Stephanie Harris

My name is Stephanie Harris, and I’m the Growth Operations Lead and Executive Assistant at CI Web Group. I joined the company in January 2023, and when I first started, I was focused on learning the systems, supporting our clients, and helping create a smooth onboarding experience.

At the time, I didn’t realize how much this role would challenge me—not just professionally, but personally. I would learn about digital marketing, operations, adaptability, confidence, and the importance of finding my voice within a fast-paced and growing company.

When I joined CI Web Group, I thought I had a pretty good understanding of what my role would look like. I was hired to help manage our CRM platform, schedule calls between new clients and their Account Managers, and make sure everything was set up behind the scenes. I expected to spend my first few weeks quietly learning the ropes and supporting the team however I could.

What I didn’t realize was how much I was about to learn.

One of my first memories is joining a company-wide Zoom meeting with Jennifer. She welcomed me to the team, and as the meeting continued, she started talking about so many terms I had never heard before. I remember sitting there thinking, What language is she speaking?

I had just started, and I was trying to absorb everything while wondering, What is SEO? What is call tracking? What the heck does AWP mean? It was overwhelming, but it was also exciting because I quickly realized there was so much more to this industry than I had ever known—and I was about to learn a lot.

Then the conversation shifted to my department, and Jennifer began asking questions about the work I was responsible for. For a moment, I felt nervous. I was still learning, and I definitely didn’t feel like an expert.

Thankfully, I had already started learning from Miss Kathy, a true veteran of the company. She helped me understand the systems, processes, and foundation I needed to be successful. Because of what she had taught me, I was able to answer Jennifer’s questions. My answers weren’t delivered with complete confidence, but I answered them.

Looking back, that moment was important because it showed me something I didn’t realize at the time: I didn’t have to know everything on day one. I just had to be willing to learn.

Miss Kathy helped me understand the systems, but what I quickly learned was that this industry is constantly changing. Nothing stays the same for long. Technology evolves, processes change, and the needs of our clients continue to shift.

One thing that stood out to me early on was watching how quickly the company adapted. When challenges came up in the industry, including changes around WordPress and the legal issues affecting it, I watched everyone shift directions quickly. There wasn’t time to wait and hope things would resolve themselves. We had to adjust, find solutions, and continue moving forward.

That taught me one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned here: in order to support our clients and help them succeed, we have to be adaptable. Growth comes from being willing to learn, change, and keep moving forward.

Working from home has many perks. I appreciate the trust that comes with being able to do my job independently. I’ve always been someone who enjoys working quietly and behind the scenes. I like supporting others, solving problems, and making sure things run smoothly without needing to be the center of attention.

But Jennifer has a way of bringing people out of their comfort zones.

She trusts you enough to run your department, but she also counts on you to speak up, share your thoughts, and contribute. In the beginning, that was something I had to learn.

If I had a question or noticed something that didn’t make sense, I would usually ask my coworkers first. I didn’t want to ask what I thought might be a “dumb question.” I wanted to make sure I understood things before bringing them up.

Then I realized something: if the people around me didn’t know the answer either, maybe it was a question worth asking in our team meetings.

So I started speaking up.

What I learned was that there is no such thing as a dumb question at CI Web Group. I have never once experienced Jennifer responding with, “Seriously? You don’t know that?”

Instead, she takes the time to explain things and make sure everyone understands. She makes people feel comfortable learning. And on the rare occasion that she doesn’t have an immediate answer, she doesn’t pretend to. She will say she needs time to think through it, follow up, and create a plan.

That leadership style makes people feel valued.

Over time, I became more confident. I started questioning processes that didn’t make sense, bringing up concerns, and contributing more in meetings. I realized my perspective mattered. Jennifer doesn’t just want people to complete tasks—she wants people to think, improve, and help make the company stronger.

That trust has allowed me to grow into my role as Growth Operations Lead and Executive Assistant. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t always about having the loudest voice in the room. Sometimes it’s about asking the right questions, finding solutions, supporting your team, and being willing to continue learning.

One thing that has always stood out to me is how much Jennifer genuinely cares about her employees.

There have been times when I felt stressed or overwhelmed, and I shared those concerns with an executive. Instead of those concerns being dismissed, they were taken seriously. Jennifer personally reached out to let me know she heard me and wanted to find a solution.

That moment reminded me what great leadership looks like.

A great leader doesn’t just make decisions from the top. A great leader listens.

Jennifer may be the CEO, but she is one of the most approachable and humble leaders I have ever worked with. She wants people to come to her with ideas, concerns, and feedback. She is hands on and involved. She doesn’t simply say, “Go talk to your manager.” She wants to understand what is happening and how she can help.

That is one of the reasons I have learned so much here.

And if you have never heard Jennifer speak in person, you are missing something special. When Jennifer speaks, you hear the passion behind what she does. She isn’t just selling a product or service—she is educating people. She truly cares about helping businesses grow and succeed.

That passion is contagious.

Looking back, I realize my journey here has been about so much more than learning digital marketing. It has been about learning to adapt, gaining confidence, and finding my voice.

I came into CI Web Group focused on supporting a process. I grew into someone who helps improve processes, supports teams, and contributes to the bigger picture.

I feel incredibly fortunate to work for a company that cares about its clients, values its employees, and creates an environment where people are encouraged to learn and grow.

Being part of CI Web Group has been a blessing. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute, to continue growing, and to be part of a company that doesn’t just talk about its values—it lives them every day.