Weeks ago, Bryan Pena asked me to share my Defiant Origin Story, and I finally had the time to do so while traveling for SIA CWS this week. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.
As the youngest daughter of a career IBM employee, my childhood was intertwined with the constant hum of a computer. My father dedicated 41 years to IBM, leading us to move cross-country twice, from Chicago to Tacoma and finally to just outside Atlanta to Marietta, GA, for what was supposed to be a two-year assignment. However, we never left. We stayed partly because my parents wanted my sister and me to attend the High School we were zoned for and be a part of the Lassiter Band. Each year, part of our back-to-school shopping included a business suit or dress, as my sister and I would go to work with our dad at least twice during the school year. My dad, a staunch advocate for women in the workplace, instilled in us the importance of professionalism and equality.
Family Candid Photo 1977
The Band Nerd Years
I was a proud band member at Lassiter High School, where Alfred L. Watkins and the Lassiter Marching Band significantly impacted my personal and professional growth. Mr. Watkins always said, "To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is unacceptable." This principle has stuck with me throughout my life. In my first year, I was one of too many flute players, and when a group of us was asked who would switch to Baritone, I did so. At 14, being the only girl in a group of teenage boys further taught me the importance of ensuring my voice was heard and standing up for myself! On my 16th birthday, Lassiter’s Marching Band competed in the National Championship for the first time and came in 5th. The Lassiter Marching Band went on to win National Championships in 1998 and 2002. Under Watkins’ leadership, the band participated in many prestigious events, including the Tournament of Roses Parade, in which my older sister participated, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Orange Bowl Parade, in which I took part, and the Florida Citrus Bowl Parade. The band program is one of only fourteen high school bands in America to have received both the Sudler Flag of Honor for concert and the Sudler Shield for marching. I no longer play music today, yet the discipline, teamwork, and pursuit of excellence I learned in the band have been foundational to my professional success. At the end of every practice, we stood at attention, where Mr. Watkins or a Drum Major would go through a sequence with heels together, toes apart, shoulders back, and eyes with pride; I still hold that pride in my eyes!
In My Lassiter band uniform 1990
A Job Experience with Life Lessons
Photography became my passion in my late teens, sparked by a camera my dad brought back from Vietnam. This passion flourished into a job during high school and continued into college, where I worked weekends photographing daycares and little leagues for various companies. With One of those companies, I was a W2, and the other three an Independent contractor. One particular occurrence taught me a valuable lesson about financial independence and responsibility. The IRS audited me in my early 20s, and with my dad's financial savvy, I emerged from the ordeal with the IRS owing me $7. This experience taught me the importance of understanding the financial aspects of self-employment and managing multiple income streams.
Passion for Current Work
In 2019, I boldly established Tracz Consulting to escape a negative work environment and pursue a more fulfilling and balanced lifestyle. This pivotal moment reminded me of when I was 14, transitioning from playing the flute to mastering the baritone while learning to assert myself. With optimism, I launched Tracz Consulting, intending to assist large organizations in creating and managing their internal programs. While this remains a significant part of my work, it's interesting that 70% of my clients are staffing suppliers. In addition to supporting staffing suppliers, I also collaborate with technology providers in the contingent workforce sector. I have been involved in captivating projects with private equity firms, including acquisitions and mergers, and evaluating their potential investments in contingent workforce providers such as MSPs and EORs.
Overcoming Fears and Obstacles
In 2003, I was diagnosed with colon cancer while working at Chimes. I spent two years fighting and ultimately overcoming it. In 2005, my sister, Jenn, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She fought hard for four years, but sadly, we lost her in 2008. She was only 36 years old. Jenn spent the last several months living with me while working at WorkforceLogic.
My sister, Jennifer Tracz while undergoing treatment 2007
I can recall a specific day when I took a rare afternoon off to prepare my older sister Jenn's room in my home for her return after her double mastectomy. As I carefully made her bed and tidied the room, I was on the phone with a prominent national staffing firm’s senior leader. We were in a heated discussion about inaccurate pay information his account managers had entered into the WorkforceLogic system, trying to avoid a contractual requirement. Looking back, I wish I could have dedicated that time to focusing on my sister's recovery rather than work. It's not just that afternoon that I wish I could redo, but also the countless nights and Sundays that I spent preoccupied with work instead of being fully present and then mourning the loss of my sister.
During my time at WorkforceLogic, a part of the Nelson family of companies, I had the privilege of being mentored by Cathy Wingate. Cathy demonstrated exceptional leadership and exemplified the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture, particularly from a woman's perspective. Her management style and unwavering support left a lasting impact on my professional development. Cathy's charisma and genuine interest in me & others made her incredibly popular within the company and with clients! I aspire to emulate her approach. One of the ways she influenced me was by frequently sharing inspiring quotes with the entire company. One quote that particularly struck me was Karl Pearson's words, "That which is measured improves. That which is measured and reported improves exponentially." This quote deeply resonated with me because of the focus on measurement, reporting, and continuous improvement within the contingent workforce. In tribute to Cathy's influence, I now incorporate impactful quotes in all my proposals to prospective customers.
My challenges profoundly shaped the decision to establish Tracz Consulting. Overcoming my battle with cancer and experiencing the loss of my sister compelled me to search for nearly a decade to find the equilibrium between professional satisfaction and personal well-being. This equilibrium became even more crucial when, towards the end of 2022, I had to prioritize a deeply challenging personal time while also caring for my mother after she suffered a stroke. Regrettably, we said goodbye to my mother in January 2023, but I am so very thankful for the moments I spent at her bedside, not distracted by work.
Conclusion
My life and career have transformed. I started as an enthusiastic photographer and a committed school band member and have evolved into a successful and well-rounded Woman of Work. I am being recognized in the top 10 amongst some powerhouse entrepreneurs! If you have not yet cast your vote, voting closes on September 30th!
Along the way, I have been extremely fortunate to receive the guidance and support of mentors such as Alfred Watkins and Cathy Wingate, and many others who have played a crucial role in shaping the direction of my life. I have also faced and conquered significant challenges. Throughout this journey, the unwavering support of my family and close friends has been my anchor.
At every turn, I have honed my punctuality skills and mastered the art of measurement, reporting, and continuous improvement. Today, I am grateful for the challenges and opportunities that have led me to this point. Although the road has been filled with twists and turns, I wouldn't change a moment. I am excited about the future and the opportunity to continue my personal and professional growth while supporting others on their journeys.
My supportive friends & family!
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