Kimberly Wingert’s Post

This upcoming Monday marks 6 months since I left Amazon (after 7 years) and joined PPG, so I figured I’d share some thoughts here to honor the occasion (something I rarely do.) if you’re interested, keep reading. If not, don’t worry - it’s nothing profound so you’re not missing much… So, here goes… When I left Amazon, I was terrified. Why? It was practically the only business I’d say I ever REALLY knew. My previous 7 years had been eat, sleep, drink Amazon so how was I going to learn something different? Despite the variety of roles I’d been in, the level of leaders I worked under and supported, there were many moments of self-doubt about whether I could succeed in “real HR.” Surely, the leaders at PPG would realize they made a mistake and my imposter syndrome would turn out to be validated. But guess what? Here comes the cliche part… After 6 months, I can say with the utmost confidence that I made the right move. Sure, I’m still learning the workings of a new business and when I have to navigate something that may be considered more “traditional” HR, I have a tinge of nervousness. BUT it feels like GROWTH, while also having the work-life harmony a new parent needs. And while there are times I look back and think, “man, I wish I’d learned that at Amazon” there are more times that I say “man, I’m glad I learned that Amazon.” Because while I may not be an employment law expert or compliance guru, I do know how to work hard, have fun, and…build and foster relationships, be a partner to the business and my employees, and to dive deep. So all that to say, if you’re like I was and looking at that next phase of your career, just know that it’s okay to be afraid and that you’re going to be alright. Lean into your strengths and what you know, be open to learning new things, and have fun growing. Before I go, a big thank you to Amazon and the big time leaders I worked with who contributed to my development and growth and even bigger thank you to PPG for welcoming me into the organization and teaching me so much in just half a year. I look forward to many more.

Today marks the end of my #Amazon adventure. Amazon, to me, has been more than a workplace; it's been a community of driven, sharp, and heartwarmingly intelligent individuals who thrive on challenges. What sets them apart is not just their commitment to the highest standards but also the readiness to lend a hand whenever it's needed. Leaving a job where I've crossed paths with amazing souls, generously sharing their knowledge, was not an easy decision. My decision to leave is because of the #RTO mandate. Driving 2-3 hours 3x a week prompted me to reevaluate how I could contribute best to my team, my customers, and my family. Looking back on my journey, I am immensely grateful for the opportunities and lessons learned. Here are top 3 insights for those interested in Amazon: 🌟 Be Customer Obsessed: It's not just a buzzword; it is the soul of Amazon. Whether gearing up for an interview or starting, let working backward from the customer be your North Star. 📈 Be the CEO of Your Career: Unlike other companies, here you're the captain steering your career ship. Take charge of the freedom to decide WHAT you want to do and HOW you want to do it. It comes with ambiguity, but within it, lies a trove of opportunities. 🤝 Build Your Tribe: Collaboration is the heartbeat at Amazon. Don't shy away from connecting with leaders at all levels—they're friends ready to support your success. Seek mentorship and soak in the collective wisdom around you. A heartfelt shoutout to my leaders and teammates at Amazon, especially Zac Lochner, PhD, CFEI, CRE, Lisa Gutermuth, Dajan Zvekic, Bruce Worthington, Michael Sukovich, Ben Shukman, Yvette Zhao, Tiffani Quan, Adam Lassiter, Jonathan Micklos, Brian Dai, Adrian Mitrea, Andrea Cloutier, Tatiana Suslova, MBA, Sacha Holland, Albert Nguyen, Allen Brown, Farooq Hussaini, Sandeep Karandikar. Grateful for your support as I set sail into the next phase of my career. It's always Day 1! #Amazon #CareerJourney #Gratitude

