It looks like there may be a score to settle. A few weeks ago, Jason Nesbit claimed to likely be better than anyone else at Mario Kart. Katie Grzechnik Neill may have something to say about that. Seeing the two of them race it out for the ARM industry’s Mario Kart crown would be a must-see event so anyone hosting a conference and looking to boost attendance should start working on it. Along with claiming rock star status at video games, Neill has had some very important accomplishments during her brief tenure in the ARM industry. Read on to learn more about Neill and her morning routine that puts most people to shame.
Name: Katie Grzechnik Neill
Company: ARS National Services Inc.
Length of time at current company: Roughly two years
Length of time in industry: Same
How did you get your start in the industry?
By sheer luck! I was working at a law firm looking to go in-house when I stumbled upon ARS. I was a little hesitant about entering the industry prior to accepting the position, but I decided to take the plunge. I am very glad that I did because I love it!
What is your career highlight so far?
As an attorney, being sworn in at the Supreme Court of the United States in front of the nine justices was a very surreal and mind-blowing experience.
When or how are you most productive?
Before dawn while the rest of the world is still sleeping.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
There are too many to list! With that said, I have grown very fond of the “brain trust” that I formed with Kelly Knepper-Stephens and Alexandra Filutowski. Without hesitation, I know that I can call on these women to hash out complex issues and I always feel like I walk away from each conversation smarter than I was prior to it.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I am very good at Mario Kart.
What do you like most about this industry?
That it is constantly evolving and that the laws and regulations change frequently. It keeps me on my toes.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I wish that as a whole we were more tech-forward and more proactive rather than reactive.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I would go back to being a litigator at a law firm. If I were to give up law entirely, I’d probably be working at a doggy day care so I could bring my dog Scruffy to work with me every day.
Describe a typical work day.
I don’t think there is a typical day and I love that about this career! Every day there is a new challenge and a new puzzle to solve.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Memes.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
It doesn’t matter where you come from, what matters is where you’re going.
What are you currently reading?
Before I do anything else, I start each day by reading at least one Harvard Business Review article to wake my brain up and to get into a strategic frame of mind. As for books, I am a big fan of autobiographies because they are a great way to learn lessons from very successful people. Since I don’t have too much time to read, I listen to audiobooks to make the most of my commute. I am currently “reading” Ray Dalio’s “Principles.” Up next will be Richard Branson’s new autobiography.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I love strategizing and I am always happy to brainstorm and flesh out ideas.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
John Rossman
