You Won’t Know if You Don’t Ask
Name: Tanika
Pronouns: she/her
Title: Senior Manager Software Engineering
Location: Riverwoods, IL
My personal brand
“On brand” for me is being my honest self. I am a person first before any other role I have, both in my personal and professional life. If I can bring a real piece of me and connect with others on a deeper level, it’s the best kind of work culture. I am exploring how to be better with that every day.
The power of asking questions and making connections
Making conscious efforts to build connections, having the ability to learn and empathize. Kindness comes in all forms and never underestimate the power of how a connection, how an interaction can inspire and change the course of your life. I have learned opportunities are there, you just need to knock and eventually a door or window will open. Do what comes naturally to you, but be open to learning from your mistakes. Inspiration can come from anywhere and anyone.
With Discover, I know I have a career and I’m not just doing a “job” anymore. As a leader, I am held accountable by my team, too, and I try to be the best version of myself I can for them.
Back in 2007, I was a contractor and wanted to convert to full-time. I decided to walk up to my then project leader and ask if there were any opportunities. He was super receptive, and I think the leap I took that day was a life changing event for me. If you don’t reach out and ask, then you’ll never know. The fear of failure or a “no” should not stop one from trying. It took a lot of courage for me, as a 23-year-old female who was new to the American work culture to step into that office and ask that question. If I hadn’t asked one question, my career wouldn’t be where it is today.
Stand up for what is rightfully yours. As women, especially being a woman of color, I never felt empowered to stand up. I was always confident and was raised to be respectful, but never empowered. I was once told “as women we sometimes settle for less in our professions.” We need to believe we deserve to be here before others start acknowledging the same.
I am working on learning new things, keeping an open mind, and appreciating the different methods people utilize to do similar things. I have a diverse team of 12 people (in backgrounds and time zones), and they bring fresh and different takes on things. I learn from them and appreciate their perspective; I am always looking for ways to help them grow.
Diversity is the best way to look at life. Keeping an open mind to learn and seek how others see the world is how we build bridges. Discover gave me an excellent opportunity to be part of the APAD (Asian Professionals at Discover) ERG, and I am so thankful for that. I meet so many people outside my own department and learn about other Asian cultures from the food and festivals to everything in between. I am working on bringing awareness to Indian culture and want people to learn and appreciate it.