✨During the busiest time of the year, Amazon Operations teams around the globe face their most hectic yet fulfilling period. The dedication and commitment of our frontline team members cannot be ignored, as they transform our operations into an unstoppable force of success. This week, I had the honor of working alongside Belal and Adrian, and I was overwhelmed by their unwavering ownership and passion in serving our customers. It was inspiring to witness how flawlessly they executed the basics and fostered a deep sense of ownership in their team: One of the key factors that contributed to their success was the clear definition of roles and responsibilities. Each frontline team member understood their specific role and how it contributed to the overall success of the team. This clarity allowed them to take ownership and accountability for their work, knowing the importance of their contribution. 🙌 They encouraged autonomy and decision-making among the frontline team members. By empowering them with the necessary tools, resources, and authority, they were able to make informed choices and take initiative within their roles. When they felt trusted and empowered, they naturally took ownership of their decisions and actions. 💥 Setting goals and expectations played a crucial role in motivating the team. At the beginning of each shift, they collectively reviewed the previous day's performance, discussed goals, and set expectations for the upcoming shift. This sense of ownership over their goals motivated them to work towards achieving them. 🎉 Regular feedback and recognition were also vital in fostering a sense of ownership. Each team member, regardless of their level, provided constructive feedback and recognition to one another. By regularly communicating progress, celebrating achievements, and offering guidance for improvement, team members felt valued and motivated to excel in their roles. 🎖 Lastly, creating a supportive and inclusive environment was key. The team cultivated a positive and inclusive work environment where everyone felt respected and supported. This encouraged teamwork, collaboration, and open communication. When frontline team members felt a sense of belonging, they naturally took ownership and contributed to the team's overall success. 🌈 I want to take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate all my colleagues across Amazon Operations who are working tirelessly to bring smiles to our customers worldwide this holiday season. Your leadership is truly inspiring. Thank you! 🌟🚀 #deliveringsmiles #amazonvestlife #amazon #ownership #frontlineheroes

Summary of the promotion process at Amazon. Promo Candidate does many good things. Promo Candidate, to their manager - "Yo dog, promote me!" Manager - Writes a narrative explaining all the good things the candidate did. Usually with the candidate's help. Manager - Asks for feedback from the candidate's senior peers. Manager - Copies that feedback into the document. (Optional) - Many organizations will do a review where other managers read the document and give their opinions. Those opinions may / may not have decision-making powers. Manager - Talks to their manager and gets approval. Promotion submitted. There are smaller differences between orgs, but at a high level that's the usual process. For a fun story of how I went through this process *super* quickly once, read on!

Another incredible Amazonian spotlight: Reflecting on my journey at Amazon, I owe a debt of gratitude to David Knollman. His mentorship during my onboarding was instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges of those critical first six months. Honestly, I would have quit if it weren’t for David seeing me struggle and stepping in to help me learn. Not only did he impart valuable knowledge and insights, but he also has a remarkable ability to inject humor and levity into even the toughest situations. David's selflessness is often undervalued— Time and time again, he stepped in to fill gaps, offer support, and guide me over countless obstacles. Whether it was lending an empathetic ear, sharing his expertise, or simply leading by example, David consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication and integrity. Those days when Ops were allowed in the trailer yard, David would often come outside with me for a breather, and he helped me see the big picture and the reason we were doing what we were doing. What sets David apart is his commitment to doing the right thing, regardless of personal gain. His actions exemplify the values that define Amazon's culture – customer obsession, innovation, and operational excellence. I am grateful for his mentorship, friendship, and unwavering support, which have been pivotal in shaping my journey and keeping me motivated to push through challenges. David's impact extends far beyond our professional interactions; he embodies the spirit of camaraderie and teamwork that makes Amazon a truly exceptional place to work. From wearing wigs to keep Peak light, to being a sounding board for myself, his peers, and associates, Amazon is dang lucky to have him. And how fun that we’re both in Process Engineering now! #WorkHardHAVEFUNMakeHistory #MentorshipMatters #FunatWork

