Hold on to your belly and get ready to chuckle along with Geneva Mitchell, our Get to Know ME spotlight this month. Thank you, Geneva, for being authentic in answering our questions below and in our short video. Your laugh is contagious and your positivity is engaging! If anyone holds onto a stereotype of accountants being quiet or “not fun,” Geneva definitely breaks it to pieces.
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
My title is Financial Analyst, and I’ve been at Motivation Excellence for 9 months. This is my first job in this industry.
What do you like about your job?
I love the family dynamic atmosphere here!
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
I would like to share that I enjoy how, just about, everyone has an amazing sense of humor, which is awesome because I’m the self-appointed most hilarious person at Motivation Excellence! 😊
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment, and why?
The day I talked someone out of jumping in front of a train (and I didn’t know that’s what he was planning).
(Story Time) I don’t remember the month, day, or year, but I know I was on my way home from work, so it was nighttime, and it was slightly cold out. I was standing waiting for my train, my feet started hurting so I sat down on a bench next to a man, and he said, “Hey.” Naturally, I spoke back. It was silent for a few minutes, then he started rambling on about his personal issues, how life is hard, and what’s the point of it all? I listened and I gave him advice as best as I could. The main thing I told him was if you can’t control it don’t stress it, and that folks lose their minds worrying about something that’s out of their control. He was quiet for a while and then he stood up and said, “You don’t know what you have done for me; I was going to jump.” Then he walked away, never looking back at me.
My train came and I let it leave without me on it. I guess I was just in shock. That moment was a defining moment because I used to find it weird that everybody, including strangers, would just open up to me. After that experience from the man at the train stop, I now embrace it, and no longer find it weird that people get so comfortable with me so quickly. I’m happy to know I feel welcoming, and that I make people feel comfortable and seen.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
No matter where I am, whether it’s a store, at home, or even at work; I always look for hiding spots in case a game of hide-n-seek breaks out. I stay ready so I never have to get ready.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
What motivates me to accomplish things in my life is the feeling I get when I have met a goal that I’ve set for myself, no matter how big or small. That feeling of accomplishment is out of this world. Plus, I’m a very competitive person and I will forever be in competition with myself to be better and do better than the day before.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to take long walks with my partner Lee, catch up on TV shows, and hang out with family and friends.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
When people think my mom is my sister! She does look very young! (Watch the video to see a photo of her.)
What’s a bucket list item you can’t wait to cross off?
Lee and I are looking at buying a house, so becoming a homeowner is on my bucket list.
This month, our theme for social media is Reflection. How do you incorporate reflection into your life?
Before responding or taking any action on anything I always put myself in other folks’ shoes. This helps me understand where another person comes from and allows me to reflect on what I’ve learned as a person who loves to help others.
