Jenna Byrnes, SVP for Minor League Baseball Team, Oklahoma City Dodgers, and Ohio Native  

The question always asked of accomplished professional women in this Sharp, Savvy and Significant  series: “What is your favorite quote that you try to live by?”  Jenna Byrnes, the Senior Vice President of the Oklahoma City Dodgers (the Triple A affiliate team of the Los Angeles Dodgers), provides her answer at the end: ”Never confuse activity with accomplishment” – a very worthy thought. But there is another one she cites, during the interview, expressed by her parents as she was growing up: “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.”

Why is this a succinct but very important insight? Because this idea — that performing the most mundane task carries with it the possibility of displaying excellence — can eventually snowball throughout the years into the impetus to go above and beyond in the professional realm.  Hence Jenna’s current job overseeing the revenue generated by the Oklahoma City Dodgers – a role that carries with it significant responsibility, and many opportunities to “do it well.”

She hails from a small town in Ohio (“with no traffic light,” as she notes affectionately), and went to college in that state as well.  She cites her “wonderful” husband and the fact that no two days are alike in her professional role as great motivators to keep a forward momentum in her current role: in addition to her duties regarding revenue, she is heavily involved with sales strategies and training techniques, so her professional plate is full.  To get away from any stress, she loves being outdoors and a Monday morning yoga class – as well as the power-up nutrition of a whole-grain waffle breakfast.

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?
I am the Senior Vice President with the Oklahoma City Dodgers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. In my role, I focus mainly on revenue generated through our ticket sales and marketing initiatives. Additionally, I work with department heads in our organization to help them further grow and develop in their skillset to lead their team.

I have been married for seven years to my wonderful husband, Michael, and we have a one-year-old daughter named Peyton.

What does a day in your shoes typically look like?
The best part about my role is that there is no typical day. Some days are focused on developing sales strategies and training techniques, while others are meeting with prospective customers to talk about using our tickets to help them grow their business. Not knowing what my day will turn into is what keeps it exciting!

What is your breakfast of choice?
Two whole grain waffles with almond butter, and coffee. Lots and lots of black coffee!

What keeps you energized and motivated at work?
Progress. As a lead of a sales team, we are constantly evaluating our current climate, not just from a revenue standpoint, but also the ways we can continue to grow the individuals on our sales team professionally.

What is your favorite part about your job?
The people I work with are what keeps me engaged. We work so hard to recruit, hire and train talented people that I love being around the energy that comes from them.

What and who inspires you at work?
Growing up, my parents always encouraged my brother and me to be our best, and to work hard. Those are two things that have always stuck with me so when it comes to inspiration to be my best: it will always be my parents’ voices telling me that “if it is worth doing, it is worth doing right.”

Do you have a ‘Power Outfit’ that you wear for a big meeting or important work event?
Always black.  So not necessarily a specific outfit, but a black dress with a statement accessory is my go-to.

What is your favorite leisure activity after a stressful work week?
Wine. Lots of wine. Just kidding! We try to be active as a family, and being outside is such a stress-reliever. I also go to yoga every Monday to help get my week started right.

What are your most steadfast ‘don’ts’ rules regarding work and the workplace, and what are your most cherished ‘do’s’?  

• • • Do take a few steps back to see the big picture. We all get so drawn into what is happening with us that day or week, that we can miss great opportunities to look ahead.
    • Don’t forget that you always have an opportunity to make a positive contribution, no matter what your role is, or how long you have been at an organization.

What are the most important qualities of a good leader?
Being honest and a great listener. We have a responsibility to our employees to help them be their best, and occasionally that means having tough conversations to set someone on the right track, even if they create short-term discomfort.

How have mentors impacted your personal and professional development?
I have been fortunate enough to have several great mentors throughout my career. The best examples they have set show the importance of putting people first.

What are three questions you like to ask during an interview to know if the candidate (or job) is the right fit?
My philosophy on interviews is that I have to get to know as much about someone in a limited amount of time as possible. I am always looking for someone who is a great fit within our organizational culture, and also has the passion necessary for working in sports. Most of my best questions revolve around getting to know the candidate on a more personal level.

What advice would you give to women starting their careers?
My best piece of advice is to approach your career with the mindset that you control the outcome.

What book would you recommend for women just starting their career?
I am a big fan of Tina Fey’s Bossypants. Humor is really important to me, and this book told a great story of her path and was so entertaining.

What is your favorite quote you try and live by?
A John Wooden quote: “Never confuse activity with accomplishment.” Time management and prioritizing what needs to be done is so important. I constantly evaluate if I am accomplishing what needs to be done at the right time.