execute various tasks to help make the company successful. It requires a lot of attention to detail and teamwork.
What do you like most about your job?
My favorite part of my job is showcasing my creativity with planning and executing an event for everyone to enjoy!
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
It is very important to maintain a healthy work and life balance. Work will never cease in a day, and it can be overwhelming. We need to rest our minds and bodies so we can work better in the long run. Time is too short and we need to recognize that in our daily lives so we can maintain a healthy mindset.
What is one piece of professional advice that you’ve received that stuck with you through the years?
I worked with a chef who once shared his words of wisdom, “It’s all about the presentation.” Every time he catered an event, he made sure everything was done to perfection. He said, “Every event that you plan and execute is an experience you want people to remember. If they walk away with a smile, it’s the greatest gratitude you can walk away with.” With his words of advice, I use it in my personal and professional life.
And for more personal questions …
What’s a fun fact about you that people may not know?
I am adventurous and I love the great outdoors and being in nature, including hiking and biking. One of my greatest accomplishments and favorite adventure was hiking Half Dome at Yosemite National Park. It took me 14 hours round trip. The scariest part for me was having to wait for people passing on the cables as we climbed down. I froze a couple of times and was not mentally prepared because I’m terrified of heights. Once up at the top, the view is incredible – worth every ounce of energy and petrified feelings. It was worth every minute of my time, every ounce of energy used, and every pain I endured. It was an amazing experience (although pretty scary) and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have a large family that consists of my husband (high school sweetheart) and our four beautiful children: Alana (18 years old and in college), daughter Kylize (17 years old and a senior in high school), son Brandt (13 years old and in middle school), and youngest son Landon (8 years old and in third grade). We also have three dogs: Chase, a German Shepherd, and Yoshi and Miko, who are both Shiba Inus.
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Live life to the fullest. Work is important and a fundamental part of the way we live, but there’s a plethora of experiences waiting for you. Make sure to go on vacation, make time for family and friends, and get out of the house and office whenever possible.
