Michelle Kawahara
Posted by Communications2 on Nov. 6, 2024 / Member Spotlight / Subscribe 0
Name: Michelle Kawahara
Title: Sr. Marketing Manager
Company: Okland Construction
How long have you been an SMPS member?
I’ve been a member for one whole week! However, I have attended SMPS events on occasion as a "guest" for many years.
How long have you worked at your company?
21 Years
How would you describe your role/job?
I support the creation of proposals and presentations with a focus on building strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and helping our company deliver on its commitment to "Create Remarkable Experiences" for clients and partners.
What are the rewards of your job?
It’s always fun to see projects throughout the valley being built by Okland. It’s especially so when they are ones I had the opportunity to work on from the proposal side.
What are your challenges?
Ensuring each proposal captures our team's strengths and aligns with client expectations requires careful attention to detail and constant collaboration. Additionally, adapting to ever-evolving client needs and market trends keeps me on my toes, but I see these challenges as opportunities to innovate and continuously improve our approach.
What has been your most meaningful project?
I would have to say the Utah Mental Health Translational Research Building currently being built on the University of Utah campus for the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. Once completed, the building will be a first-of-its-kind place for research dedicated to better understanding the brain and finding treatments for mental health disorders.
How has SMPS membership helped you?
Having just become a member, I don’t have much to say here yet, but I am excited about the learning labs, events, and other opportunities that SMPS offers.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
While I can’t think of a specific piece of advice I’ve been given, I’ve learned through others that building solid relationships is key. Whether with colleagues, clients, or partners, trust and collaboration have a lasting impact on success. I’ve been fortunate to work with great people who strongly value relationships.
What’s the best career advice you’ve given?
It would have to be advocating for yourself and actively seeking growth opportunities. It’s important to take the initiative rather than wait for opportunities to come to you. Proactively pursuing experiences that enhance your skills and knowledge can create a fulfilling career path that aligns with your goals.
What has contributed to your success?
Hands down, it’s the people I am fortunate to work with. Our BD and Marketing team has collaborated for 20 years, creating a solid foundation of trust and understanding. We all have a stake in seeing each other succeed and consistently go to bat for one another.
What’s on your bucket list?
The only thing on my bucket list right now … is to come up with a good bucket list.
What was your childhood dream?
It's hilarious now, but I wanted to be a professional basketball player or build human jet packs.
Guilty pleasure: what can you not live without?
I’m not sure I really have any guilty pleasures or things I can’t live without, but I do like to binge-watch a good show every now and then.
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