Life at OPENLANE: Q&A with Brit Lawrence, Program Director, Global CX and Shared Services Operations
Closing out Women’s History Month, we have Brit Lawrence, Program Director of our Global CX and Shared Services Operations. Since starting her journey with OPENLANE, Brit has led many major projects – from agile transformations to big change operations initiatives. Read her story below.
What has your journey at OPENLANE looked like?
I started as a Project Manager in our tech organization and spent some time in that sector. I ran an infrastructure refresh program, then I was the Program Manager for all the technology in our new HQ building. Later, I helped with our enterprise agile transformation. After that was complete, I talked to our leaders about wanting to branch out and that’s what led me to working in operations. I’m now the Program Director for a growth and cost savings initiative, as well as our Global Shared Services initiative, which leverages global agents to support our operations. I’d say the biggest part of my role is managing big changes at our company.
What is something you are most proud of during your time at OPENLANE?
The work that I’ve done with our growth and cost savings initiative. I’ve learned so much during this process and it’s probably one of the most challenging things I’ve done here. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish with it, since cost savings isn’t always a popular avenue.
What do you like the most about working with OPENLANE?
The fact that I get to work with people across the organization on a daily basis is a huge perk. My scope of responsibility includes many different business units, so I get to interact with lots of team members in every region where we have operations. There’s never a dull moment.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever heard?
Be curious. That’s what leads to understanding the big picture and the goals of our company more. The more you learn and absorb outside of your own scope of work, the more context you’ll have for driving success.
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day and on a greater scale, Women’s History Month?
Women’s history is history and for a long time, that wasn’t recognized or celebrated on equal levels as men’s. So, we have a lot of catch-up work to do.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Kara Swisher. She’s a national treasure and so intelligent. Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (Pause). Can we choose a fictional woman?
Sure, why not. Who’s a fictional inspiration?
Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She’s such a badass.
