This month’s CatchUp is with MomUp's superstar mom, Tracy Byrne!
I’m Tracy Byrne, a veteran finance professional who has worked in a variety of roles for companies of all sizes. Most recently I worked as CFO for a robotics startup, and I have held titles including Controller, Manager of Treasury & Tax, and Manager of General Accounting, mostly for companies with a technology focus. I am excited to continue my professional journey in my new role as Director of Finance, Tax & Treasury for manufacturer C&K.
On the personal side, I have become an avid runner over the past eight years, completing 4 marathons including Marine Corps Marathon (twice), Boston Marathon and Chicago Marathon. Running a marathon is something I always admired and never thought I could even do, but I started with a 5k and worked my way to the marathon distance over a few years, so my advice to others is if you have always wanted to try something, go for it! Start small and make incremental progress, and if you have the determination and dedication, you will do it! I am also a mom of two amazing girls, ages 14 and 12, who are on their way to becoming kind, smart, happy, successful women!
How has MomUp helped you?
MomUp has been great throughout the process, talking through the opportunities to ensure the right positioning with prospective employers, setting up interviews and being a sounding board for interview questions, offer evaluation and feedback, and final check in prior to start. MomUp has been really supportive throughout the whole process and been a great resource in my search. I wouldn’t hesitate to refer anyone to MomUp.
What career highlight are you most proud of?
Each role has its own highlights and successes, and each is very different, so instead I will focus on my career as a whole. I am really proud that I’ve been able to make a tangible difference in each of my roles, contributing to the success of each company that I’ve worked for. Sometimes that has been in financing, sometimes in process improvement, and other times in quality and integrity of financial reporting. I take pride in my work and making improvements along the way to help a company be successful.
What do you think companies should know about working moms?
Working moms are exceptional! They are dedicated, smart, efficient, multi-taskers who care. They should not be discounted in any way, but instead supported and celebrated.
What are your best job search tips?
Networking is key. Talk to anyone who will take a meeting with you (recruiters, contacts, etc) because they may hear of an opportunity and think of you. If you are applying for a position at a large company, apply through an existing employee if possible. Apply as early/quickly as possible to an online posting.
What was the first job you ever had?
My very first job was bagging groceries in Florida grocery store Winn Dixie at age 15. My first professional job out of college was in the Financial Management Development Program at Raytheon.
What kept you going during the pandemic?
Exercising every weekday. I had a run streak going of 5k per weekday for about a year. It got me moving and out and about in my neighborhood. Also, my family – we were all in it together and it was nice to really slow down and enjoy simpler pleasures of life.
Do you have any work/life balance tips?
It is a difficult balance. Just know sometimes one or the other will need more of you at different times and that is ok. No one can do everything all at once. Try as best you can to make boundaries or set expectations with each that will make you feel good about both work and family.
We're looking for summer tv, book, or movie recommendations. What are yours?
As with most people, I did read and watch a lot of TV during the past year. I loved reading The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo. I’ve been catching up on all of the Marvel movies, most of which I missed when they originally debuted, but also loved the Hamilton movie. We watched all 3 seasons of Stranger Things as a family, and I also find The Handmaids Tale intriguing.
