The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Applied Innovation. Applied Innovation is helping to shape the future of accounts receivable management. Product development is driven by customer feedback, agency profitability and compliance and includes platforms addressing client portal access, document management, payment negotiation, Regulation E focused electronic payment authorizations and TCPA communication authorization platforms. Partner with a company who understands your business challenges and evolves to provide cutting edge technology to overcome those challenges and achieve success.
Much of the work that Jill Kennady did before entering the accounts receivable management space gave her a solid foundation on which to build her career — working in social work and mental health counseling. Having found a home at Resurgent Capital Services, Jill has been able to apply her previous experience to help her grow at the company. Read on to learn more about Jill, why the best plans — at least as they apply to food — often fall short, and why she will be satisfied with being comfortable.
Name: Jill Kennady
Job Title: Director of Digital Communications
Company: Resurgent Capital Services
Length of Time at Current Company: Seven years. New to this role as of March 2021
Length of Time in Industry: Seven years
How did you get your start in the industry?
My background is in Human Services, serving in a Social Work role for a few years and then in Mental Health Counseling. These roles were great for serving others but left me feeling very heavy at the end of the workday. A former coworker within human services left and began working for Resurgent. Knowing I needed a change, I decided to apply too. I’ve worked in our Bankruptcy Department, Internal Audit Department, and most recently Human Resources before joining the Digital Team.
What is your career highlight so far?
I’ve been in several industries since starting my professional life at 21, so I’ve had the opportunity to put my thumbprint on a lot of projects. I think a highlight is being able to pivot to the new challenges ahead of me and taking risks to ensure I’m always moving forward and not stuck by current circumstances.
When or how are you most productive?
Early bird gets the worm! I love a morning work routine with coffee and quiet (easier said than done!).
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I’ve been in HR for a majority of my experience while at Resurgent so my exposure to professionals outside of our company has been limited. I will say I look up to several of our leaders at Resurgent. I’m grateful to be a part of a team that works smart and that takes time to invest in the employees around them.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I’m really great at planning out meals and never making them 😊 I hate grocery shopping and cooking, so sometimes big plans turn into takeout!
What do you like most about this industry?
I really appreciate the pace at which changes are communicated and adapted. At the surface there are a lot of assumptions about collections. What the general public doesn’t know is that this industry is full of smart, dedicated professionals who are able to adapt on a whim. There is a constant need to ensure we are legally compliant with the ever-changing landscape that is collections. There is a lot to be learned from how this industry adapts to changes, communicates those changes, and holds their employees accountable.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The stigma, I’d love to say I work in collections and not feel a cringe coming on from family or friends.
Describe a typical work day.
Since I’m new to this role I’m spending a lot of time learning about collections as a whole, training on my role and working with my team on upcoming projects. Typical doesn’t exist right now. I love that there is always something new to work on and solve for within this industry.
What is your guilty pleasure?
One? I love reality tv, with all the chaos of life it’s nice to tune out see how others experience the world; even if it’s a totally different extreme than me!
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What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
When I was just starting out in my career a friend told me “Don’t ever get too comfortable in your job, don’t get complacent.” This has caused me to adapt the attitude to always be learning and growing and looking for a way to make an impact.
What are you currently reading?
“Limitless” by Jim Kwik, listening to “Millionaire Success Habits” by Dean Graziosi
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you
I’m a learner, any information you’re willing to share to help others grow is helpful. I appreciate the resources that are out there, especially in the Podcast space, webinars, and newsletters.
The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Applied Innovation. Applied Innovation is helping to shape the future of accounts receivable management. Product development is driven by customer feedback, agency profitability and compliance and includes platforms addressing client portal access, document management, payment negotiation, Regulation E focused electronic payment authorizations and TCPA communication authorization platforms. Partner with a company who understands your business challenges and evolves to provide cutting edge technology to overcome those challenges and achieve success.