Baltimore CFO Draws Inspiration From Her Father's Story
Nea Wiggins, Chief Financial Officer of WW Contractors in Baltimore City made the decision to acquire a master's degree based partially on the fact that she knew she lacked some of the soft skills required to get ahead in the business world. She graduated with a B.A. in Business Management from Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia and obtained her M.B.A. from the University of Maryland University College where she hoped, along with acquiring additional business knowledge, to work on her skills in collaboration.
What inspired you to enter business and finance?
"My father was my inspiration. The business world has always been attractive to me ever since I was a little girl because of him. I watched my father who did not graduate from high school nor attend college start a small business from nothing and grow it into a multi-million dollar company."
"This was more than enough inspiration for me to realize that if he could do it with the resources that existed back then; there's no reason why I can't do it now."
How does your educational background relate to your current role as CFO?
"Although a CFO is looked upon as the banker of an organization; my role expands far beyond that. I wear many hats that require me to be strategic, resourceful, and analytical. Like my M.B.A. program; my role is not one-dimensional. It encompasses every aspect of the business from management to operations."
How has your education helped to further your career and contribute to your success?
"It showed my employer I was committed to my career; and I was willing to continuously invest in myself to be better at what I was doing. MBA programs are intense and consume a lot of time. The ability to balance school and a full-time job assisted me in being able to balance the many hats I wear at work."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into business and finance?
"Believe in yourself; learn as much as you can; continuously invest in becoming a better you; establish strong relationships; don't be afraid to be wrong and network. Education is a tool; consumers always want the next thing; try to be that next thing."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.