Lea Anne Wilhite-Gore

How did you get to your current position? What was your path?

I began my current position at Twin Lakes as Marketing and Sales Manager in 2015 but have been in the telecommunications industry 15+ years. I have had the opportunity to serve in various roles, including as a Competitive Services Representative (Business and Phone System Sales), Marketing Representative, and Product and Marketing Manager outside of my current position.

I have always been truly passionate about living out the last statement typically found on any job description, “other duties as needed”. I have swept floors, cleaned toilets, washed outdoor signs, etc. and none of those were in my job description but are proof that hard work does pay off.

Additionally, I have been very fortunate to work with some of the best Tennessee leaders in the industry (Jonathan West, Carrie Huckeby, Levoy Knowles, and Trevor Bonnstetter), all of whom are intentional about leading from the front and being the example where their actions of kindness, compassion, leadership, behavior, and attitude speak louder than words. I am beyond grateful for the opportunities that each of them has extended to me.

What is an accomplishment you are proud of?

My team. They are amazing and I love watching them grow! When one of us celebrates, we all celebrate. They show up every day always ready to give 110% to their team members, projects, and our customers.

What is one thing industry related or not you learned in the last month?

There are way more features in Microsoft 365 than I will ever remember.

How do you define success?

The rent on success is due every single day. I love to celebrate small and large successes alike, but I do not unpack in those celebrations. Success comes with its fair share of challenges as well, but to me, obtaining it is a lifelong ambition and simply means becoming better at something today than you were yesterday. Growth is success.

Who inspires you?

Personally, my son, Jake. He inspires me daily to be a better person. He reminds me to take a deep breath, to color outside of the lines, to believe in myself, and to love hard and to forgive quickly.

Professionally, those that I mentioned previously but Carrie Huckeby specifically. She is honest, humble, and incredibly driven. She has been a wonderful example and mentor for me throughout my entire telecommunications career.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a woman starting a career in fiber, tech, or construction?

Do all the work no one else wants to do – “other duties as needed”. Be a thought leader and do not shrink yourself to make others more comfortable – you will find a place you are appreciated for it. And last, but not least, (my department will chuckle reading this because I preach it often 😊) every day is an interview – dress for the job you want, not the job you have.