Meet the Meridian Team: Hello, Liz
Hello. I’m Liz. I’m the Director of Strategy here at Meridan. I started here in February.
Everyone asks how I came to work at Meridian. They also ask what exactly it is that I do here. Hold on. That part is coming.
The truth is… it was kismet. Or Fate. Or Divine Appointment. Or plain old alignment of the stars at the right time and day. I’ve known Sarah and Nathan for a while… I used to work for Meridian as the Director of Marketing way back in the good ‘ol days. And Sarah… I’ve known her for what seems like forever. What started out as a networking book club turned into years of a great friendship that has seen us through raising our kids, our husbands, our professional lives, and everything in between. Along the way, we talked about some books.
My husband Dale and I with our son, Brandon whale-watching in Mexico
Last year, I felt life calling me in a different direction. I had spent more than 25 years supporting federal agencies as a project manager leading IT projects, and I truly loved most parts of it. But I was ready for something new. And over our “bookclub” dinner late last year, it turned out, Meridian was looking for someone new as well. And as I said… the stars sort of just aligned. Years of shared support and mutual consulting around our businesses evolved into this role.
As the Director of Strategy, my role is actually pretty simple (but complicated too because that’s how stories work). I help the Partners execute their strategic initiatives and projects. And every single initiative helps our firm support our clients better, or supports our advisors, which in turn helps them support our customers better.
Unofficially, I am the “Meridian Chief Question Asker”. It’s what I love most about my role. I love brainstorming with people, helping to shift perspectives and working with people to bring solutions to light. And that takes lots and lots of questions.
What do I love most about working at Meridian? Hands down, it’s the people. This is a great bunch of people. They love what they do. It’s evident every day. When I come to work, I am inspired to be better by the generosity and spirit of the people at our office – and how they parlay that into the work they do.
As we all do when we’re asked to write about ourselves, I wondered “what do I tell people about me?” and possibly, more importantly, “what do people want to know?” Do they want to know that I worked as a contractor for the government for a lot of years? Probably not. Do they want to know that I have a background in marketing and community support? Probably not. So here’s the tea…. the answers to your burning questions 😊
5 Things About Liz
What are your favorite hobbies?
Yoga and reading are my top two favorite things to do in my spare time. I’ve always loved reading, mostly fiction, but I’m a bit of a professional development nerd too so my shelves are lined with things that help me grow.
I’m not sure yoga really gets classified as a “hobby” – it’s so engrained in who I am after more than 15 years of practice and teaching.
Liz and Dale– super weird but we take selfies whenever we go anywhere. This is on the way to Busch Gardens to see Christmas Town
What is your favorite book or movie?
My favorite fiction novel is Kristen Hannah’s Nightengale. The story takes place during World War II. It was deeply moving to me to understand the depth of what we will do for those we love when the world is turned upside down.
The book 29 Gifts by Cami Walker changed my life and how I view the world.
What was your first job?
My very first job was working on the sales floor of a western wear store in Springfield Mall. I sold cowboy boots and hats. This was before country was cool.
My first “real job” was working as an Administrative Assistant for a property management company in Old Town Alexandria. Fun fact. I have worked in Old Town Alexandria, Historic Manassas, and now Old Town Warrenton.
What are your bucket list vacation spots?
Iceland’s Northern Lights.
Liz and Dale Italy – selfie in front of the Path of the Gods in Italy
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Use your voice. It’s easy to convince ourselves, especially when you are in a group of people, or in a meeting, to stay quiet – that our opinion doesn’t matter. But it does. Unique perspectives, and a lot of time, a lot of unique perspectives together, create brilliant ideas. Use your voice. Say the thing that needs to be said. Share the idea.
Liz Hot Air Balloon over Napa