Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey to date.

My journey to GoDaddy started with a coincidence that changed everything. I was working a sales booth at Costco when I ran into an old friend from my gym sales days. Turns out, he was there celebrating a GoDaddy sales competition win. I’d never even heard of GoDaddy, but hearing him talk about the company — the pride in his voice, the excitement about his future, the way he talked about actually building a career here — something clicked. I knew I wanted that.

I came in as a Sales Guide with one goal: to be the best. Sales was my wheelhouse, it’s where I’d always thrived. But GoDaddy humbled me quick — there was a learning curve on the technical side I wasn’t expecting.

Eventually, I was given the chance to coach other guides, and that’s when everything changed. I was assigned to work with a guide who had missed their goals for two consecutive months, failed to earn their bonus, and was feeling overwhelmed and stressed. When I offered help, they weren’t exactly thrilled — classic “I don’t need your help” energy. So, I made a bet: Let me help you on one call. If it doesn’t work, I’m gone. If it does, you let me help you the rest of the month.

That day ended up being their best day of the year. Top of the team. And they hit their goals consistently from then on out.

But here’s the moment that told me I’d made the right choice: three years later, that same guide stopped me in the office. They shared that, since our conversation, they had consistently earned bonuses, completely transformed their financial situation, and finally achieved the technical role they had always aspired to. That conversation lit a fire in me for supporting others in their growth—a drive that has never faded.

From there, I was asked to take on a team in a completely different channel — messaging and chat — something I had zero experience in. It wasn’t the popular choice, but it felt like the right one for me. That role pushed me to partner closely with our digital and engineering teams, and somewhere along the way, I fell in love with the systems behind how we support customers.

That curiosity led me to pursue project management training, learn the basics of how our platforms actually work under the hood, and ultimately become the bridge between operations and engineering. I wanted to be able to speak both languages — to truly understand the technology so I could lead more effectively.

Eventually, GoDaddy saw the need for a dedicated routing and technical enablement function, which led to the creation of our Contact Intelligence team. Today, I own the messaging routing strategy — and honestly, I never could’ve predicted this path. But every step along the way provided valuable lessons that have built who I am today.

How do you translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders?

Analogies. So many analogies. My brain just works that way, and I’ve found it’s the fastest path to that “ohhhh, I get it” moment.

But honestly, translation isn’t just one direction for me — it goes both ways.

When I’m working with operations partners, I focus on understanding their “super why.” Not just what they want, but why they want it. What’s driving the ask? What business problem are they actually trying to solve? Getting to that root helps me capture requirements in a way that engineers can actually work with — and it prevents the miscommunication that usually happens when highly technical and non-technical folks try to talk directly.

Then, when I get the technical answer back from engineering, I flip it around. I take the tech talk and reconnect it to that original “super why,” using analogies that hit home. The goal isn’t just to explain what we’re building — it’s to build excitement around how their need is being met, and sometimes even spark ideas for what else might be possible.

Oh, and visuals. I use a lot of visuals. If I can draw it, diagram it, or map it out, I will. It just makes everything click faster.

How do you incorporate experimentation and A/B testing into your project planning and timelines?

It starts with a hypothesis. Whenever I’m planning a project, my first question is: what are we actually trying to prove or change? I like to bake in the mindset that every new idea will be tested — that way we’re building our history as we go and can learn from both the wins and the misses.

I’m a big believer in failing fast, but in a controlled way. I try to live in both lanes — moving quickly when I can, and slowing down to be methodical when it’s truly needed.

How I balance speed versus rigor usually comes down to impact. There are a lot of small improvements that you can ship quickly, but they still require analysis because those incremental gains add up over time. Bigger, more impactful changes need a more structured approach to make sure we get it right.

I actually took StrengthsFinder a while back, and two of my top strengths are Futuristic and Strategy. I think that wiring helps me constantly ask “what’s possible?” — which naturally feeds into a culture of experimentation.

But at the core, it comes down to planning and knowing your “why.” What’s the purpose of this idea? What behavior or outcome are you trying to change? Once you can identify that clearly and pull the data behind it, you can see the potential return and know whether it’s worth the investment.

How do you keep yourself motivated and inspired in your work?

For me, it’s twofold.

First, it’s the “what’s possible.” I genuinely love living in that space — seeing potential, imagining what could be, and then figuring out how to make it real. In a role where I get to enable new capabilities and approach problems with a solving mindset, I wake up every day asking “how are we going to tackle this today?” It’s never the same, it’s always a challenge, and I love that.

