The tenth season of the Eccles Business Buzz podcast continues as host Frances Johnson sits with Ginger Avitt, a VP Regional Coaching Consultant at Fidelity Investments. She also earned her MBA from the David Eccles School of Business in 2020.

Ginger and Frances talk about the framing of what makes for fortunate or unfortunate circumstances, and how to go about overcoming challenges and not succumbing to them under the pressure. Ginger shares her own personal journey that included struggles and hardships, and how she achieved her goals despite the obstacles.

In a chance encounter Ginger came across the David Eccles School’s In a Pinch Basic Needs Initative, and really understands a lot of the misconceptions that those struggling with basic needs are up against. Through her conversation here and her work with the initiative Ginger works to reverse that narrative. Stressing empathy and understanding, as well as empowering those in tough situations, this is a great conversation to lift and energize the spirit. 

Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School of Business and is produced by University.fm.

Eccles Business Buzz is proud to be selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Business School podcasts on the web. Learn more at https://podcast.feedspot.com/us_business_school_podcasts. 

Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School of Business and is produced by University FM.

Episode Quotes:

How Ginger’s life experiences shaped her people-first leadership 

[28:31] You never truly know what someone else is carrying outside of work, just like what they're carrying outside of school, what they're carrying outside of work. And so I lean into being people-first, like each with their own challenges, their stories, backgrounds, that awareness guides my approach to coaching and leading. So I focus on connecting to that human to human before anything else. I lead with empathy and listen without assumptions. I meet people where they're at, and that perspective has become one of my greatest strengths in my work if I reflect on my own, the way I show up. So it's what I try to truly bring to work every day.

The misconception about struggling students and the reality they face 

[24:25] Frances Johnson: What do you think are some misconceptions that people might carry about students who rely on things like In A Pinch, students who are facing some of the difficulties that you faced? Do you think there's something that people don't understand about that experience that you wish they understood better?

[24:47] Ginger Avitt: I don't think it's unique to this conversation, this topic. I do think it's a common misconception for people who are struggling with these basic needs across, like, not just in college, is what I'm trying to say, is that they're lazy or just simply not making the right choices. And I know for a fact that couldn't be further from the truth for most people. You never know what someone else is carrying behind the scenes, and many students are working, often multiple jobs, still barely getting by, trying to keep those heads above water. But even my second round, some are supporting children, some siblings, or even parents, and others are managing really complex circumstances that you just can't see from the outside that would overwhelm even most of us.

[25:36] Frances Johnson: Yeah, anyone.

[25:37] Ginger Avitt: And a prepared adult, right?

[25:39] Frances Johnson: Absolutely. Yeah. 

[25:40] Ginger Avitt: And you touched on some of that in the beginning, and many just don't know what resources exist as well, let alone feel comfortable seeking help, because that pride, you know, that dang pride gets in the way.

From getting by to creating options, why Ginger wanted to earn her college degree 

[15:21] Returning to school became essential when I realized I was now the primary provider. I wasn't going to be that teacher, that was the second extra money, you know, something for spending my time that I could find some fulfillment in. I, myself, and my two little boys depended upon where I went next. And I wanted more than just a way to get by. I wanted options. I wanted that ability to shape our future instead of being just limited by circumstances. And so, earning that college degree really represented that possibility for me. So, it was the key to unlocking opportunities that I wouldn't have had otherwise.

Show Links:

• Ginger Avitt | LinkedIn
• In A Pinch | Eccles Basic Needs Initiative
• David Eccles School of Business (@ubusiness) | Instagram
• Undergraduate Scholars Programs
• Rising Business Leaders
• Eccles Alumni Network (@ecclesalumni) | Instagram 
• Eccles Experience Magazine