An interview with Belinda McLeod, Director, Business Systems Integration at Gordian
Belinda McLeod doesn’t see obstacles — she sees opportunities. As Gordian’s very first Director of Business Systems Integration, Belinda is no stranger to conquering the odds and creating her own path. It’s this mentality that has made her our champion for continuous improvement. In our interview, Belinda discusses why she loves her job, how she progressed in a male-dominated industry and her personal wisdom on achieving professional success.
“Be strong, confident and don’t be afraid to verbalize what you think and support what you think with proven successes.”
Belinda McLeod
Can you explain your career transformation and success with Gordian?
When I started with Gordian in 2015, I was on the product side of the house. This was back when Gordian only employed about 150 team members. We were in such a transitional phase I would frequently reach out to other departments to see if I could assist in improving day-to-day activities. This led me to our IT department where I was able to assist with updating employee records, populating phone numbers so we could actually call other employees versus calling Lisa Ference [Gordian Office Manager] and having her transfer us, recommending service level improvements for the Service Desk and working with the Service Desk team to create relationships with our customers versus sending them off with ‘homework’. I feel we have grown from ticket takers to the lifeline our customers need and can rely on when they need help day or night.
With my latest career change, I’m excited to be the Fortive Business System (FBS) Champion for Gordian. I feel we can proactively use FBS within each piece of our business to drive what we need to do and get done, measure our performance and drive continuous improvement. I look forward to working with the organization to roll out this proven tool set.
Briefly describe your job at Gordian and an average day.
I have no standard day. What I have to accomplish always depends on our customers’ needs, priorities from the executive team, who is on site, or what needs to be delivered for our new parent company. I am available 24/7 and surprise most people with my emails at midnight, 3 a.m. or 5 a.m. and usually take some flak for appearing to never sleep. (Of course I do!) I love the fact that every day is different. Whether it is a task that needs to be done on a deadline or a customer needing immediate help, having the variety in my day-to-day activities makes each day exciting!
Explain how the work you do impacts our customers.
While at Gordian, I’ve worked hard to build relationships with our customers ̶ internal employees, contractors, vendors, managed service providers. I am dedicated to ensuring they are completely satisfied with the services me and my team provide. I always want them to know we will be their lifeline.
How do you define success?
A satisfied customer. Even when we have a customer that may not be satisfied, I will still want to go above and beyond to ensure I understand what can be done differently to change that experience going forward.
Tell us a little about yourself. What do you like to do when you’re not at the office?
I spend any extra time I have with my four-year-old granddaughter and I enjoy reading, normally two to three books a week.
What woman inspires you and why?
My mother. She was a single mom who raised me on her own and managed to teach me the values I live by today. I still remember her advice to me growing up, “Never do or say anything you wouldn’t share with your grandparents.” And, again, when I entered the workforce she said, “Treat every person the same no matter their title.” These two pieces of wisdom have served me well over the years.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?
Starting with my Computer Mathematics degree, moving to corporate computer sales as my first job out of college and then varying IT jobs extending to leadership roles, it was always interesting being the one-and-only woman in a class, a room, a meeting or in an entire office and continuing to lead a workforce that is primarily made up of men. I wouldn’t say I faced any significant barrier; it was a matter of adapting to a situation without changing who I was to get a job done. I feel this has proven successful over my career and I wouldn’t change a thing.
What advice would you give a woman going into a leadership position for the first time?
Become a strong advocate for yourself. Without your ability to be your own advocate you lose a perceived edge that may not be required for our male counterparts. Be strong, confident and don’t be afraid to verbalize what you think and support what you think with proven successes.
What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
In my career, I have begun to see women join the previously dominated male world (as it relates to IT). I believe the next generation of women joining the technology arena will now begin to face competition from other women for the first time. This doesn’t make it a negative, in fact, just the opposite! It’ll be a great challenge for the next generation and bring about positive change in the industry.
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