And when I hit something I don’t know the answer to? That’s just an opportunity to learn.

But the deeper motivation is my two kids. I want them to grow up watching a dad who doesn’t just do — he looks for potential. He looks for what’s possible and challenges himself to go after it. If I can model that mindset for them, that’s the real win.

If you had to describe GoDaddy’s culture in one word, what would it be and why?

Empowering.

It doesn’t matter what part of the company you’re in — you feel empowered to make a change.

Whether it’s in your own life, a customer’s business, or the technology around us, there’s a real sense that you have the ability to impact things.

We’re empowered to take risks, to learn, and to own opportunities. That’s been true at every stage of my journey here — from my first days in sales, to stepping into leadership, to now owning routing strategy for messaging. The door was always open if I was willing to walk through it.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I run a 3D printing business called Twisted Relics. It started as a fun hobby, but once I realized how many problems 3D printing could actually solve, it evolved into something bigger. Our model is built around on-demand printing as well as solutions-based projects — basically, if someone has a need, we figure out how to make it real.

But my family is truly my life. My wife Natalie, our daughter Taylor, our son SJ, our two dogs Bob and Marshal, our cat Gunner, and our axolotl Strawberry — they’re everything. We’re working on becoming the host family for extended family gatherings, which has been a goal of ours.

We’re also extremely competitive in our household. Whether it’s video games or racing up the stairs to bed, everything turns into a competition. But we balance that out with our chill moments too — family bike rides, exploring new parks, and just spending time together.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• TikTok
• Career Page

 

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey to date.

My journey to GoDaddy started with a coincidence that changed everything. I was working a sales booth at Costco when I ran into an old friend from my gym sales days. Turns out, he was there celebrating a GoDaddy sales competition win. I’d never even heard of GoDaddy, but hearing him talk about the company — the pride in his voice, the excitement about his future, the way he talked about actually building a career here — something clicked. I knew I wanted that.

I came in as a Sales Guide with one goal: to be the best. Sales was my wheelhouse, it’s where I’d always thrived. But GoDaddy humbled me quick — there was a learning curve on the technical side I wasn’t expecting.

Eventually, I was given the chance to coach other guides, and that’s when everything changed. I was assigned to work with a guide who had missed their goals for two consecutive months, failed to earn their bonus, and was feeling overwhelmed and stressed. When I offered help, they weren’t exactly thrilled — classic “I don’t need your help” energy. So, I made a bet: Let me help you on one call. If it doesn’t work, I’m gone. If it does, you let me help you the rest of the month.

That day ended up being their best day of the year. Top of the team. And they hit their goals consistently from then on out.

But here’s the moment that told me I’d made the right choice: three years later, that same guide stopped me in the office. They shared that, since our conversation, they had consistently earned bonuses, completely transformed their financial situation, and finally achieved the technical role they had always aspired to. That conversation lit a fire in me for supporting others in their growth—a drive that has never faded.

From there, I was asked to take on a team in a completely different channel — messaging and chat — something I had zero experience in. It wasn’t the popular choice, but it felt like the right one for me. That role pushed me to partner closely with our digital and engineering teams, and somewhere along the way, I fell in love with the systems behind how we support customers.

That curiosity led me to pursue project management training, learn the basics of how our platforms actually work under the hood, and ultimately become the bridge between operations and engineering. I wanted to be able to speak both languages — to truly understand the technology so I could lead more effectively.

Eventually, GoDaddy saw the need for a dedicated routing and technical enablement function, which led to the creation of our Contact Intelligence team. Today, I own the messaging routing strategy — and honestly, I never could’ve predicted this path. But every step along the way provided valuable lessons that have built who I am today.

How do you translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders?

Analogies. So many analogies. My brain just works that way, and I’ve found it’s the fastest path to that “ohhhh, I get it” moment.

But honestly, translation isn’t just one direction for me — it goes both ways.

When I’m working with operations partners, I focus on understanding their “super why.” Not just what they want, but why they want it. What’s driving the ask? What business problem are they actually trying to solve? Getting to that root helps me capture requirements in a way that engineers can actually work with — and it prevents the miscommunication that usually happens when highly technical and non-technical folks try to talk directly.

Then, when I get the technical answer back from engineering, I flip it around. I take the tech talk and reconnect it to that original “super why,” using analogies that hit home. The goal isn’t just to explain what we’re building — it’s to build excitement around how their need is being met, and sometimes even spark ideas for what else might be possible.

Oh, and visuals. I use a lot of visuals. If I can draw it, diagram it, or map it out, I will. It just makes everything click faster.

