I am thrilled to announce that the Getting to Know series will be sponsored by TEC Services Group in 2024. TEC Services Group is the leading technology and professional services firm in the credit collections industry offering both leading industry solutions along with unrivaled, unbiased, and experienced support. TEC is now extending its services by offering proven, industry-leading technology solutions alongside of our Professional Services to help Clients feel confident in their technology decisions. Learn more at ww.tecsg.com.
A commitment to driving performance … Working best when the pressure is on … No shortage of drive and curiosity … isn’t this exactly the type of individual that every company in this industry would want working for them? Cathy Fellabaum’s commitment to getting the most out of everything she does explains her ascent up the corporate ladder and why there are more rungs likely ahead of her. Read on to learn more about Cathy, why the treat may matter more than the movie, and why a ticking clock brings out the best in her.
Name: Cathy Fellabaum
Job Title: Vice President, Recoveries
Company: Harvest Strategy Group
Length of time at current company: 11 months
Length of time in industry: 14 Years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I began my career on the contested litigation side of the industry, leveraging my Paralegal Degree in an entry-level position where I quickly developed a deep understanding of the legal and compliance landscape. Over the years, I honed my leadership and strategic skills, eventually earning a VP position overseeing legal operations. My passion for driving performance and optimizing results led to a natural transition into Performance Management, where I further contributed to organizational growth. I am now in a leadership position at Harvest Strategy Group where I am able to utilize my legal and compliance expertise along with my proven ability to drive results as their Vice President of Recoveries.
What is your career highlight so far?
Without getting into a lot of specifics, my highlight was being able to take an underperforming department and transform it into a strong one that was respected by partnerships across the industry.
When or how are you most productive?
I work best when the pressure is on and the hourglass is racing against me!
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I definitely couldn’t pinpoint one industry professional that I admire the most, but I can share that I find Sarena Gaylor to be very inspiring with all she has accomplished!
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I believe that one of my strengths lies in my genuine respect for others and my commitment to helping them grow in their roles and careers. I don’t see myself as being better than anyone else; rather, I see us all as equal team members working towards a common goal. I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone’s contributions are valued and recognized. By offering mentorship, guidance, and encouragement, I aim to empower my colleagues to reach their full potential and succeed in their professional endeavors. I truly believe that we all have unique strengths and abilities to bring to the table, and by working together collaboratively, we can achieve great things as a team.
What do you like most about this industry?
I really enjoy the fast pace of this industry and the fact that I am always learning. Never a dull moment!
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I wish that regulators and people in general understood the importance of the industry and how much we help the economy.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Paralegal work by trade… maybe digging more into Data Analytics or even going to Law School; either way, I have learned there are no limits and I have a lot of experience, drive, and curiosity that there are many industries I could tap into!
Describe a typical work day.
I start my day by organizing my email inbox and looking over my schedule for the day and week. I then review what I have slated from a priority standpoint and determine if anything happened the day before that require altering those priorities. From there it is jumping in and out of meetings while also carving out pockets of time for dedicated work that does not involve Zoom or E-mail.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Let’s just say that when it comes to movie nights, I have a serious weakness for extra butter popcorn. I’m talking about that melt-in-your-mouth, buttery goodness that you just can’t resist, no matter how hard you try!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I received from a work perspective is “trust but verify”.
What are you currently reading?
“Leading from the Middle“
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I am very committed to driving performance.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Brian Hearn
I am thrilled to announce that the Getting to Know series will be sponsored by TEC Services Group in 2024. TEC Services Group is the leading technology and professional services firm in the credit collections industry offering both leading industry solutions along with unrivaled, unbiased, and experienced support. TEC is now extending its services by offering proven, industry-leading technology solutions alongside of our Professional Services to help Clients feel confident in their technology decisions. Learn more at ww.tecsg.com.
A commitment to driving performance … Working best when the pressure is on … No shortage of drive and curiosity … isn’t this exactly the type of individual that every company in this industry would want working for them? Cathy Fellabaum’s commitment to getting the most out of everything she does explains her ascent up the corporate ladder and why there are more rungs likely ahead of her. Read on to learn more about Cathy, why the treat may matter more than the movie, and why a ticking clock brings out the best in her.
Name: Cathy Fellabaum
Job Title: Vice President, Recoveries
Company: Harvest Strategy Group
Length of time at current company: 11 months
Length of time in industry: 14 Years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I began my career on the contested litigation side of the industry, leveraging my Paralegal Degree in an entry-level position where I quickly developed a deep understanding of the legal and compliance landscape. Over the years, I honed my leadership and strategic skills, eventually earning a VP position overseeing legal operations. My passion for driving performance and optimizing results led to a natural transition into Performance Management, where I further contributed to organizational growth. I am now in a leadership position at Harvest Strategy Group where I am able to utilize my legal and compliance expertise along with my proven ability to drive results as their Vice President of Recoveries.
What is your career highlight so far?
Without getting into a lot of specifics, my highlight was being able to take an underperforming department and transform it into a strong one that was respected by partnerships across the industry.
When or how are you most productive?
I work best when the pressure is on and the hourglass is racing against me!
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I definitely couldn’t pinpoint one industry professional that I admire the most, but I can share that I find Sarena Gaylor to be very inspiring with all she has accomplished!
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I believe that one of my strengths lies in my genuine respect for others and my commitment to helping them grow in their roles and careers. I don’t see myself as being better than anyone else; rather, I see us all as equal team members working towards a common goal. I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone’s contributions are valued and recognized. By offering mentorship, guidance, and encouragement, I aim to empower my colleagues to reach their full potential and succeed in their professional endeavors. I truly believe that we all have unique strengths and abilities to bring to the table, and by working together collaboratively, we can achieve great things as a team.
What do you like most about this industry?
I really enjoy the fast pace of this industry and the fact that I am always learning. Never a dull moment!
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I wish that regulators and people in general understood the importance of the industry and how much we help the economy.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Paralegal work by trade… maybe digging more into Data Analytics or even going to Law School; either way, I have learned there are no limits and I have a lot of experience, drive, and curiosity that there are many industries I could tap into!
Describe a typical work day.
I start my day by organizing my email inbox and looking over my schedule for the day and week. I then review what I have slated from a priority standpoint and determine if anything happened the day before that require altering those priorities. From there it is jumping in and out of meetings while also carving out pockets of time for dedicated work that does not involve Zoom or E-mail.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Let’s just say that when it comes to movie nights, I have a serious weakness for extra butter popcorn. I’m talking about that melt-in-your-mouth, buttery goodness that you just can’t resist, no matter how hard you try!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I received from a work perspective is “trust but verify”.
What are you currently reading?
“Leading from the Middle“
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I am very committed to driving performance.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Brian Hearn
