At TPx, we believe our people are our strength. The talented individuals working at TPx are what powers our company forward, which is why we wanted to take some time and highlight employees across the organization.
This month, we had a chance to sit down with Deonna Suttles, a Carrier Provisioning Analyst Tier III at TPx, and learn more about Deonna and her journey to TPx. We compiled the questions and answers below.
Interview with Deonna Suttles
What led you into your current role?
I started with TPx over 9 years ago in wholesale UNEP. I like the problem solving involved with provisioning and working on a project from start to finish. As part of the wholesales group, we work all our orders from beginning to end including repairs, changes, and disconnects, which is very satisfying.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
I enjoy my job, the people I work with, and being able to help others. I love that my team feels more like a family. We care for each other and genuinely want to see each other grow and succeed within TPx. I look forward to the potential growth and future of TPx, and the positive impact that it can have on my career at TPx.
What brings you the greatest satisfaction in the work you do?
What brings me the greatest satisfaction at work is problem solving and training! I enjoy learning new aspects of the business and assisting with issues and escalations. I’m always looking to learn more about telecom processes within TPx and the broader industry. Because of this, I have gained deep insights and experience in multiple areas, which has given me the ability to help other departments when needed and train individuals on information that is not always directly related to my position within TPx. As a natural problem solver, I like to assist on multiple projects outside of my department. It gives me a chance to connect with others and relay pertinent information, while building relationships with new individuals.
Outside of work, what are your hobbies and favorite things to do?
I love spending time outdoors with my 3-year-old twins. Every weekend, weather permitting, we go to local wineries and festivals to hear live music, go for walks in the park, go to the zoo, go to baseball games, go see plays, go to football games, and take road trips. We make it a point to get out and enjoy ourselves, even if it is just a movie night in the backyard!
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work, I am passionate about finding opportunities for young amputees. My son Joseph (3 years old) became a double amputee at 6 weeks old. Although there are some programs and camps for kids with disabilities, most are for kids 7 and older, and are geared towards kids with mental or physical delays. Throughout the course of his life, I’ve had to fight to make opportunities for him to just be a kid… to learn how to swim, to play soccer, to join any type of team, etc.; all things that his twin sister is allowed to do. I continue to push for inclusion so that all kids can have the ability to have a happy and inclusive childhood.
What’s the one topic you never get tired of learning about?
It is a tie… technology and prosthetics. For me, the topics are related. I love learning about what innovations are on the horizon in prosthetics. I’m always looking and searching for more information because very little is out there regarding pediatric prosthetics and what technological options and innovations are available. (Such as electronic knee joints, etc.)
What is one thing people may not know about you?
In high school, I was the only girl on the varsity wrestling team. I tried out because I was told that girls couldn’t do it. I was on the varsity wrestling team for 2 years and won a bronze medal (3rd place) in my weight class at state. I also was tri-lingual…speaking German and Spanish for several years.
What has made the biggest impact on your professional life?
Being self-sufficient, resourceful, and approachable has helped me grow professionally. Telecom is always changing. The reality is no one person will have all the answers. I have learned to be self-sufficient, resourceful, and diligent in seeking out answers to any questions or issues that may arise. There have been several times throughout my career where there was an issue or question that unfortunately there were no resources or individuals available to assist. Because of my persistence and resourcefulness, I was able to eventually find the answer and document the information (in case it is needed in the future). This, along with my eagerness to help others, has led to my inclusion in multiple projects in different areas across TPx.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Stay hungry, never become complacent, continue to grow and learn, and always push yourself to be better than expected! Others will place limits on you; it is your job to defy the odds and surpass their expectations.
Interested in learning more about TPx or joining the team? Visit our About Us page to learn more.