How isolved’s Vice President of Product Management and Training Found her Passion

How were you able to progress your passion?
“I was asked to join the training team, which was just two people at the time. I jumped on and we started building out isolved University, which is the same University we use today.”Rico played an integral role in building out the training team, which grew quickly from a team of three to a team of thirteen. During this time, she also learned a lot about the product.“I have always loved the isolved product and learned every function and feature while in implementation and training,” said Rico. “This gave me the opportunity to interact with the product team often and I knew I wanted to be a part of the team that made isolved the best solution in the market.”

How did your career progress?
“I was approached with an opportunity to lead the product management team. Knowing I could assist the product owners and developers in transforming isolved into the best solution in the market, it was an easy decision.”In this new role, Rico became the Vice President of Product Management and Training. Throughout her journey at isolved, she says having great mentors has played an important part in her career development.“I have had many amazing opportunities for growth at isolved with great leaders mentoring, supporting and cheering me on in my journey,” said Rico.

Who has been your top mentor at isolved?
“My top mentor is isolved’s Vice President of Marketing, Lina Tonk. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside her for multiple projects and she is one of the hardest working women that I’ve ever met. Her dedication to isolved inspires me,” said Rico. “When you’re having a bad day, Lina is the first one to pick up the phone to cheer you on and ask how she can help.”After working together for nearly a decade, Tonk shares a similar sentiment for Rico. In fact, Tonk says she is impressed by Rico’s commitment to learning and professional growth.“One of Kelli’s many strengths is that she never stops learning,” said Tonk. “If there is something she doesn’t know, she will take steps to get more information – whether that means reading, getting training or finding someone else to learn from. Kelli is always improving and growing her skill sets.”As Rico continues to progress her career and isolved continues to grow, she notes that she’s excited to see what’s to come in the coming years.

What are you looking forward to as you continue your career at isolved?
“The future is bright at isolved. I look forward to expanding my team, continuing to be innovative and driving isolved to be THE leader in the market,” said Rico.When thinking about the next five years, Rico says she plans to expand the product team. With isolved growing rapidly, having the right people to support that growth is crucial in continuing to offer innovative solutions that customers demand.Rico also has great things to say about the working environment isolved provides employees, mentioning that she has never been prouder to work for the company.

How would you describe isolved’s culture?
“The isolved culture is very welcoming and inclusive. There is a place for everyone regardless of your background,” said Rico. “Our organization embraces diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and I’m very proud of our Employee Engagement team that consistently drives this message.”Rico describes isolved’s work environment as fun and relaxed, but also professional. This is something she enjoys about working in the office.“I have been fortunate enough to spend time in each of our offices across the country and although each office is unique, the atmosphere is always fun and engaging while still being professional. I’ve always preferred working in the office and making connections with those around me.”

What advice would you give to someone taking a similar career path?
“I would tell them to believe in themselves, push harder in tough times, be creative, share ideas and always look for opportunities for advancement.”In addition to pushing through and taking advantage of opportunities when they arise, Rico also emphasizes the importance of career pathing when starting a new position.“Career pathing is aligning opportunities for career growth with your own personal skills, interests and objectives. Don’t be afraid to try something new but also remain true to yourself and your interests,” said Rico. “Loving the work you do is the key to being successful.”