Curious about life at one of the most customer-centric companies in the world? Want to know what type of people call Amazon home five days out of the week?
In this month’s employee Q&A, we get to hear from one of Amazon Pay’s Account Managers, Kandis Webb. Kandis talks about how fate brought her to Amazon, the joys of working remotely, and some of her favourite parts of the culture.
Can you start off by telling us a little bit about you?
I am a person who enjoys connecting deeply with people, connecting deeply with myself, and I lead from a place of authenticity because I value others who live authentically. I work hard, but I also find time to play hard because I’ve learned that you cannot take this life too seriously.
Can you tell us about your experience at Amazon so far?
I joined Amazon and the Amazon Pay team in April 2019. Currently, I am an Account Manager which is where I thrive within B2B companies. My role is to serve as the bridge between Amazon Pay and our customers (merchants and consumers) in an effort to ensure we are delighting our customers, educating them on all that Amazon Pay can offer, and answering their questions, needs and desires to the necessary stakeholders within Amazon Pay.
I worked with one of Amazon’s recruitment teams as their Account Manager at another organisation. I visited Amazon HQ and participated in RecruitAcon. I remember thinking, “It would be so cool to work here!” 5 years later…here I am. #Grateful
What does a typical day look like for you?
HA! Do we have typical days here? Let’s see…typically, my day consists of internal meetings, external meetings with merchants, and filling up the rest of the day moving the needle on both internal, external and my own professional development projects. I travel to meet with customers, attend industry events and visit HQ in Seattle to spend quality time with the Amazon Pay team every month or so.
What do you enjoy about the Amazon culture?
I most enjoy the Amazon leadership principles (LPs) and how they serve as constant professional development guides to each and every one of us – no matter our title, job level, gender, race or location in the world. The LPs give us all permission to lead, question, invent, implement and own the results (or lack of results) we drive for the business and ultimately our customers. It’s refreshing to work in an environment where everyone’s standards are high, we all act as if we are the CEO, and there is room and encouragement for failing fast in order to win.
What is your favourite leadership principle and why?
Customer obsession is my favourite leadership principle because we are nothing without our customers. This leadership principle is the foundation from which many products, services and offerings are created. Prioritising and anticipating our customers’ wants, needs and desires makes all of us better. Before joining Amazon, I found career satisfaction by always doing what was in the best interest of the customer. I will always be obsessed with customers.
What is one of the reasons you enjoy working at Amazon Pay?
Amazon is a customer-centric company, and I have a deep appreciation for a company (or an individual) that truly values customers. Every idea, proposal or product is based on what the impact on the customer will be, and I am inspired by this.
How does Amazon support your career goals?
When I left the SaaS world of human capital management, I purposefully wanted to move to a new industry so that I could learn something new, apply the skills I had acquired, and make a positive impact on customers based on my authentic approach to client relationship management. As a remote team member, I am trusted to do my job without being micromanaged. This is important to me as I learn from my leaders how to manage remote teams because that is where I want to take my career next. The role I’m in fully supports everything I desire to do today, but also what I desire for my future.
What’s the best thing about coming to work each day?
The best thing about coming to work each day is connecting with colleagues and customers and helping them reach their goals. I get to work with so many amazing people inside and outside of Amazon – whether we interact via video conference, in person at the office, or at an event. I get a lot of energy from connecting with people and helping to create a trusted, speedy experience for customers using their Amazon profile on a merchants’ websites (off of Amazon). It’s so cool to me!
I am also one of few remote team members. Most people think I work in Seattle, but I am based out of my home in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. As an ambivert, I appreciate solitude. Luckily, getting to connect with team members and customers frequently helps me balance both the extrovert and introvert in my personality.
What are some of your passions outside of work?
Travelling, spending time in nature, going to the cinema and volunteering. As a military child, I spent a lot of years in Europe and gained an appreciation for other countries and cultures. I love trees, rivers, mountains and the ocean so I refuel by spending time in nature.
My daughter’s growth and development excite me! She’s young and amazing. Watching her be curious about how the world works, forming an opinion, and standing confidently in how she moves through life (even at such a young age) is fascinating to me. I am so proud of her!
Learn more about working at Amazon Pay through our career site.