We want you to get to know Lionzone and our team! From our customer-facing teams to our behind-the-scenes crew, Lionzone would not be what it is today without our team's hard work and dedication!

October’s Employee Spotlight: Meaghan G.

Debra: And hello, everyone! We're here with LIONZONE Digital Marketing. Each month, we like to take the opportunity to let you get to know our staff here at LIONZONE, because LIONZONE would not be what it is today without their dedication and hard work. Joining me today, is Meaghan Gardner. Meaghan, how long have you been with LIONZONE?

Meaghan: Hello! I've been here three years as of October 10th.

Debra: Wonderful! And what is it that you do for us?

Meaghan: I'm a digital strategist in our recruitment marketing division.

Debra: And what does that mean?

Meaghan: What it means, is I have a set of accounts in which I help the clients place their job ads for pay-per-click and search engine marketing.

Debra: Wonderful. And I know you do a little something extra special around the office. Can you tell our guests about that?

Meaghan: I have a slight "den mother" position where I go through and make sure all the water pitchers are filled up, and all the dishes get put in the dishwasher. And then everyone has a K-Cup available in the drawer for coffee.

Debra: And I know we're all immensely grateful for that. In particular, I don't want to do dishes, so, thank you so very much! Now, tell us a little bit about what makes you motivated to get up to come to work each day.

Meaghan: I think for me, it's helping America's unemployed, and even sometimes the employed, find jobs that are better suited for them.. whether it's closer to home or a little bit more money or something that more aligns with their skill set. It helps them make their lives easier and more comfortable.

Debra: Sounds like a very fulfilling position.

Meaghan: It is.

Debra: Now, is there anything in particular you've learned through your time here with LIONZONE?

Meaghan:  I have to say that the fact that there are no stupid questions here. You ask the questions that you ask to learn more and to understand better, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Debra: And if you had to describe LIONZONE in three words, what would you say?

Meaghan: I'd say persistent. We worked very hard. We're progressive, where we are constantly learning new skills, and we're collaborative where we all work together very well and wonderful.

Debra: Let's take a moment to get to know who you really are. Now, I understand that you're not a native Nashvillian. Is that correct?

Meaghan: I'm not. I moved here from South Georgia 12 years ago.

Debra: Is there anything in particular about Nashville that really attracted you?

Meaghan: It's the food. I love food, and I don't miss a meal. I like all kinds of food now that I've tried it.

Debra:  Are there any restaurants, in particular, that's your favorite?

Meaghan: I probably have 10 or 20, but I have to say, I've tried Jamaican and Ethiopian, and Greek food and all these things! They're all delicious.

Debra: Oh, well, we won't make you list out all your favorites then! I understand you're big history buff, so I thought I would ask: who is your favorite person, living or dead, that you would be most interested in having a conversation with.

Meaghan: Oh, I'm a huge history nerd, and if I had to pick one, it would probably be Alice Roosevelt. She's just one of the most interesting people to ever live in the White House. She's thrown congressmen into pools, she took bets with bookies at the White House, and she had a pet snake that lived there with her named Spinach.

Debra: I've heard that Teddy is known for saying a very particular quote about Alice. Do you know it?

Meaghan: Yes. Her dad, Theodore Roosevelt, said, "I can either run the country or I can attend to Alice, but I can't possibly do both."

Debra: She sounds like quite the interesting character.

Meaghan: Definitely was. I would have loved to have met her. Fabulous.

Debra: So, history being your thing, I thought maybe the next question we should ask is: Is there any place in the world that you've been that you really just felt connected to, or really enjoyed?

Meaghan: I would have to say Scotland. I mean, that's my favorite place on Earth. It's beautiful. The people are friendly, the food is good, and there's so much history everywhere.

Debra: Do you have a favorite place in Scotland that you have been to?

Meaghan: Ah, there is a place called Glenfinnan where they film, if you've seen Harry Potter, and they film the Hogwarts Express scene when they're traveling up to Hogwarts! That's where they film that!  And it is a gorgeous bridge next to a really pretty loch and the green rolling hills. It's wonderful.

Debra: Well, I can tell you this, my daughter would be immensely jealous to hear that you've been there, she’s a huge Harry Potter fan. Thinking on, you know, places that you like to be, let's talk a little bit about what music that you like?

Meaghan: Oh, bagpipe music!

Debra: You're kidding.

Meaghan: Yeah, I love 70s and 80s rock. I like CCR, Jimmy Buffett, Fleetwood Mac, and the Doobie Brothers. All the good stuff.

Debra: Is there maybe a genre or an artist that you're ashamed to say you like?

Meaghan: After listing off so many greats, I should probably be ashamed to say that I also listen to a lot of Taylor Swift, but I'm not! T-Swift knows what's up.

Debra: Oh, I have to agreee are, there are a few songs of hers even I like. So, last question: Do you have a motto or a saying that you think really encapsulates who you are?

Meaghan: Yeah, I do! I found it in a book that I bought in Scotland.  "....and for nature made her what she is and never made another. So, I'm here, and I'm here as I am. And there's not another one like me."

Debra: Well, I know. We're sure glad to have gotten you! Thank you so much for spending some time with me this afternoon and thank you all for listening. And we'll see you again next month.