I am MyChelle Andrews – It’s My Chelle (shell) like My Car or My Shoes.
The importance of good communication skills in the technology industry
As a Data Architect and Nerd, I have been in the technology industry for over 30 years. Learning to sell my ideas and concepts to my team, my bosses, and upper management has been a key factor to my success. Most people in technology find it difficult to communicate with others. This can be very costly. When you don’t get your message across you can lose sells, job promotions and recognition. In both the short term and the long run, this results in loss of money.
Whether you work for a corporation, in sales or an entrepreneur, mastering the art of communication will help make you more successful. The good news is you can learn the skills needed to keep your audience engaged, gain buy-in, and close the deal. All you need is coaching. This is where I come in. As a World Class Speaking coach, I can help you to develop your communication skills.
It’s all about the client
My mentor drilled into me the importance of seeing problems from the client’s perspective. A valuable lesson. This has helped me to become known as the client’s advocate. Looking out for the client, even if it meant more work for the technical team. My job has always been to make my client’s life easier. I bring this approach to my speaking career as well. Looking for ways to help my client’s do more with less, whether that’s getting more done in less time, reducing the amount of stress in their tasks by making it easier or increasing their enjoyment by making the process simpler, it is all about making my client’s lives better.
How I can help
As a Nerd, I understand the challenges most people in technology face when communicating their ideas. As a speech coach, I help techies translate their message from Geek Speak into English. By transforming your ideas into clearer messages, you are able to gain greater buy-in, be more persuasive and sell your ideas or products more effectively. This will result in increased profits, being seen as a thought leader and communicate your message in less time and with a greater conversion rate.
Continuing education
Having a successful career in technology, a male dominated field, I know the importance of continuing education. I have two associate degrees, one in applied programming and one in computer operations. Continuing education has made the difference in my career. Whether it is classes through university continuing education programs, self-study courses or learning opportunities through other associations, the key has been taking advantage of all available opportunities. I am passionate about learning.
Awards and Service
As a member of the American Business Women’s Association, I just spent 3 years in leadership positions at the national level. In 2010 I was selected as one of the 2011 Top Ten Business Women in the Association. In 2011 I was elected the District 6 District Vice President and 2012 elected National Secretary – Treasurer. It was an honor and a privilege to serve my fellow members. During this service, I found a new passion which has inspired me to change careers and become a speaking coach / consultant.
In 2012 I was honored to receive the New Mexico Technology Council’s New Mexico Women in Technology Award. The Women in Technology award recognizes exceptional women in New Mexico who are working in a technology field and who encourage other women to pursue careers and leadership roles in technology.As a toastmaster, I have worked with many mentors who have encouraged me to pursue my passion to help people. Without toastmasters, I would not be the speaker and coach I am today. During the 2014 – 2015 year, I am serving as a club coach and Area Governor.
Advice from my mom
Growing up my mom always told me. “Dress nice and be noticed. Once you get their attention, you can show them how talented you are.” I took that advice to heart, some might say I took it over the top, and have always dressed in vibrant colors. My favorite color is hot pink. You can easily pick me out of a crowd; I’m the one in hot pink. Over the years I have found I have more energy, am more imaginative, innovative, creative and artistic, and have more confidence when I am dressed professional with pizzazz and in bright colors.
Many would say I am a non-conformist and that’s okay with me. I challenge the assumptions; look for new solutions and work to continuously improve. If it’s not broke then we should make it better. I believe you can be beautiful and brilliant at the same time. If dressing nice and looking good can improve my brilliance then I’m all for it. Look out world the Nerd in Pink High Heels is on the loose.
Over the years, I have come to realize how fortunate I am to have grown up in rural Oregon. Living in the country, it did not matter if you were a girl or a boy; the chores had to get done. As the oldest, and for a long time the only child, I was expected to do all of the chores. I was never told “Only boys can do that”. I was always told “Get in there and get the job done”. This led to creative problem solving, figuring out how to get the job done, regardless of my size or strength. I have taken those lessons into adulthood and have never felt like I was held back because I was a woman. In fact it has been just the opposite. Because I could “do the job”, I have always been seen as one of the team. However, as a woman, I bring a different perspective to the job, a different way of thinking, a different way of approaching the problem to come up with a solution that works.
Life changing decision
In 2004 my husband, Kris and I relocated to New Mexico. In order to relocate, I had to leave a wonderful career of 18 years at PacifiCorp. The problem was that I was neither enjoying life nor living a healthy life style. We had to make a decision; money or happiness. We selected happiness and have never looked back. We love the area, people, lifestyle and the blue skies. Kris and I have been married since 1986. As life and business partners we have found a winning formula.
