2021 Women in Print and Promo: Haley Lasseter, City Paper Company

HALEY LASSETER
Operations Director
City Paper Company, Birmingham, Ala.

Overseeing operations for a major distributorship isn’t for the weak-hearted. It takes smarts, a methodical outlook and organizational skill. In other words, it takes Haley Lasseter.

“Haley is one of the most hard-working, process-oriented people I have ever had the pleasure to work with,” her nominator said. “Her job requires an enormous amount of detail and following specific processes to ensure accuracy in our orders, projects and shipments. Her role can often feel like a thankless one, yet she approaches each and every day with a positive and motivated attitude to make our sales team, her team, our customers and vendors all work together in a synchronized effort.”

After spending six years in operations for the steel industry, Lasseter wanted a change. Childhood friend and City Paper Company president/CEO Brad Friedman learned of her job search and the two struck up a conversation. A few months later, he offered her a customer support representative position. Lasseter quickly climbed the ranks, and eventually moved into the promotional division before assuming her current title three years ago.

Described as one of the “backbones” of the company, Lasseter oversees the customer service department, warehouse and e-commerce platforms.

Her Proudest Career Achievement
Being promoted to operations director was a huge achievement for me. This role meant I was officially a manager and had a group of people working for me. I currently have six amazing people working under me. To be a manager was definitely a goal for me, [so] I was elated when the opportunity presented itself.

On Working in a Traditionally Male-Dominated Industry
There can at times be a feeling of condescension. The best way I combat this is by simply doing my job. It sounds overly simplistic, but I think that you have to be secure in yourself and the job you do in order to look past others who may doubt it.

Her Job Advice to Women
Just go for it. This industry is constantly changing and with that there is always a need for new and innovative ways of thinking. Women have an innate capacity for multitasking and tackling challenges—all characteristics useful in this industry.

Who Inspired Her
I read Glennon Doyle’s “Untamed” last year. The common phrase throughout that book is “we can do hard things.” Her whole book, and especially that phrase, has really resonated with me.

How She Motivates Team Members
Making people feel supported and valued goes a long way in establishing a healthy rapport with team members.

What She Learned About Herself in 2020
I can handle whatever is thrown at me. 2020 brought a lot of challenges that no one could have foreseen. However, my team and I were able to adjust and coordinate together to accomplish anything that came our way.

Her Upcoming Goals
In 2021-22, I am focusing on our warehouse. I want to expand our space and our capabilities of what all we are able to offer as far as warehousing, kitting and fulfillment.

How She Recharges
I am 100% a homebody. I like to be at home with my dog Liddy watching old episodes of Law & Order or doing projects around my house.

The Best Book She’s Recently Read
“Educated: A Memoir” by Tara Westover.