We love to highlight a different employee each month as part of our Get to Know ME series. This month, it’s Candy McCray, our Creative Program Manager for clients using performance tracking and marketing enhancements as part of their incentive program. Read on to learn more about what makes her laugh and how she tackles short and long-term goals. Thanks Candy, for participating in this month’s Get to Know ME!
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
My current title is Creative Program Manager, and I’ve been in the industry for 27 years as of 2025.
What do you like about your job?
This is my second stint with Motivation Excellence, so I really enjoy working with old friends again. In addition, I like to be able to share my knowledge/experience with my colleagues who are newer to the industry or Motivation Excellence.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
Our team is filled with highly skilled people who are passionate about doing a great job and being collaborative in nature. We have a lot of fun together.
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment, and why?
When I started my own marketing business. I learned so much and gained tremendous confidence in my skills and abilities.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
My son – he’s made me a better person. I work hard to give him the things I didn’t have growing up. As a parent, I now truly understand the value of being in a constant state of learning and growth, and I try to instill that in him as well. Being a parent has also taught me a whole new level of communication and connection that I don’t think I understood prior.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I like to socialize with friends, spend time with my son, and travel (we’re going to NY over spring break and planning a trip to Scotland this summer).
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
Watching AFV (America’s Funniest Videos) with my son. We love the ridiculous things people do and always get a good laugh!
What’s a bucket-list item you can’t wait to cross off?
I have two that I’m most excited to achieve: seeing the Northern Lights (ideally in Iceland) and an African Safari.
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Why or why not and care to share any?
No, I don’t create New Year’s Resolutions anymore.
For day-to-day goals, I use habit stacking instead. I believe developing small habits a little at a time is more effective than setting a big goal once a year. Plus, why wait until New Year’s to start to work toward a goal? When you decide you want to do something differently, or achieve something new, start right away when you have the motivation!
For larger, long-term goals, I’m learning about using vision boards and manifesting techniques to help me identify and work toward those goals.
