Full name: Wathina Carteaux
Current Project/Role: Health Net Financial Services: Customer Service Representative (CSR 1)
Tell us what brought you to Pearl and what skills did you picked up in each of your previous roles that helped get you to your current role? What brought me to Pearl was a desire to be with a company where I could make a difference in people’s lives and Pearl was the perfect fit for me. I have a love of helping people and strive to do something meaningful in every interaction so that the customers feel like they are cared about and understood. In my previous roles, I was able to develop my customer service skills, and have been able to apply that in my role here.
What are your career goals? My future job aspirations are to continue to grow with Pearl and continue to develop the skills to be able to turn this into a career and not just a job. To help as many people as I can and grow every day and improve my skills to be able to move up and grow with this company.
What has been the biggest lesson you have learned or the biggest obstacle you have overcome in your job? In a customer service role, sometimes people just want to be heard and helped and I have had to learn how to balance helping the customer with their needs and listening to their concerns. This is done with empathy and understanding but knowing how to get the job done. You can want to help but know that there is a job to be done, and to keep that good balance.
What is your advice for someone that may be interested in pursuing a role in your current field? The advice I would give would have to be, one must have great listening skills and empathy for people. Compassion and empathy go a long way and focusing on what the customer needs is very important. Treat people the way you would want to be treated.
What is a Fun Fact that many of your coworkers may not know? A fun fact about me is I am a huge poetry lover. Shakespeare is my favorite poet. I also love old Hollywood movies, Joan Crawford and Betty Davis are my favorites from that time.
Do you have a special talent or any hobbies? I enjoy spending time with my family, being the best mom, I can be for them and instilling in them love and respect for people no matter where they come from. I love scary movies and I am a lifetime fanatic lol. I just love a good movie and quality time with the people I love and helping out anyone in any way that I can.