You’re in for a treat today as I share the one and only Hannah! She is so inspiring to me because like her, my career path has been a winding road, but she has handled it all with such grace and learned so much. I also hope you check out her amazing artwork business, Lockhart Stitch Portraits, where she turns events like weddings into beautiful cross-stitch masterpieces!
Tell us a little about yourself and your career
After graduating from Brigham Young University with a degree in Political Science, I immediately moved to DC to work on Capitol Hill. Working for a US Senator was the dream. However, within a few years, I realized I wanted to do something different – what that was, I had yet to figure that out. I just felt my abilities could be used in another way. After much contemplation, I also realized that if I wanted to do something different, I needed to get another degree so I started preparing to take the GMAT, took the GMAT three times, and applied to business school. In 2016, I graduated with an MBA from Utah Valley University and I now work for the Utah Jazz where I take care of season ticket holders AND I LOVE IT.
When I’m not working or out with friends/family, you can usually find me at home sitting in front of Netflix or Hulu fulfilling orders for my cross stitch business, Lockhart Stitch Portraits. I started the company after grad school as a way to utilize the stitch skills I have to make people happy.
How does your community of women you surround yourself with support you?
The community of women I surround myself with truly keep me going in life. My close knit group of friends and family challenge me, support me, and lift me when I need it. We discuss the need for strong women in our communities, our churches, our schools, and our homes. These women are wonderful examples of how I can become more loving, committed, outspoken, and confident.
How has your work in politics influenced your career as a whole?
My 5-year career in politics – although fairly short – greatly impacted my career today. I learned how to become assertive, to speak up, to walk into a room like I belonged there, to take a seat at the conference table when there were still others expected. Politics is messy but it also provides a space for dialogue and discussion which is what I appreciate about it. I learned to try to understand other people’s perspectives that were different than my own. I try to look at issues from different points of view which helps me connect with people in a more genuine way.
What do you wish you could go back and tell your younger self re: your career aspirations?
Part of me wishes I could go back to high school and tell myself that majoring in Political Science in college was a dumb idea…That I’d need another degree to progress…That it would take a long time to make any money. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that if I changed anything about the direction of my life since that decision, I wouldn’t be in the same place I am now – at least not with this timing. I believe things work out in the end. It’s keeping the right attitude and positive perspective that affects our acceptance and appreciation of those situations no matter where you are at life.
What is your career-related mantra?
Leaders listen.
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