The VTS team consists of folks with a diverse set of personalities, talents, and perspectives, and we want you to meet them! That’s why we’ve created this #WeAreVTS blog series to highlight some of the many outstanding people we have at VTS, get a closer look at the dynamic lives they have, and continue to create an environment where each VTSer can be their authentic self.
For our next team member Q&A in the series, we’re excited to introduce you to Carol Ying, our VP of Sales Operations at VTS! Carol joined the VTS team six years ago and has been a force ever since. Get to know her below!
In a sentence or two, can you explain what you do here at VTS?
I call it revenue hodgepodge. My job [VP of Sales Operations] extends to anything related to leads and revenue — outside of working directly with clients. My team members are VTS employees and my job is to develop processes that align marketing, sales, customer success, legal, and finance. It sounds complicated, and it can be. But when everything works together as it should, it’s marvelous.
Where are you based right now?
New York! I’m about a 25-30 minute walk from the office, which is incredible. I’m very lucky to live where I am.
Can you describe your professional journey and how it led you to VTS?
I started my career in financial services, working in private wealth management. From there, worked at Travelzoo, where I spent a decade creating and building the sales ops function. After that, I spent a couple of years in advertising technology. Adtech was great, but I soon realized it was a very crowded market and I wanted to get out of the industry.
Living in New York City, I knew that real estate would bring a lot of really interesting challenges! So I jumped when the opportunity to work with VTS came along. I started as the Head of Sales Ops 6 years ago.
Looking back, all the positions I have taken in my career have been newly created roles. I love and have thrived being able to develop and shape new functions.
What do your weekends look like?
My priority for the weekend is to relax as much as possible. Lately, that’s meant playing lots of basketball with my son at a nearby park — or playing tennis — which I love. I also have my unofficial chauffeur duties for my daughter’s busy weekend schedule.
Really it’s about spending quality time with my husband, family, and friends.
What’s a moment that made you proud to work at VTS?
The one thing I really appreciate about VTS is that we’re always striving to do better — which goes far beyond a single moment.
No company is perfect, and during the past 4 years or so, we’ve been on a powerful trajectory. The People team always does an incredible job supporting employees during high growth or high stress. From events and programs to stipends, to time off, VTS as a company is never stagnant and always looking for ways to grow.
What was your dream job growing up?
It’s funny, I actually wanted to be judge! But then I found out that you needed to be elected and that it was kind of political, so I thought “forget it.”
What drew me towards being a judge is similar to what drew me to sales operations though — I’m always trying to assess the situation and mediate. It’s about trying to come up with the best solution, weighing the pros and cons, and making a decision.
What excites you about what you do at VTS?
I can see the impact of my work. And when my colleagues show their appreciation for the work that my team does, that gratitude motivates me to want to do even more. For example: so much has been automated since I’ve been here — it’s cliche but we’ve truly come a long way. That in itself is extremely rewarding to me. I also love the projects that I get to work on. They’re unique and I wouldn’t be able to do them anywhere else.
What’s one thing you have loved about working from home? What’s been a challenge?
The time saved while working from home has been a huge plus. Anyone who knows me knows I like to be incredibly efficient. Even an hour a day makes a big difference — I’ll use that to meditate, work out, sleep, cook, do laundry, etc.. Meditation in particular is so helpful. I feel like it’s the key to keeping your composure, and just being a well-adjusted person.
On the flip side, working from home can be tricky because sometimes you realize it’s been days since you’ve left the house.
What’s your advice for someone who wants to be in a role similar to yours?
My advice in general is to learn as much as you can and talk to as many people outside of your day-to-day role. Participate in as many work programs as you can, too.
Whether it’s personal development, a speaker series, or employee resource groups — they’re all helpful. These interactions with people outside of your role allow you to build relationships. The relationships I have built through these types of resources and groups have honestly really benefited me. Someone you casually chatted with years ago could be someone you’re working with on a project now. You never know.
The connections and relationships you build will only help you down the line, or put you in a position to help others.
Learn more about other VTSers featured in this #WeAreVTS Q&A series:
Director of Strategic Account and Product Marketing Kevin Rippon On Finding Balance
Workplace Experience, Events Coordinator Miranda Francois On Finding New Ways To Break The Mold
API Support Manager Justin Acker on Solving Technical and Emotional Puzzles
Explore careers at VTS here.
