Sasha Garcia: Office Administrator Manager

Can you share your background and what motivated/inspired you to join the Leafguard team?

Previously, I was an account manager for a staffing agency. The staffing agency was closing, and Leafguard was in the ballpark of what I was looking for: a company providing opportunities for its employees. I started as a recruiter, and shortly after that, I walked into a dual role where I was also helping with some HR responsibilities. Eventually, I realized I liked wearing all these hats and wanted to dive into more, which is how I found my way to the OA department. We do many functions, such as working directly with the branches and doing administrative work. Within that department, I started as an Office Administrator. I was promoted to a Senior Office Administrator, then a Regional Office Administrator, then Operations Audit Coordinator, and now the Office Administrator Manager. I’ve done all this within the five years I’ve been here. Leafguard promoted opportunity, and that’s what I got.

How would you explain to your friends and family what working here is like?

It’s like being a part of a community. Leafguard values growth and hard work, and they offer many opportunities. It's very fast-paced, which some people might find challenging, but it’s in the best way for me. Challenges are rewarding once they get through them. It's a place for anyone who values hard work, takes initiative, and wants to grow professionally.

Tell us about a professional success story that you’re proud of.

I can be proud of my entire journey here at Leafguard. As I grew with the organization, I was lucky enough to learn that operations is my passion. I'm proud to contribute as much value as possible to the organization. I am a walking billboard for how successful somebody can be at Leafguard. I am immensely proud of my team; we've worked hard to reach our goals.

I’m also proud that I've been able to embark on growth journeys with several members of my team. I consider myself a transformational manager. Recently, I coached and counseled one of my best-performing OAs and walked her through what it would look like if she got out of her comfort zone, which allowed her to be promoted into the HR department.

What are some important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

Adaptability: You must be comfortable adapting to change. Working for an organization like Leafguard requires you to live on your toes and be ready. I love that “do it right, do it now” is one of our values, and we have the support to be adaptable and change things. I've developed in every role by taking the initiative and taking ownership of what I enjoy and what I think is best for the organization and the team.

Another lesson is building strong relationships with everyone within your department and others. Lastly, patience is crucial because growth takes time. There will be some setbacks and hiccups along the way, but you will be perfectly fine if you have a plan and people dedicated to the overall goal.

Any advice for colleagues or individuals aspiring to advance their careers within the organization?

My most significant advice is to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Even if the opportunity is not there, create it for yourself. Notice a problem, learn how to fix it, and present it. That's how you create opportunities for yourself and your team. Feel free to take on any new responsibilities or roles that are challenging to you. Sometimes, we must leave our comfort zone to discover new strengths. You're going to be able to know what you're fully capable of doing once you do so.