Tammy Boyd is a straight up certified GIRLBOSS. Are they giving out certificates for that yet? If not, we’re starting the trend. For those who are unfamiliar, a GIRLBOSS is a woman who is in charge of her own life, as coined by Sophia Amoruso, the founder of mega fashion retailer NastyGal.
To us, Tammy embodies the perfect mixture of professionalism, expertise, humbleness, and charisma. She’s worked at many major companies over her lifetime and it’s no coincidence that she’s become the Vice President of Business Development and Marketing and NeuroInternational. These things don’t happen on accident. They happen with intention, hard work, and a goal-driven mindset. We had the fortunate opportunity to learn Tammy’s secrets when it comes to marketing yourself and your company in the most effective way possible and trust us, she knows what she’s talking about. In fact, we’re inclined to start a petition for turning “Tammy” into a verb. For example, “I just Tammy’d my job interview!” Who’s in? Read on and you’ll know what we mean.
Growing up, did you know that this is the career you wanted to pursue?
Early on I was offered the opportunity to be a marketing representative for a start-up, big box retailer, which is now one of the top Fortune 100 companies in the world. From a marketing perspective, I intuitively knew what it took to be successful at marketing. I knew the key benefits and features of my product line. I knew the four ‘P’s’ of the marketing mix- product, price, promotion and place. I knew how to canvas my target market, I wrote marketing plans and made a big impact within the industry in a short amount of time. I have always had a passion for marketing and have always held a position in some capacity that was directly connected to marketing.
Initially, my dream was to be a TV news anchor because I have always been a news hound and found it to be fascinating. To this day, I still follow headline news, stay abreast of current events, investigate facts. I’m a perfectionist about my appearance. I always bring my A-game; dressed professionally and conservatively from head to toe. Being a perfectionist, I feel it is important to always look your best when you leave the house for business. My hair, makeup, nails, clothing, and shoes are all clean, pressed and polished. It’s important for me to look my best every day because you never know who you will encounter during the day and there is no second chance to make a first impression. It’s also important to me that I speak articulately. I’m a stickler for correct grammar. I always smile and I’m kind to everyone I meet.
How did you end up here and how does it feel?
I’ve been in the healthcare industry for over 13 years. I’ve had a steady climb of promotions and responsibilities. I’ve worked hard to get to where I am today and I am constantly seeking new business development opportunities for my organization. I am purposeful with my key messaging, target audience and how I can improve my company’s standing as being a top provider within my industry. The market has responded favorably as we have had 33% year-over-year growth for the past eight consecutive years. I have a wonderful boss who challenges me as well as being very supportive of what I need so I can be successful in my role. They say that no one aspires to go into the insurance industry as a profession and I’m no exception. I had a relative who recruited me into the industry and I’ve never looked back! I believe the workers’ compensation industry to be so fascinating! There are so many dynamics and moving parts to it. I thrive in that kind of environment. There are a lot of intelligent, caring and compassionate professionals within the industry as well.
I’m ecstatic about where I am today and have had a lot of great opportunities that I never would have imagined! One of the most rewarding aspects is being sought out as an industry influencer and sharing my knowledge with others. I have been invited to multiple committees and boards. Of course I don’t want to rest on my laurels so I am always staying abreast of industry trends, talking with industry leaders and listening intently to what others have to say.
Your experience in marketing is extensive and impressive. What’s one thing that businesses new to the marketing game should know about effectively getting their name out there?
In this industry, it’s all about relationships. It sounds so trite and outdated with today’s modern technology, but it has held steadfast and true. It’s important to listen to what your customers’ needs are and then find a solution to it. No one likes to be “sold to” regardless of your industry. Communication is very important. Learn how they like to receive information. Everyone’s so busy with emails, phone calls and texts. Find the best solution that works for that customer. Follow up is extremely important. You want to make sure your customer is happy. If they aren’t, make sure you find a solution and fix it right away. Lastly, at the end of the day, your reputation is all that you have, so don’t ever compromise it. Don’t ever be deceitful or intentionally misleading.
As a VP of a large company, what’s one ideology that you live by when it comes to management?
After I graduated from high school I dated someone who was incredibly successful and respected within his industry. He asked me if I knew the difference between good and great. I didn’t really know being young and naive with no business experience. His answer to me was ‘a little bit of extra effort.’ That statement has always stayed with me and I find it true to this day. I always go above and beyond what is expected from me and the results have reflected upon where I am in business today. When people first meet me, they comment about my determination, my ambition and professionalism.
From a pure management-style perspective I’m a cross between a Pragmatist and Idealist. I have very high standards, so I expect others to have them too. I’m very driven, competitive and goal-oriented. I’m also a high-energy achiever with a positive attitude, open-minded and creative.
You could be working anywhere, but you chose NeuroInternational. How does this company resonate with your personal core values?
NeuroInternational has been one of the best places I’ve worked of my entire career! It’s a young, robust organization, progressive-thinking and has an open-culture philosophy. Leadership always sets the tone of an organization. I love that my direct report has a saying of ‘failing forward’. What does he mean by that? I see so often in business settings the expectation is set so high to be perfect without making mistakes. We’re all human and bound to make them. He’s been very forgiving of my missteps and has never begrudged me. We learn from our mistakes and move forward. He also allows me to step outside my comfort zone to seek new business development opportunities.
My boss has over 20 years of professional experience and his very highly respected within the industry for providing quality outcomes, superior customer service and cost-savings to stakeholders. We have been a positive disruption within the industry by offering innovative therapeutic settings and a comprehensive clinical approach that others in the industry have tried to duplicate. I’m very proud of the business model we have created. It’s a client-centered approach of dignity and respect for one another. It’s reflected within all staff and management alike.
My boss and I have both mutual respect and admiration for one another. We both have dynamic skill sets that complement one another. I’ve been with the organization for almost five years and have truly never experienced a bad day at work. My boss is energetic, has a positive outlook, is relaxed and makes everyone around him feel valued.
When you’re not touring the country for conferences or leading a company to success, what are you doing? What’s your favorite downtime hobby and does it help you rejuvenate?
Last year I logged over 90,000 air miles and attended over 74 events nationwide. I’m married and have a ten-year-old son. I miss a lot of family time so I decompress when I am home and enjoy spending quality time with my family. We are a baseball family and my son is very active in Little League Baseball as well as travel ball. We really enjoy supporting him achieve success on the field. I take time for myself by running daily. We live in Florida, so anytime I can walk along the beach and enjoy a beautiful sunset I feel rejuvenated.
