Employee Spotlight: Michille Watson, Account Manager

by | Sep 30, 2021 | ZAG Culture

When you’re in the business of ongoing support and services, having people manage client relationships and ensure they’re receiving the best possible customer service from the organization is crucial. That’s where account management comes in.

ZAG account managers are on the “front lines” of client communication and interaction, listening and learning about the challenges they face when it comes to their technology and offering insights and advice to address them. As an integral part of the ZAG team, they’re constantly in contact with clients and look for ways to ensure their technology and computer systems are able to meet business needs.

Here, we introduce you to Michille Watson (pronounced like the traditional Michelle), who joined ZAG earlier this year, bringing with her extensive experience in managed services and account management:

Michille Watson laughing and looking away from the camera

How and when did you get your start in the technology industry? 

I started in the tech industry 8 years ago. I worked in the packaging industry for over 30 years and felt like I had done everything there that I wanted or could do. I always found computers interesting, so I decided that it was time to make a move to technology. I was managing the software development projects that were contracted to a local managed services provider, who hosted our computer systems on their private cloud, so I thought they would be a good fit for my skill set and for the move into the tech world. I became the first Cloud Relationship Manager there.

Why did you decide to join ZAG? 

I interviewed with a few companies, but none of them made me feel excited about going to work for them. I knew a couple of people at ZAG who spoke very highly of the company, so I followed ZAG on LinkedIn to get a better feel for the company’s priorities and how they serve their customers. I saw that the company’s values aligned with mine; they sincerely want to serve their customers rather than just sell them stuff. I eventually reached out to ZAG President Greg Gatzke for a call. I really enjoyed talking with him and felt that sense of excitement that I was looking for in my next role.

How would you describe your job to a class of kindergartners?

My job is to make sure that a company can get on the internet and do their jobs. I don’t do the technical work, but I help our team keep track of everything that a customer needs and I help our customers make good choices about the computer stuff that they need to run their business.

What do you like most about your job?

I like to know that I make a difference. In my role, that might mean resolving an issue, helping a customer decide on a new technology, or advising how to secure company data and users. I really enjoy translating “geek speak” for my non-technical customers so they have a good understanding of the technologies that affect their business.

What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they are the best way to learn. It’s painful to fail but if it makes you better at your profession, it’s worth it.

What is one piece of professional advice that you’ve received that stuck with you through the years?

Do not be indispensable. You will never be able to advance your career if no one can do the job that you’re in. Share your knowledge and advance your coworkers if you want to move ahead in your career.

 

And for the more personal questions…

 

What was your first job?

I worked at a local sub shop making sandwiches after school. I love sandwiches so the employee discount really came in handy.

Do you have any hobbies or interests you’d like to share? 

Is having fun with friends and family a hobby? It’s really my favorite way to spend my free time. It doesn’t matter what the activity is as long as we can laugh and enjoy each other’s company.

Michille Watson on a bike waving

Name three words that describe you.

Kind, funny, and dependable.

What is your dream travel destination?

Australia: they have the coolest animals and beautiful landscape to explore.

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