Terri Harding, a Regional Manager for Pilot Flying J, has spent ten years serving guests and growing teams, and she’s learned plenty of lessons along the way.
Hear more from Terri about how she came to Pilot and what’s kept her here for more than a decade.
What brought you to Pilot?
I was finishing up my master’s degree when I started as a cashier. I was going to school for international business. At the time, I thought I would work in hospital administration or for the Red Cross.
When I first started, I didn’t have any intention of staying. I just needed something to get me by while I finished school. My boss at the time asked if I would stay for 30 days as a shift lead to help him out. I made the commitment and work hard at the role. Thirty days came and went, and my boss wanted me to stay.
From shift lead, I was promoted to an RSS position, then to a co-manager position. Two months later, I was promoted to TCGM. Then two years ago, I was promoted to Regional Manager.
When I graduated, I knew I didn’t want to go somewhere to work where I was just a number. At Pilot, I get to make a difference every day, and that is what’s kept me here for 10 years.
What do you enjoy about your job?
My dad was a truck driver. I was one of eight children, and I knew it had been incredibly hard for him to be away from all of us. I love that I get to take care of those men and women who are out on the road like my dad was. I enjoy being able to solve problems and be that support for someone else.
What motivates you to lead this way?
As one of eight kids, it wasn’t about me. It was always about the family unit – what was best for all of us. We were individuals, of course, but we also knew we were a part of a bigger unit. I believe store leadership is the same. We all have to think of ourselves as one unit.
I had amazing support as I moved up in the company. So, from a leadership perspective, I love helping people see the potential they may not be able to see in themselves. I can help build leaders that do this for their teams, too.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
I had an incredible mentor who always said, “If you want to be a better leader, you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable.” Now I know that when I feel uncomfortable, when I get those butterflies, that I have to chase that feeling. You get better at it the more you do it.
I also always encourage people to go at their own pace. Growth doesn’t look the same for everyone.
I will visit stores, and someone will say, “I want to be you. How long did it take you to get here?” I tell them my story but remind them that everyone is different. Everyone has different life experiences, learning styles and circumstances. I encourage everyone to set realistic goals, so they don’t feel defeated if they aren’t going as fast as someone else. Don’t compare yourself to others.
If you’re looking for a workplace that values career growth and leadership training, we are hiring team members across the U.S. and Canada, including hourly and leadership retail positions, company and independent professional drivers and corporate support center positions. Apply today at Jobs.PilotFlyingJ.com to join the team that keeps North America moving.
