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Employee Spotlight | Irina Taylor

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a town in Russia called Novokuznetsk. It is a city in Kemerovo Oblast in Southwestern Siberia. Extremely cold.

Where did you go to school?

I went to school in Wynne Arkansas. I also attended my first year of college in the same town.

Brag about your family.

I am a single mom. I have an 11-year-old son and a 2 year old daughter. Their birthdays are just 4 days apart. My son is an extremely smart kid. My little girl, well, she’s a little spitfire lol. They keep me on my toes but are a constant reminder of why I get up and do what I do on the daily. I do it all for them. There is never a dull moment when they are around.

What do you do for fun?

I love to go to Heber Springs in the summer. I grew up there on the weekends when I was younger well into my teenage years. I love the water. I also like the outdoors. I like to do diamond painting in my spare time.

What was your first job?

I worked at McDonalds in Wynne, AR, and as a secretary for another company while attending college on campus in my hometown. I put myself through my first year of college.

What is your dream job?

I have always wanted to do modeling.

What is something very few people know about you?

I had a really traumatic childhood and some pretty difficult experiences as a young adult. One of the hardest struggles of my life was dealing with infertility and medical issues that were supposed to completely destroy any chance of having a child again. 5 years later, I’m here with my beautiful rainbow baby. I thank the Lord each day and draw strength from him

What quote/motto do you live by?

No matter what you face in this life, straighten up that crown and keep going!

Tell us your Optus story.  When did you start and what position?  Have you moved positions/jobs?

I started working at Optus 2 days before Christmas in 2019. I had just gotten off maternity leave. I started as a Distribution Clerk working primarily with one of our largest customers.

What is your official job title?

Distribution Clerk

What SHOULD your job title be?

Positivity Influencer

Describe your day-to-day job.

Day to day consists of managing all of the receiving of phones and sending them up to get refurbed for one of our largest customers, helping with BID Purchase Orders that come in daily, and helping with NEC Financials. Plus, I am always offering to help anyone, anywhere they need me.

What is one thing that Optus does better than any other employer you have had in the past?

They NOTICE you! You aren’t just someone who comes to work here day-to-day. You are truly family here.

Tell us about one learning or growth opportunity you have had while working at Optus.

I have never really known what telecommunication was until I started here. I have learned so much about how businesses work with all the technology they run every day.

What do you like most about working at Optus?

The atmosphere here. It has NEVER been negative. People smile, laugh, give hugs, and just overall spread positivity here.

Have you received recognition from Optus on a job well done?  If so, what was the recognition?

I had only worked here for 7 months when I received the MVP Award. I was super excited to get one that early. Then, 2 months after that, I got the employee of the month award. Since then, I have also received several thank you notes from my colleagues.

We like to say, Optus is like a family.  Who at Optus is like family to you and why?

My shipping and receiving team. From my boss to my coworkers, we help each other when needed and always get along.