Pivots and Possibilities

Pivots and Possibilities

It seems like only yesterday that I donned the uniform, eager to make a difference in the world of law enforcement. With a newly minted college degree in criminal justice and sociology in hand, I was determined to be a catalyst for change within a system I knew disproportionately impacted individuals who looked like me.

As a Mexican woman in the United States, I was acutely aware of the injustices that plagued our criminal justice system. I believed that the best way to challenge and dismantle these systemic issues was by having more people who looked like me on the law enforcement side. I wanted to bridge the gap between communities and law enforcement and I saw myself as uniquely suited to do so. 

For years, I poured myself into the work – but I also realized that success in this field depended mostly on forces beyond my control. I longed for a role where outcomes depended more firmly on my own contributions but I was also hesitant to pursue a career change. I wasn’t entirely sure what else I was called to do and I was intimidated by the idea of taking that leap into something new. I decided to stay in law enforcement until or unless I could figure that out. 

Then, COVID happened—a formidable force that upended our lives and compelled us all to reevaluate our choices and priorities. Suddenly, the work I had pursued with great purpose was now fraught with danger and uncertainty. The risks became too great, the red tape too thick and the once-fulfilling job began to feel like an insurmountable burden.

I found solace in my work with young people in juvenile detention. These encounters with children who faced a very narrow window to change the trajectory of their lives, left an indelible mark on me. In their eyes, I saw the urgency of life—the understanding that time is fleeting, and we must seize the present to create the future we desire.

I realized my own desire for change was something I needed to act on. The decision to transition from law enforcement to the tech industry was met with mixed emotions. Doubt, fear, and uncertainty loomed large. I was hired for my first job outside of law enforcement by Ketch. I was worried that the skills I had built in law enforcement wouldn’t transfer but I trusted that the people at Ketch knew what they were doing when they trusted me with a new role. 

It turned out that incorporating the lessons I learned during my time in law enforcement has been instrumental in shaping my career in tech. Here is what I brought to the table. 

‍Everyone has a story. Withhold judgment. 

It’s easy to project your own judgment onto other people. It’s harder to withhold that judgment and realize that people are shaped by their own experiences – most of which exist beyond your knowledge. I have come to appreciate that each person brings a unique perspective, shaped by their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Withholding judgment has become second nature, enabling me to create a safe and non-judgmental space for customers to express their needs and desires.

‍Listen. Oftentimes people aren’t looking for advice, they’re looking to feel heard. 

Listening has emerged as a powerful tool in my arsenal, honed through countless conversations with the incarcerated, probationers and parolees. I have discovered that people often seek a listening ear, someone who genuinely hears their thoughts, fears, and desires. In the realm of sales, this insight has transformed my approach. Rather than merely providing solutions, I strive to truly understand my customers’ pain points, goals, and aspirations. By lending an empathetic ear, I can offer tailored solutions that address their particular challenges, fostering trust and establishing long-lasting partnerships.

‍Trust yourself and your gut instincts – Whether in a sales conversation or in a dangerous situation. 

While working in law enforcement, trusting my gut instincts became a necessity for survival. While the stakes are considerably lower in tech, my ability to hear and trust my instincts has benefitted my sales career. When engaging with clients, my intuition guides me in understanding their unspoken needs, deciphering the underlying motivations, and delivering solutions that truly resonate. Trusting myself allows me to navigate complex conversations with confidence, making informed decisions and seizing opportunities when they arise.

While law enforcement was not my lifelong career, I feel lucky to have started there. I still often think about the people I worked with and I wonder where they are now. Were they able to change course? Were they able to create a new life for themselves? In a strange and full-circle way, the people I sought to help truly helped me. Making a mid-career change was not an easy thing to do but if any of these the people I worked with could overcome their often impossible circumstances and be brave enough to make a new life for themselves, what was my excuse for not doing the same? This profound understanding of personal agency propels me forward, reminding me that my choices, both professionally and personally, ultimately define my own trajectory.

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