As an SVP at CSI globalvCard, Juliann oversees the sales and operations of globalVCard Travel. Juliann has successfully managed the team responsible for the growth of the solution by establishing strategic partnerships, building brand awareness and increasing customer engagement. She frequently shares her expertise in corporate travel payment solutions through national speaking engagements. In 2014, Juliann was honored among the top ’40 Under 40’ rising business stars in the region. Today she shares more insights into both her personal and professional life.
So Juliann, tell me a little about yourself!
I am a third generation Florida native – born and raised in Fort Myers. I have been married to my husband for eight years and we have two amazing children who keep us on our toes constantly! I attended Stetson University in Deland, Florida and graduated with a degree in Marketing and Electronic Business Technology. After graduation, I always imagined working in a high-rise building in New York City for some well-known advertising agency, but instead I decided to come back to Fort Myers to be close to family. My first job out of college was with Enterprise-Rent-a-Car as a Management Trainee, where I received some of the best customer service training in the world. After Enterprise, I went into purchasing for an aerospace manufacturing, was a stay at home mom for a bit, and then came to CSI globalVCard. I love to travel, read books, go to the beach & be around family and friends.
What drew you to globalVCard originally? And how has globalVCard changed since?
The people! When I came in for my interview, everyone was so friendly and eager to tell me what a great company CSI was. Each employee had their own twist on the company and the culture, but I left that day understanding that at the core of the company was the people – the people mattered the most. I was so nervous after leaving my interview – I truly hoped that everyone could see me as a fit for their team. I wanted to work at CSI so badly!
Aside from growing in terms of office space, employees and product offerings, the company still has the same culture. People are the most important asset to the company and are treated as such. CSI is like my second family and has been for almost seven years. I have come to cherish the relationships built with my colleagues and am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.
And you’re also involved with Power2Change? Can you tell me a little about that?
Yes I am! Charity has always had a place in my heart so when the opportunity arose to start a charity committee four years ago at CSI – I jumped at the opportunity! CSI has been supporting local and national organizations on so many different levels. From diaper donations to local toddlers with leukemia in southwest Florida, to a local non-profit organization that supports children suffering from terminal illnesses, we do it all. We’ve built hygiene kits and packed peanut butter and jelly lunches for the local homeless community, donated turkey dinners for Thanksgiving while collecting canned goods, and we’ve sent inner-city high school students from Detroit to a Michigan university to tour the school and learn about college life while participating in a service project and watching a football game. The breadth of what we can do and who we can help is endless. This year we decided to take the steps to form a foundation, which we named Power2Change. We are absolutely thrilled and excited to see the types of change we can bring forth locally, nationally and globally.
What is your proudest moment at globalVCard?
Wow, it’s hard to think of just one! From continually growing within the company to a senior vice president role, to learning the financial industry lingo, and then learning a whole new industry when I took on the role in our globalVCard Travel department. But my proudest moment would have to be when a client I managed while in a relationship management position mentioned me by name and recognized my support and service levels on a joint webinar they were doing with our sales team in front of hundreds of potential prospects. It was so rewarding to hear that I had been exceeding their expectations!
What do you love most about living in sunny Florida?
I feel like you already mentioned it – “sunny.” The weather is gorgeous year round. We can go to the beach in December and wear shorts and flip flops all year round. Granted I would love to experience different seasons every once in a while, but I’m not complaining!
What book has influenced you most?
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephan Covey. The first time I read this book was in my professional selling class at Stetson University in my sophomore year. The lessons learned resonate within my personal life and professional life. Striving to continually remember to “do something” and to “plan what you’re taking action on” help me stay the course each and every day. I’ve read this book multiple times and I learn something new from it every time.
How has globalVCard helped you in your career development?
It has pushed me to learn things I never imagined I would learn – payment space, travel industry, PCI compliance! It has also forced me out of my comfort zone – public speaking used to scare me to death, now I enjoy it! globalVCard has given me opportunities that I never imagined possible in a short period of time at my age.
If it were possible to colonize Mars in our lifetime, would you go? Why or why not?
Well I do oversee our travel product – so I would probably need to go for product research! Do you think they will accept virtual cards up there?
On a side note – I probably would go if the opportunity came up. I don’t like to turn down the ability to travel to new places and this would certainly be a new spot!
