Finance Manager
Live Well Network/Disney ABC TV Group
Los Angeles, CA
Whether attending a meeting, heading to a Dodgers game or volunteering, one thing’s for sure, Cathy Garcia always has something going on.
Never one to be “stuck in a grey cubicle”, Cathy spends most of her time meeting with her team, in strategic discussions with corporate partners, board members and alliances, as well as networking.
“Relationships have really paved the way for me and helped with the opportunities I have had throughout my career,” she says. “I definitely have put my gift of the gab to great use in developing these relationships.”
A gift for the gab or not, those relationships have led Cathy to several of the positions she’s held, including her current role as Finance Manager for the Live Well Network/Disney ABC TV Group and her past role as Chief Operating Officer for the nation's largest Latino business association. Her professional relationships and a large network led to both of these roles. “People hire people they know, so it really helps to build a strong rapport with a large network of professionals in your field. It makes the job hunt much easier.”
Although not currently in a technical accounting position, Cathy maintains her CPA license in an effort to keep current in the accounting world and other opportunities. “I really enjoy working in the finance role I am in now at Live Well/ABC, but I feel it’s a benefit to keep my license current because Disney is such a large company with many career path opportunities, and I never know if an attractive accounting role will cross my path.”
When she’s not working to open doors for other people, you might find Cathy hiking on a mountain trail in southern California or at an L.A. Dodgers game.
“I’m not a season ticket holder with my Dodgers games because there are so many, but I do attend a LOT of baseball games,” she says. “Although she’s a serious baseball fan, it’s pretty easy to see that Cathy is also pretty serious about her career and the work she is doing.
“I love that I am able to provide other people with visibility to opportunities that they may not have been aware of and provide them with an environment that they can be inspired, mentored and motivated,” she said.
So if you’re inspired, take a lesson from Cathy and you too could be ready for opening day whether at the ballpark or at the office, simply keep an eye on the opportunities.
Years as a CPA: 12
Best job: Current job
Worst job: Waitress in a retirement home dining hall. I was horrible at it!
Hobbies outside of work: I love sports (especially watching baseball—big Dodgers fan), hiking, jogging, cooking
Words to live by: “Work hard, play hard. Give your employer 110% to show commitment and ownership, but make sure to take time for yourself and enjoy family, friends and a little R&R.”