This week, I stand at a monumental crossroads of my career with Amazon, reflecting on the incredible journey of 2190 days as a proud Amazonian. Looking back to when I began as a Tier 1 associate 6 years ago, it's spectacular to think that anyone suggesting I would go that far.Yet, here I am, a testament to the limitless possibilities that unfold when we embrace dedication and dream big. 🚀🌟. it was a decision that set in motion an incredible saga filled with growth, challenges, and boundless opportunities. With each passing year, I've had the privilege of involving myself in the unique of six different Amazon buildings, each contributing of my understanding of Amazon's operations. Looking back, I'm grateful for every moment that has shaped me into who I am today. The heart of my career lies in mentorship and leadership. Guiding individuals toward success and helping them realize their potential brings me great joy. As I've embraced new challenges, I've learned that the path to success is paved with dedication, resilience, and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone. It's not the absence of challenges that define us, but how we rise above them. As I embark on this next chapter of my Amazon journey, I am excited to create a future where every challenge is an opportunity and where we continue to make history, because on Amazon, it's always Day 1. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible ride. Here's to more milestones, more growth, and more exciting challenges ahead! and let us have Fun 😎 🚀🌟 #Amazon #AmazonJourney #CareerGrowth #Leadership #Mentorship #AlwaysDay1 #managment #challange #journeyofgrowth #history #ONT8 #thankyou #learning #amazonlife #amazonjobs #promotion #amazonsquad #L7 #successstories #amazonvestlife #amazonday1 #goal #promoted #managment #future #creativity #careers #motivation #humanresources #family #inspiration #leadership #creativity #successstories #linkdinfamily

One year ago today I began a new chapter of my professional journey, joining the Higher Education team within Amazon Business as their first Strategic Account Manager. As I celebrate year one, I reflect on what I have learned along the way, and how proud I am to be an Amazonian. ·      Amazon fosters a culture of proactivity, resourcefulness, and innovation. Remove “no” from your vocabulary, replace it with “not yet”, and think creatively to explore new ideas. ·      Building relationships and earning trust turns prospects into true potential. Amazonians understand their customer needs, uncover their preferences, and think big to deliver exceptional customer experiences. ·      Working for Amazon means embracing ambiguity and remaining resilient in the face of setbacks. Every day is day one, and as part of this dynamic organization, we must constantly listen, learn, and evolve. ·      Regardless of title, vertical, or sector, we are a team. Working for Amazon means scaling your efforts to positively impact each other’s successes, and to drive continuous improvement. To Stacey Dziurzynski and all of my teammates and leadership- thank you for continuously raising the bar and inspiring me to strive for excellence. I am so grateful to learn from you, to work alongside you, and to grow with you. Cheers to all that is to come in year TWO!!

This week marks my 5 year Ama-versary at Amazon. In calendar days it feels less significant because, after all, 5 years at any other company seems like a minimum if you enjoy your role and the people around you. The reality is that 5 years at Amazon is nearly 25 years of professional experience. I’ve come to believe that anyone who hires you into Amazon is taking a huge risk and, therefore, is making a massive wager on you as a person and as a professional. The ambiguity, complexity, scale and pace of our construction business isn’t something that any qualified engineering or construction management leader from “traditional” roles can immediately plug into and do well. At Amazon, you are empowered and enabled to learn broadly, to innovate, and to develop as a person—rapidly. You are provided resources and pushed to deliver results that are vastly unprecedented in the industry. You are pushed to succeed, and allowed to fail, so long as you fail FAST, and pushed to move forward to the next challenge. You hire, manage, and partner alongside some of the best and most genuine leaders you will find on a team. That last point makes me the most proud. Thanks to the last 5 years I am so much stronger and more versatile than when I started. I am thankful for those who elected to take a massive wager on me, bringing me in for a new role, and for the support I’ve had here. At the end of my career, I will look back and say: “Wow, what if I had never taken that role at Amazon?” Looking forward, I wonder what 2028 will look like in retrospect? Let’s keep going. #amazon #designandconstruction