In this installment of Motivational Employee Spotlights, we get to hear from two of our rockstar employees who have all been on our team for 10+ years. They share about how they've seen Motivational evolve and grow, and the valuable lessons they've learned along the way.
Read on to discover how our team of dedicated experts plays a pivotal role in shaping The Motivational Difference.
Meet our Motivators:
- Cheryl Nataren, Senior VP, Retail Logistics, has been with Motivational since 1994.
- Eva Warren, Director of Client Relations, has been with Motivational since 2010.
Journey Within the Company
Interviewer: Can you tell us about your very first day at Motivational? What were your initial impressions, and how have things changed over the years?
Cheryl: My first day at Motivational was full of meetings and introductions that gave me the sense that everyone here was filled with purpose. It had a family feel, and that hasn’t changed. From day one, I appreciated Motivational’s open-door policy and genuine care for and commitment to the team and our customers.
Fast forward 20+ years, and that core spark hasn’t faded. The company has evolved, and new opportunities have emerged, but the values and heartbeat of this company have remained the same.
Learning and Growth
In a rapidly evolving industry, staying at the forefront of logistics expertise and technology is not just a requirement but a passion for our team members. Through continuous learning and development programs, our employees discuss how they keep their skills sharp and stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices.
Interviewer: The logistics industry is constantly evolving. How do you stay up to date with new technologies and best practices?
Eva: I’m endlessly impressed by the team’s ability to stay up to date with evolving tech and industry best practices. We have an outstanding IT team that helps our tech visions come to life in our proprietary warehouse management system. They take a proactive approach to keeping our systems up-to-date and flexible to provide the most seamless experiences for our clients.
One best practice I want to commend Motivational for is developing strong SOPs for vendor compliance with major retailers like Target, Costco, Amazon, etc. Our SOPs provide clear and concise guidelines and ensure consistency, efficiency, and high-quality results. For example, we make sure to keep all retailers' vendor compliance guides current. Any time those guides change, we have a strict process that ensures that the new information is relayed to the appropriate parties. This is something our clients appreciate since it means better relationships with these retailers and of course a lower likelihood of incurring any type of retailer chargeback.
Can you tell us about some of your most rewarding moments here at Motivational?
Cheryl: I have felt rewarded when I hear from clients and team members that my approach and my empathy have made a difference in their own work life. Also, I’ve had the privilege of being able to mentor others in my time here. I’m glad I’ve been able to share my knowledge and help others reach their goals. Mentorship can be two-fold; I have also learned so much from others in their fresh perspectives and growing expertise.
What advice would you give someone just starting out in the warehouse or logistics field?
Cheryl: First, you have to be willing to learn and be a team-player. Second, we are in the service business, and it is all about servicing the customer at the very highest level.
Eva: Communication is key. Our communication internally and externally is very important to make sure the work is flowing smoothly and correctly.
Life Outside of Work
What makes our team members truly stand out is their ability to balance exceptional work performance with fulfilling personal lives. We ended our interviews by asking them about their hobbies, family time, and how their personal pursuits contribute to a well-rounded life.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not at work and how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Cheryl: I personally like to paint. I don’t find the time often but when I do I love how it allows me to completely disconnect and express myself creatively. Motivational has always been a family-first company and we encourage our team members to take time out for the important moments. That has always made it much easier to balance everything while still being able to go above and beyond to meet the needs of our team and clients.
Eva: I love spending time with my family. We have 4 kids and 3 dogs so there’s never a dull moment! When it comes to work/life balance, this is something I’ve gotten much better at through the years. I make sure to take time to relieve the day’s stress so I can fully enjoy my time with my family outside of work.
The Motivational Difference
‘The Motivational Difference’ is not just a phrase—it's the lived experience of our employees. It's our unique combination of a supportive workplace, opportunities to learn and grow, and a team that's as close-knit as a family. We appreciate their hard work and dedication and taking the time to talk with us about their experiences here! Their exceptional drive and commitment to going above and beyond for our customers is what sets us apart in the fulfillment and logistics industry.
Big thanks to the team for everything, and to you for tuning in to another installment of our Employee Spotlight series!