Tunishia K. Norwood
Cash Manager, Paramount
Thank you for talking to us today, Tunishia. Can you describe what you do at Paramount?
Sure! I am the Cash Manager at Paramount where I manage a three person cash team that is responsible for the accounts receivable and cash application processes of positing, reconciling, and balancing incoming cash transactions. I also monitor incoming and outgoing cash flow as it relates to cash forecasting and treasury management.
Did you always envision yourself working in this industry? How did you stay focused on your goal or pivot when necessary?
I started out as a bank teller in 1997 and from that point on I knew I loved working in finance. I knew that I wanted to grow my career in the financial industry and accountancy.
What are some of the keys to your success?
Always be your authentic self and allow your principles to guide you. Take the time now to do the work right and save time later. Take pride in your work product.
What is your superpower?
I’m confident and comfortable being me.
Did you have any mentors or sponsors over the span of your career? Anyone you want to shout out?
I’ve had the privilege to work with some amazing managers and mentors over the span of my career. Stefanie Davy was my manager at two different banks, and she poured valuable lessons into my life on how to conduct myself in business and the workplace, how to dress for success, and she set the standard on work ethics. Hope Gonzales was my director for eight years and she was a superwoman. From her, I learned how to maximize my time to be more productive, how to create an excellent work product, and most of all how to be heard and stand out in a room full of executives. She was known for pulling us into conference rooms to share ideas. Last but certainly not least, my current mentor and sponsor Malikah Muhammad. I learn something new from her every day. She truly is a Godsend! What I’ve gained from her in such a small amount of time, I will keep for a lifetime. She exudes authenticity, confidence, wisdom, business knowledge, beauty and sincerity every time she steps in a room, and one cannot help but be infected, affected, and impacted by it. I am truly blessed to be under her tutelage and am forever grateful that she invests in me.
How have you seen your industry change for women or other underrepresented groups since you started?
As I stated earlier, I started as a bank teller and for the first several years working in the banking industry the only bank managers and executives were all white men. But over the years I have witnessed women, and in more recent years women of color, be hired at all levels from managers to CEOs.
How has being a part of AWE changed how you show up to work every day? What was your favorite session/training?
Being a part of AWE has been amazing! I used many of the lessons I learned to help strengthen my team and others that are connected to me. I was speaking with my sister and she was telling me how she believed that she deserved a pay increase, but was afraid to ask. I shared with her what I learned in one AWE session, that men are more likely to ask for the raise and get it and that we as women are less likely to ask. I was able to encourage her to ask without fear.
What is your motivating force in business and in life? Has it changed throughout the years?
My family has always been my motivation. I have two granddaughters and I’d like to spoil them and leave an inheritance for their future.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that we can’t find listed on your resume.
I sing to and for the Lord and I love to visit historic cemeteries.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.