How do you incorporate experimentation and A/B testing into your project planning and timelines?

It starts with a hypothesis. Whenever I’m planning a project, my first question is: what are we actually trying to prove or change? I like to bake in the mindset that every new idea will be tested — that way we’re building our history as we go and can learn from both the wins and the misses.

I’m a big believer in failing fast, but in a controlled way. I try to live in both lanes — moving quickly when I can, and slowing down to be methodical when it’s truly needed.

How I balance speed versus rigor usually comes down to impact. There are a lot of small improvements that you can ship quickly, but they still require analysis because those incremental gains add up over time. Bigger, more impactful changes need a more structured approach to make sure we get it right.

I actually took StrengthsFinder a while back, and two of my top strengths are Futuristic and Strategy. I think that wiring helps me constantly ask “what’s possible?” — which naturally feeds into a culture of experimentation.

But at the core, it comes down to planning and knowing your “why.” What’s the purpose of this idea? What behavior or outcome are you trying to change? Once you can identify that clearly and pull the data behind it, you can see the potential return and know whether it’s worth the investment.

How do you keep yourself motivated and inspired in your work?

For me, it’s twofold.

First, it’s the “what’s possible.” I genuinely love living in that space — seeing potential, imagining what could be, and then figuring out how to make it real. In a role where I get to enable new capabilities and approach problems with a solving mindset, I wake up every day asking “how are we going to tackle this today?” It’s never the same, it’s always a challenge, and I love that.

And when I hit something I don’t know the answer to? That’s just an opportunity to learn.

But the deeper motivation is my two kids. I want them to grow up watching a dad who doesn’t just do — he looks for potential. He looks for what’s possible and challenges himself to go after it. If I can model that mindset for them, that’s the real win.

If you had to describe GoDaddy’s culture in one word, what would it be and why?

Empowering.

It doesn’t matter what part of the company you’re in — you feel empowered to make a change.

Whether it’s in your own life, a customer’s business, or the technology around us, there’s a real sense that you have the ability to impact things.

We’re empowered to take risks, to learn, and to own opportunities. That’s been true at every stage of my journey here — from my first days in sales, to stepping into leadership, to now owning routing strategy for messaging. The door was always open if I was willing to walk through it.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I run a 3D printing business called Twisted Relics. It started as a fun hobby, but once I realized how many problems 3D printing could actually solve, it evolved into something bigger. Our model is built around on-demand printing as well as solutions-based projects — basically, if someone has a need, we figure out how to make it real.

But my family is truly my life. My wife Natalie, our daughter Taylor, our son SJ, our two dogs Bob and Marshal, our cat Gunner, and our axolotl Strawberry — they’re everything. We’re working on becoming the host family for extended family gatherings, which has been a goal of ours.

We’re also extremely competitive in our household. Whether it’s video games or racing up the stairs to bed, everything turns into a competition. But we balance that out with our chill moments too — family bike rides, exploring new parks, and just spending time together.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• TikTok
• Career Page

 

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

by Kitty Broihier

When you think about eating a nutritious diet, you probably focus on what is on the plate. Are there enough vegetables? Is there some protein? What about a whole grain? But the fact is that nutrition is not just limited to the food on your plate. It’s really about what is possible in life because of what you put on your plate.

Every March is designated National Nutrition Month®. This year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” speaks to how your quality of life can improve when you prioritize a healthy diet. Nutrients provide the body with what it needs to grow and survive. And the Guiding Stars nutrition navigation system helps you select foods that contain more of the nutrients your body needs, and less of those that don’t support bodily health. Good nutrition has the power to do more than just feed your bodily needs. Eating well also helps put more living into your life—here are a few examples.

You’ll Have More Energy

Let’s face it, life rarely slows down. Having enough energy to live the life you want is important, and it’s easier to keep your energy up when you eat regularly and consume a balanced mix of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) at meals. It’s true that carbohydrates are your body’s main energy source, but fats and proteins help provide sustained energy and stabilize blood sugar levels. When you have between-meal hunger pangs, address them with a smart snacking strategy. And avoid relying on sugary snacks or caffeine to prop up your energy levels. Balanced eating habits and intentional food choices can add up to abundant energy. So not only will you power through your to-do list, you’ll still have enough “in the tank” for the things you want to do too.

Enjoy a Better Mood and Mental Benefits

It’s well established that the food you eat has an impact on brain function and cognition, mental health, and mood. One reason for this is that the brain relies on energy and nutrients from the diet. For example, the brain’s preferred energy source is carbohydrates. When we don’t eat adequate amounts of carbohydrates, our ability to focus wanes and we can start feeling “hangry.”

