#nexusinterviews with Katie McGuire

Another summer evening, another interview about to begin. My next “victim” of Nexus Energy Center’s board was Katie McGuire. I saw her approaching. The google search I have done was not giving her justice. The confidence and the aura around her made me think: “Now there is a lawyer I can trust!”

She is an attorney at Lanier, Ford, Shaver, & Payne P.C. and advise corporate and individual clients on a variety of business, tax, contract, and estate planning matters. She received her Juris Doctor and LL.M. in Taxation from the University Of Alabama School Of Law and her B.A. from the University of California at Davis. She was raised just outside of San Francisco and moved to Alabama in 2012 to attend law school.

Starting the conversation I asked her to share with me her favorite motto. It is a motto of Mr Conan O’Brien,  “If you work really hard and are kind, amazing things will happen.”

And I feel that the following story she generously shared with me will explain why.

“I worked at a local coffee shop when I was in high school.  I was hoping to be promoted to shift-lead at my one-year work anniversary.  When the time came for my evaluation, my manager told me I was not ready yet for the promotion.  She explained to me that I lacked the assertiveness necessary to perform in that position.  Upon reflection, I realized she was correct.  Over the next few years, I worked on gaining the skills and confidence necessary to hold leadership positions.  I have found that having confidence in the workplace is a necessary skill in all jobs.”

Given the fact that she is relatively new to our town, it was very interesting for me to ask what is her favorite go-to place in Huntsville. An instant response came: the Flint River. There is this great spot over near Gurley where she takes her dog to play and swim. And quoting Katie “it’s a great way to cool off in the summer heat.”

Last but not least I couldn’t let her go before asking her what is her biggest dream about USA. Her answer was passionate and rigorous as her character! “The thing I am most passionate about is promoting true gender equality in the workforce. I look forward to the day when men and women enjoy equal treatment in professional settings. Although this may take time, I believe it is an attainable goal and one that I hope to see accomplished in my lifetime.”

We believe in you Katie. And we feel that having you as a board member is a truly inspiring and learning experience!