We continue to celebrate female leaders at Getac with a Getac Profile series in honor of Women’s History Month. Mika Turner is the senior organizational development manager of Getac and is instrumental in talent development and employee engagement. When Mika isn’t working, you can find her spending time with her family either at the park or in the kitchen as she plays with her two-year old daughter!
How did you first hear about Getac?
I was first introduced to Getac in 2016 through a message on LinkedIn about an Organizational Development opportunity. After hearing more about the culture, I was excited to join the team.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The people are what make my job so enjoyable. This team genuinely cares about each other and is supportive in a way that I’ve not experienced in the past. My ideas are valued, and I feel supported in my role.
How did you get into your particular field?
I started my career in social work, and at one point, I decided I wanted to make a career change. I stumbled into the HR world in my first corporate position, and I realized my passion for helping others could be translated into the new position!
What do you think makes the Getac culture unique?
People genuinely care about each other on a personal level. We are most successful when we are in an environment where we feel safe to share our ideas and I believe we have mutual respect for one another.
Who are your professional role models?
The person who introduced me to HR has always been a role model for me. She gave me a chance when I had zero experience and has continued to provide direction over the last ten years. Thanks Melissa Valenzuela! I’m also a huge fan of Brene Brown, Malala, Michelle Obama, Jane Goodall and Adam Grant just to name a few.
Do you have any advice for working parents about how to find work/life balance?
This is something I’m still learning to do. The truth is that there is no secret, and the balance has been nearly impossible over the last year. Some advice I can offer includes:
- A routine is good for toddlers and adults alike.
- A sense of humor helps.
- Each day is a new chance to try again.
When do you do your best work?
I do my best work when I create a plan and checklist to coordinate with it. I’m a planner to a fault.
What characteristics make for a great leader?
A great leader is someone who has high emotional intelligence, compassion, and the ability to effectively communicate.
Do you have any advice for the next generation of female leaders?
Traditional ideas on what made a great leader in the past will not necessarily translate well in the future.
- Lead with your heart and your head.
- Empathy should be celebrated.
Remember to always have a mentor and to provide mentorship to others.
