Inspiring Women+ Leadership: Tammy 

The month of March is Gender Equality Month and Women’s History Month, so, there’s no better time to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the women in our lives. In this Q&A series, we're shining a light on some of the inspiring Women+ leadership figures working at TextNow. Be sure to catch the full series on our blog to read about the lessons they’ve learned throughout their journey to where they are today.

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Tammy MacKinnon (She/Her) Senior Director, Product Operations

In her role, Tammy oversees all Product Operations at TextNow which includes Customer Care, and Technical Program Management.  

What is the most powerful lesson you’ve learned (professionally or personally)?

Personally, I have learned that the more you show appreciation and curiosity, in what is happening with others... the more you will fill your cup full of friends who are willing to support you always.

Professionally, don't be afraid to take on new challenges. By being adaptable it allows you to grow and gain career satisfaction.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

It's okay to ask for help. Many times, when first starting out in my career I felt as though by showing I didn't know something, it demonstrated I couldn't do the job. In fact, all it did was hold me back in getting my goals accomplished, and my mental health suffered too – I was always worried about what was going to happen instead of just reaching out to get me on the right path.

Who has inspired you and how/why?

My mom, hands down! My mom was a single mom for a while raising my brother and me. She worked at a minimum wage job but always wanted something better for herself and her children. She proceeded to go to night school and took advantage of any learning and development opportunities at her job. I am proud to say that when she retired, her role was SVP of North Americas for a very well-known company. She was brave, never gave up, and as a woman in a very male dominated environment, she soared. Becoming well respected, and to this day, remains friends with those colleagues.

What is your motivational mantra?

I have two! The one I share most often and told my daughter growing up is “Never get old...Never be boring...but always be KIND.”

The second one is, “try not to be that last minute Mackinnon!”

What do you do to make yourself feel strong and empowered?

I establish great relationships with my peers and teammates, and I always voice my thoughts in a respectful way.

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We appreciate Tammy for being a great role model at TextNow and for living our values every day. She is truly living her motivational mantra - genuinely kind and anything but boring.

Be sure to check back in the blog for our next leadership spotlight 👀

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