Emerging Leader Spotlight: Crystal Hemphill, Symantec Corporation

Crystal Hemphill is our first Emerging Leader to be featured for 2014. We met Crystal at the Poised for Leadership workshop (hosted by Symantec Corporation) in Lake Mary, FL in November of 2013. Crystal stands out as a rising leader for numerous reasons and in this interview you will see why!

Name: Crystal Hemphill
Current title: Business Development Manager
Company: Symantec Corporation
Favorite leadership quote: “Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.” – Sara Blakely (Founder of Spanx – Worlds Youngest Female Billionaire)

What is the most important thing you have learned that has been critical to your career success?
Experience is not enough to be successful in a new role. You need confidence in your ability to achieve . . .  achievements are everything.

“I was able to secure my current role because I was not afraid to compete aggressively.”

What key steps did you take to get to the role you are in today?
I was able to secure my current role because I was not afraid to compete aggressively.

Prior to joining Symantec, I knew I had to understand what it took to be successful in the role that I was pursuing. I made a concerted effort to push beyond the surface of understanding Symantec’s mission statement, vision and company culture by proactively meeting with active Symantec employees. 

Although, this may be viewed as a brash move, I was not afraid to aggressively (yet respectfully) seek out current Symantec employees to talk business. Through my conversations, I was able to identify which skills I held that would be advantageous in the business development role that I was pursuing; and in my pitch, I made sure to articulate how these skills would add to the overall value of the company. 

Management was impressed by my preparation and hired me because I was able to clearly communicate how my skills could lead to potential success.

“Learning how to leverage my networks has been crucial to my success.”

What tools or resources have you used that have been crucial to your success?
Learning how to leverage my networks has been crucial to my success.

Keith Ferrazzi, who has been called the greatest networker in the world and is the author of “Never Eat Alone,” defines networking as “sharing my knowledge and resources, time and energy, friends and associates, and empathy and compassion in a continual effort to provide value to others, while coincidentally increasing my own.” I agree with this statement wholeheartedly and make sure to identify key people I wish to grow with.

Networking with these key people has provided mutual support and/or connections. My supportive networks have guided me through my first year and kept me focused on my goals. These networks have also provided an outlet to share creative ideas on strategy and problem solving. Who you know does matter.

“To improve myself professionally, I invest time in education that will help expand and nurture my personal and professional networks.”

What steps are you currently taking to improve yourself, professionally?
To improve myself professionally, I invest time in education that will help expand and nurture my personal and professional networks.

Along the way, I have enrolled in leadership courses, career workshops, and joined the Symantec Women Action Network (SWAN) group to help grow my success, development and power network.

“My most proud moment at Symantec was looking back at my yearly performance.”

What professional accomplishment or result have you achieved in the past year that you are proud of?
My most proud moment at Symantec was looking back at my yearly performance. During my initial 6 months, I amassed more than $10 million in sales from my Fortune 1000 clients. I exceeded my Quarterly Target in April of 2013 and successfully brought my new territory out of the red upon my hiring which resulted in 9% YoY growth in my territory.

“Jo helped me understand the essential elements of a great leadership brand and how to make my brand visible.”

Recently, you attended the Poised for Leadership Workshop. What are some of the key takeaways that you will use moving forward?
The Poised for Leadership Workshop not only provided key takeaways in leadership principles but also showed how to apply them to my career to make an immediate impact. 

Jo Miller, the CEO of Women’s Leadership Coaching, instills confidence and supports her audience in their development towards learning how to empower themselves. 

Jo helped me understand the essential elements of a great leadership brand and how to make my brand visible. I now have a concrete plan in which to make positive changes for continued success.