Kristyna Schedine

What first inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

I received a call from some gents I worked with in a previous life, and they asked me to come work with them. So like a lot of my industry colleagues, I came for the people.

How long have you been in the parking/mobility industry, and what changes have you seen over the years?

I've been working in the industry about 3 years now. I think the industry is being a lot louder about culture. Making the sale is not necessarily about the best price anymore - that helps of course - but what people want to know is that you are going to show up when the headaches start and do your damndest to ensure it's a low key annoyance and not a full-blown migraine. All of this starts with ensuring a good internal culture, finding the right people, prioritizing processes and good communication.

What advice would you give to women entering the parking or mobility industry?

DO NOT UNDERSELL YOURSELF. I can't count the number of times I've heard in the past year from industry executives that a majority of their hardest workers are women, yet we as women historically ask for less money, less benefits, less title than our male colleagues. Own your talents and skillset.

Why did you join Mobility Pathfinders?

I'm a millennial - and I know y'all are reading that and rolling your eyes, but I grew up with my parents and teachers and everyone saying "Do x, y, and z, and you will be successful and financially set."

I DID x, y, and z, and x.1-x.9547 and all the of the things. I kept my head down and simply did what I was told. And I was miserable, and others were promoted, given raises and bonuses.

Then one day, after I started my current position, I had a conversation with a good friend about how so many people told me what a gift it is to work from home and how "lucky" I am.

She looked at me and shook her head and said (something like), "It's not luck. You worked ten years for this, went through the ringer a few times with toxic environments, and you EARNED what you have, it's not a gift, it's rapport you built and trust that you don't need to be babysat."

I joined Mobility Pathfinders because I wish someone had been around ten years ago to tell me not to downplay how hard I work, that it's okay to know and own your own abilities.

What’s one goal you’re working toward this year—professionally or personally?

I'm working on showing up for people in the way they need me to versus the way I *think* they need me to.

What’s a book, podcast, or quote that’s inspired you lately?

"We can't choose where we come from, but we can choose where we go from there." - Stephen Chbosky

What's your go-to coffee (or tea!) order during a busy day?

Lately a hot caramel macchiato, but it is fall, so I do love a good pumpkin cream cold brew, hold the spice topping.