Wanda Catoe recently joined National Life as Vice President of Applications. We thought we’d share her introduction to her colleagues in IT, which appears in NLIT News.
NLIT is delighted to welcome a new member to our team, Wanda Catoe. Wanda will be serving as our Vice President of Applications, and brings a wealth of experience to the department. Wanda joined the team in late July, and primarily works from our Texas campus.
Wanda graduated from the University of South Carolina with an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, and a Master’s in Business Administration. She worked at NCR Corporation for many years, beginning as a software developer before moving through various IT management roles. Wanda later joined Bose Corporation where she worked for 14 years, holding progressively senior IT leadership roles in both IT Applications and IT Infrastructure & Operations.
Wanda and her husband Bobby are in the process of moving from Massachusetts to Texas. They are the proud parents of two adult daughters, Megan and Macy, a son-in-law, Tyler, and three grand-dogs, Charlie, Tyson, and Tony.
Wanda graciously provided answers to a few questions that we hope will help the National Life team to get to know her just a bit:
What is the most important attribute that you bring to your new position?
I believe that I bring a vast array of experiences & accomplishments in both IT Applications and Infrastructure, including Manufacturing and Lean & Agile transformation, as well as a positive “can do” attitude!
What is the greatest piece of advice that a friend/parent/mentor has given you?
“Be a lifelong learner and be willing to be a beginner no matter what stage you are in your career.” This is especially important in the IT field as new technology advances and the rate of change is continuing to accelerate. Be curious, constantly investigate, learn new skills and keep relevant.
Who has been your biggest inspiration and why?
I’ll have to say my parents have been my biggest inspiration. They both came from very humble beginnings and have modeled hard work and perseverance for me, my sister and my brother. They always put family first, and I hope that I can be as good a parent as they both have been to me.
How do you like to spend your personal time?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, riding bikes, hiking, walking the dog, 4 wheeling, Pilates, reading, and spending time on the beach. And when I’m feeling lazy, I hate to admit that I really enjoy watching reality TV with the family, especially Survivor and Big Brother!
If you could recommend one book, movie, or television program to friends, what would it be and why?
I highly recommend Daring Greatly by Dr. Brené Brown. In this book, Dr. Brown highlights the importance of vulnerability and human connections. I found the key concepts very thought provoking and insightful. In fact, I have read it twice!
If you could close your eyes and be anywhere on earth when they opened, where would you go?
I think I’d teleport myself and the family to the Austrian Alps where we’d be hiking the beautiful countryside, perhaps even finding edelweiss flowers along the way. I’m envisioning a scene from “The Sound of Music” although most of us can’t sing that well.
Do you have a personal motto?
My personal motto is “Attitude determines Altitude.” I truly believe in taking a positive approach to opportunities, being a lifelong learner, and striving to make the most of each day.