How Identity Has Influenced an Internal Auditor's Career at Compass Diversified

I think this is a great question because I had mentioned several times before that I always had an interest in business. My father was a bricklayer, and growing up, there were times when the economy wasn't going very well, and building wasn't happening.

I was always fascinated by how businesses and the economy worked. I got involved in it very early on, and it became a focus in high school and then definitely in college. I realized that if I wanted to understand businesses and how they operate even better, I needed to focus on accounting.

Being an auditor, a certified public accountant, was my goal. I was very driven. While I was going to high school and college, I worked because it was required. My parents couldn't send me without my contribution.

Even with student loans, grants, and scholarships, it still wasn't enough. I always had to work while I was going to school, and I was fine with that. It probably helped define my focus, as I knew being focused was important.

I needed to make sure I always had enough time to complete my studies and homework, and to jump on assignments and projects quickly. I never knew when I might have to do an extra shift, so I had to be cognizant of that, as I was in need of the money.

When I first started in a corporate environment, I found it very interesting. I enjoyed the people I worked with and how we worked as a team. It was a comfortable area to work in, and I appreciated being seen as a professional.

I've always tried to work very hard. When I say that, I mean people at a lower level, who aren't making the top salaries and are working in a more manual fashion, whether in the warehouse or production. I probably understand them a little better and have a natural relationship with them.

I always try to approach a relationship where I have interest in what they say and know there's value in their input. There was a reason why I was always so focused on listening to some people, whereas others may have been more dismissive. This has made a huge difference in my career.

When I've traveled around the world, people have commented that I talk to everybody and am interested in what everyone has to say and contribute. I absolutely am. I also know what it's like to be the new person.

When a new person comes into my company, or into a business, I try to make sure I allow them time. Even if I'm not their direct supervisor, manager, or director, I want to ensure they are learning. I'll point things out to them and ask about their experiences.

Often, they use me as a sounding board, asking if they should have asked certain questions. I always encourage them to go back and ask, or if something isn't clear, to invite the person down. I'll listen in and jump in if needed to make sure things are clear and to help.

It has definitely impacted my career in a very positive way. I think it's important that everyone understands what makes them unique and uses that as a strength going forward.