Equally important, part of the food-and-brain relationship stems from the internal, two-way communication highway in our bodies called the gut-brain axis. This information pathway transports messages between the digestive tract and the brain. (In fact, the gut is often referred to as the “second brain” because its roles are so important.) In other words, your brain gets reports on the quality of your diet. Keep your gut happy with more produce and whole grains, and less sugar and saturated fats. By doing so, the messages to your brain will be more supportive of your mental health, memory, and more.

Recover From Injury and Illness Better and Faster

Nutrition is an important factor in how quickly your body heals and recovers from an injury, surgery, or illness. It takes a lot of energy for the body to mend muscles, rebuild bones, and fight off invading microbes. In nutrition, energy means calories. So you need to eat enough to support your body’s work through the healing process. (With this in mind, don’t “starve” a fever, or a cold.) Nutrients for healing are wide-ranging—protein, vitamins C, A, E, and D, and minerals such as zinc, selenium, and iron. If you aren’t eating enough food, it’s harder to get enough of these, and healing will take longer.

Your immune system also gets a boost from good nutrition. Concentrate on nutrient-dense dishes that include a wide variety of produce. Colorful fruits and vegetables not only provide important bioactive compounds that support the immune system, they contribute to hydration too.

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores, in Circana’ Attribute Marketplace, and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

*Image by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

If we can bring digital skills to the Amazon, we can do it anywhere.

João Davi grew up in a remote fishing village where connectivity was rare and opportunity even rarer. Through our partnership with Senac Brasil and Senac Pará, the Cisco Networking Academy gave him a pathway to a future he couldn’t have imagined.

Yet one-third of the world still lacks meaningful connectivity—and AI is deepening the divide between those who have access and those who do not. The Amazon was one of our hardest challenges, and that’s exactly why it matters. There are no excuses for leaving communities like João’s behind.

But no one can do this alone. Deep partnerships make it possible. Taking on the hard things together is how we power a more inclusive future for all.

Hear his story on BBC Storyworks: http://cs.co/9006hdSDe

View original content here.

ORLANDO, Fla., March 11, 2026 /3BL/ – A total of 120 new trees, over half of them bearing fruit, have taken root in an Orlando food desert, thanks to a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation, VoLo Foundation, and 4Roots.

The community forestry project, which began in November, officially wrapped up this week during a ceremonial planting on the first day of VoLo Foundation’s Climate Correction™ conference. The 2026 theme for the conference, Nature Powered Solutions, highlighted the power of nature and the innovations supporting natural systems.

“We believe trees bring people together to do great things and this project is an example of that. This is a long-term investment in both the nourishment and strength of this community that will continue to benefit families for many years to come,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We’re grateful for the forward-thinking leadership of VoLo Foundation and 4Roots and their commitment to shaping a better future through trees.”

“Education and leadership are at the heart of VoLo Foundation. We empower children not just to lead in the future, but to take action today and create change right now,” said Thais Lopez Vogel, co-founder and trustee of VoLo Foundation.

In addition to addressing local food insecurity, the project also supported regenerative farming practices utilized by 4Roots. Regenerative farming involves restoring degraded soil to improve the health of the ecosystem.

“Planting trees is one of the most tangible and profound ways we can care for the place we call home. At 4Roots Farm, stewardship of the land isn’t a program — it’s a promise,” said John Rivers, Founder & CEO of 4Roots Farm. “We’re grateful to stand alongside Volo Foundation and the Arbor Day Foundation as we invest in the long-term health, beauty, and resilience of our region. These trees will outlive us. They will restore habitat, clean our air, cool our community, and remind future generations that when we care for the land, it cares for us right back.”

The project’s 120 new trees were planted at 4Roots Farm Campus and another five trees were distributed to local residents.

Zay Harding, host of the CBS series The Visioneers with Zay Harding, attended the tree planting ceremony. Produced by Hearst Media Production Group in exclusive partnership with VoLo Foundation, the show spotlights innovators delivering real-world environmental solutions. The series airs Saturday mornings on CBS as part of the CBS WKND block.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners.

And this is only the beginning.  

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

About VoLo Foundation 

VoLo Foundation is a private nonprofit organization with a mission to accelerate change and global impact by supporting science-based climate solutions, enhancing education, and improving health. Learn more at volofoundation.org.

