How long have you been at GCI? Can you tell me a little more about your career and role in the company?
In April it will be a total of 18 years! I was here for five years, left for five, was recruited back in 2009 and have been here ever since.
I started in 1999 as supervisor over telephony accounting, which gives you an indication of how small we were at the time. I left in 2004 and went to Seattle, where I worked for Alaska Airlines and then corporate Nordstrom because I wanted to gain more experience. Now we joke they sent me out for five years of training. I came back because I was starting a family and I trusted GCI; the culture swayed me and I stayed because it’s challenging, interesting work. At the end of the day, GCI is the kind of company I want to work for.
What made you choose your career path?
I knew I wanted to go into business but wasn’t sure what. With a general business degree, you typically do a marketing class, accounting class, etc. My accounting classes just clicked for me. It felt like a puzzle that was interesting to solve. It came fairly naturally, and I liked it; life is too short to do something you don’t enjoy.
What sets you apart from others in your field?
I worked two jobs for years to pay my bills, and was asking myself, “Is this the life I want to live?” I decided to finish my education. I was a nontraditional student at 27 years old when I graduated. I used it to my advantage when I was looking for a job post-grad — I was able to communicate better, and I was confident. Plus, because I was older, I felt the need to prove myself, which pushed me to work harder. I went on to KPMG where I got my CPA.
One of the things I appreciate about GCI is you control your career here. You can advocate for another position or take a lateral move for experience. GCI is very willing to let you explore that.
I like to give people opportunities. If I see a hard worker, I think I give them more benefit of the doubt than the average person might just because I’ve had to work a little bit harder to get where I’m at.
Celebrating Women’s History Month at GCI: A conversation with Becky Windt Pearson
If you could pick one highlight from your career to share, what would it be and why?
I’d have to say getting recruited back to GCI was the most meaningful highlight. I wasn’t looking for a job and wasn’t even looking to move back to Alaska at the time. It was encouraging to know that I was sought out.
What advice would you give young women who are interested in your field?
Be your own best advocate. I don’t think women advocate for themselves enough because we tend to assume it’s being boastful. I even have a hard time talking about myself. Men tend to advocate for themselves and aren’t considered arrogant, per say. At the end of the day, you are responsible for your career and advocating for yourself is a good thing!
Is there a female leader, past or present, who inspires you?
My most prominent inspiration would be my mother. She was raised with an emphasis on women staying home and taking care of the house and children. After my parents divorced, she entered the workforce and worked her way up through human resources, eventually becoming an executive recruiter for large corporations looking for CEOs and CFOs.
She raised me with the idea that I didn’t have to limit myself and that I could do anything I set my mind to if I worked hard enough. When I would encounter the inevitable obstacles that arise in life, she always encouraged me to work through the challenge and look for opportunity. It’s been advice that I’ve followed throughout my career and personal life.