WOMEN TO WATCH
2016

CHRISTY GARRETT

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
QUALCHOICE HEALTH INSURANCE

One of the most notable experiences in my career was working at Procter and Gamble as a brand manager for six years at their corporate headquarters. My husband’s career brought us to Arkansas in 2012, and I was fortunate to have an opportunity to work with QualChoice in their marketing and business development department. Since being with the company, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved with public relations, marketing, business development and acquisitions, as QualChoice has grown significantly and formed a partnership with Catholic Health Initiatives.”

PRESSING QUESTIONS

BEST CAREER MOMENT SO FAR:

The best moment of my career so far was building the beauty scale marketing infrastructure at Procter & Gamble. We identified a consumer need and solved it. It was leading-edge thinking that has been replicated by other organizations.

MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB:

Being a mentor. I love identifying and coaching top talent. I know I’m doing something right when people ask for my advice even when the situations are outside my sphere of influence.

HOW DID YOU KNOW THIS IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO DO?

I wanted to do marketing because I love understanding what drives people — their unspoken desires. Beauty care is more than looking good; it is confidence. Health insurance is more than paying bills; it is a sense of security.

FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN LITTLE ROCK:

My favorite part of Little Rock is the charitable community. I love being a part of such a dedicated group of hard-working people that give their nights and weekends for the benefit of others.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED:

The best advice I’ve ever received is “Your attitude is the only thing you can control.” Even though you can’t control what happens, you can influence your situation by how you react to it.

I WISH I KNEW HOW TO:

Speak more languages. I learned Spanish when I lived in Argentina, but I’d like to learn more. I love to travel and knowing how to speak the native language breaks down so many barriers.

IF YOU COULD LUNCH WITH ANY WOMAN, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU ORDER?

Melissa McCarthy. I love her goal of breaking down how we perceive women and body issues. Plus, I bet I’d laugh the entire time! I’d order what she did because I hate it when I have food envy.

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?

My mom is my role model. On her own, she raised three girls to be strong, independent women. She was tough, but fair and always our biggest cheerleader. She has a quiet, humble strength that I admire.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

NEIGHBORHOOD:

Pleasant Valley

HOMETOWN:

Columbus, Ohio

LAST GOOD READ:

“The Happiness Advantage,” by Shawn Achor

FAVORITE FOOD:

Chips & Salsa

FAVORITE LUNCH SPOT:

Taziki’s or Newk’s

FIRST THING YOU DO AT THE OFFICE:

Check my calendar

LATEST SPLURGE:

House renovations

THINGS YOU DO OUTSIDE OF WORK:

Rodan + Fields and charity work

DREAM VACATION:

Australia

FAVORITE SONG:

“Standing Outside the Fire,” by Garth Brooks

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