About 4Roots

4Roots is a visionary 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to unearthing the power of food to build healthy communities. Rooted in the belief that food is central to the health of individuals, communities, and the planet, 4Roots advances regenerative farming, combats food insecurity, and strengthens connections between people, land, and resources. The 4Roots Farm Campus, located in Orlando’s Packing District, serves as a living laboratory to reimagine the food system and cultivate a future where everyone has access to fresh, nutritious, and ethically grown food.

To learn more, visit www.4rootsfarm.org or on Instagram: @4RootsFarm, Facebook: facebook.com/4RootsFarm or LinkedIn: 4Roots Foundation. 

###

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com 

At Mary Kay, empowering women through science‑backed, high‑quality products is creating real‑world learning opportunities in classrooms across North Texas – helping shape the next generation of cosmetologists and scientific leaders.

Through its ongoing partnership with Lewisville Independent School District (LISD) (Texas, USA), Mary Kay proudly serves as the corporate sponsor of the Technology, Exploration and Career Center (TECC) West and TECC East Cosmetology programs, providing Mary Kay^® skincare professional products to support hands-on, practical learning with safe, effective, and trusted products.

“At Mary Kay, we believe the future of the beauty industry begins in the classroom,” said Dr. Lucy Gildea, Mary Kay’s Chief Brand and Scientific Officer. “As a company founded on empowering women, we help cultivate confidence, scientific curiosity, and career readiness in the next generation. With the right tools, there is no limit to what young women can achieve. We are committed to continually investing in youth education, mentorship, and real-world learning experiences that enrich lives and help youth own their future.”

Dr. Lucy Gildea, Mary Kay’s Chief Brand and Scientific Officer. (Photo Courtesy: Mary Kay Inc.)

The TECC Cosmetology program is a two-year high school course in Lewisville Independent School District, designed to prepare students for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) state board exam to become licensed cosmetologists. The program focuses on hair, nail, and skin care, along with salon management.

Mary Kay® skincare professional products support students with hands-on, practical learning with safe, effective, and trusted products. (Photo Courtesy: TECC)

Each year, approximately 350 aspiring cosmetologists enroll during junior and senior years. Before ever touching a product, students immerse themselves in subjects such as anatomy, chemistry, electricity, safety and infection control, and salon operations – building both the technical expertise and professional confidence needed to thrive. With access to industry-quality resources, they are empowered to refine their craft, master practical skills, and prepare for success beyond graduation. In year two, students receive Mary Kay^® skincare products that support a rigorous, hands-on curriculum allowing them to put everything learned into practice.

Upon completing the two-year program, students are fully equipped to sit for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation State Board Exam for Cosmetology. More importantly, they leave prepared to step boldly into the beauty industry, confident in their abilities, grounded in science, and inspired to build meaningful careers.

The TECC Cosmetology program focuses on hair, nail, and skin care, along with salon management. (Photo Courtesy: TECC)

“Partnerships like the one we share with Mary Kay elevate the educational experience for our students in truly meaningful ways. Having access to professional, science-backed products allows our cosmetology students to train in an environment that reflects the standards and expectations of today’s beauty industry,” said Dr. Kristin Petrunin, Director of CTE and CCMR of Lewisville Independent School District. “Beyond the tools themselves, this collaboration sends a powerful message to our young women – that established industry leaders believe in their potential and are willing to invest in their success. Together, we are not only preparing students to pass their state board exams, but empowering them with the confidence, technical expertise, and professional mindset needed to succeed.”

Through this partnership Mary Kay is proud to help shape not only future beauty professionals, but future leaders in business whatever path they choose.

Upon completion of the two-year program, students are fully equipped to sit for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation State Board Exam for Cosmetology. (Photo Courtesy: TECC)

Did You Know:

• Topping the Charts: Mary Kay is the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World by Euromonitor International for three consecutive years^{1 in 2023, 2024, and 2025.}
• Future of STEM: 40 grants awarded to young women from 16 countries pursuing STEM careers and 8 grants awarded to female students through the “Madam C.J. Walker Scholarships” with The Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) sponsored by Mary Kay as of 2024.
• Women’s Empowerment: 600K+ women positively impacted globally through meaningful programs at the global, regional, and local levels as of 2024.
• Women-led R&D: 62% of our global Research & Development team is led by women.
• Impact Partnerships: Mary Kay served as a special award organization at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in 2024 and again in 2025.

Learn more about Mary Kay’s commitment to the next generation of women in STEM here.

***

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

# # #

Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications
newsroom.marykay.com
972.687.5332 or media@mkcorp.com

¹ “Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024 data”