We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stephanie Morales. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stephanie below.

Stephanie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us a story about a time you failed?

I can tell you that I have learned from my failures. I feel as I failed as a Manager a few years back. I did not speak up and took on things I was not fully ready for. I should had read more books, I should have spoken up more but all I did was break down in silence and try to figure things out on my own. I took on more than I can handle and I was just trying to do it all and make everyone else happy. Do not get me wrong, I love what I do and I always put my heart and soul into. But it did become too much at some point and Covid did not help. Being a woman in a male dominant industry also makes you work that much harder, to be heard and seen. I just keep thinking what could I have done different, what did I do wrong, should I have just toughed it out or just be quiet and do what they say. When I know it was not the right way. The issues are too detailed and to long to list, I just know that I could have done better. At the same time, I was never told I was being a bad Manager or bad at any of my Task. This is all internal, this is all me and my personal struggles because I would get praise from those around me, from my Director, Managers, Sales Reps and HR. But at what cost? Work took over my life and there is the other failure. Was I failing as a Mother and Wife because I was too work dedicated? Was I giving my family the time they needed? Was I giving myself the time I needed?

In 2022 I changed gears and took a break from being a Manager. Again, did I fail? What am I teaching my kids? To give up? But it was ok, I was setting an example that you need to put yourself first. I needed to mentally be in a better place. That break was exactly what I needed, I worked at a great company for a short period of time in their Accounting Department. I took time to reflect but kept in touch with one of the previous companies I Managed at. In 2023 I returned to my Manager position and was welcomed with open arms. I learned from my experiences and I am stronger today for that. I am still learning every day as no one is perfect. But I have limits now and I learned to have a proper work life balance. I really did not fail anyone but myself but that has all changed now and I will be here to set that example.

Switching topic to Running; I know a lot of people can relate that they feel as if they fail because they do not meet a certain pace. I struggle with this thought of failure to this day. When I know I shouldn’t because I am not failing. I get out there and run the same race everyone else does and I also finish the same miles everyone else does. I know this! but internally it still gets to me as if I failed when I know I did not. I am getting better in accepting it because I know I train, I know I have the endurance and I know I still enjoy myself no matter the pace I am.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into this industry at an early age, I was pregnant right after High School and attended a trade school to secure at least a slightly higher paying job than minimum wage. My aunt pushed me to study anything and I studied Business Management. The trade school had job placement assistance and that first job placement was my foot in the door. I started as a buyers assistant, then went on to scheduling containers for pick up, inventory control, 3pl csr, 3pl supervisor, dispatcher, accounting and csr manager. I feel as I am well rounded in the industry working in a little bit of every aspect of it. I do not have a degree, I have a certificate and a few college business classes completed. But I have really just worked from the bottom up and I am proud of my accomplishments. I have worked hard to get to where I am today.

In regards to my running “career”, it started in Sept 2022. I was invited to a neighborhood run because I just wanted to switch things up in my workout routine. I was huffing and puffing that first run and dying but I have not stopped running since then. I jumped right into races in Nov 2022 my first Turkey Trot 5k, Feb 2023 my first half marathon, March 2023 my first Marathon. In July 2023 I ran Mt Baldy 5k in which I wanted to give up just the first half mile up. I was ready to turn around but I have a great support system who would not let me quit. I have ran Joshua Tree half marathon, Guadalajara half marathon and January 2024 I ran Avalon 50k. I have ran many other races in between but those are the ones that stand out. I also have to point out that I am a sexy pace run walker all the way. You will always catch me in the back of the pack having fun and enjoying the race. I have also recently ran in Puerto Rico, the Lola Challenge and let me tell you! That truly was a challenge! The humidity was no joke there and made the run that much harder. It was a weekend of running, Starting Friday with a 5k, Saturday 10k and Sunday the half marathon. That race was one for the books for sure, it was a challenge that made me question my running career. But just like any race or child birth, you forget about the pain and sign up for another. I have a two marathons, a half marathon and a 50k I have signed up for already. I question myself why do I do this every time. But when I finish and look back, I know exactly why I do it. It is a proud moment for myself and my friends. My friends are the best, the running groups are so supportive and everyone feeds off each other. They motivate me and likewise I motivate them, we inspire each other. It is a great community. The best feeling is seeing those friends out there at the events or training.

I am here to inspire, motivate and just show that you do not have to be a specific size to accomplish any sport.

Any advice for managing a team?

I have learned that your team feeds off of your vibe, the mood you set. I know not every day will be a good day but it is always good to set that tone in the morning. Smile when you walk in, say good morning when you walk in. It sounds so simple but that is how easy it is to set the tone with your team.

I also know I cannot necessarily manage each person the same. Yes you have to be equal with the rules, regulations but when it comes down to training and explaining. You must get to learn your teams individuals strength and weakness. Then you will know how to approach and or explain things to them. You cannot always train two people the same way, everyone learns differently.

The simplest actions help keep the morale high in the office. I personally like to treat the office to snacks, donuts or bagels once in a while. For the Holidays the staff appreciates when I decorate. For birthdays we like to decorate the desk and enjoy a cake or cup cakes. Sometimes the office likes to do pot lucks and that counts as team building, because everyone works together on the menu. It is not only the goodies that keeps morale high. Make them feel heard and that they are part of the team, listen to their suggestions and actually take them into consideration. Also keeping them informed with changes or important company notices (that could be shared of course). Have open communication so they feel welcomed to talk to you, to approach you.

When it comes to running, bringing goodies is never a bad idea and introducing yourself is a great start to get that good vibe going. Sharing your journey with the new runners to the group is always a plus. The groups I run with like to make sure that everyone feels safe, so sharing that experience with others is important. Everyone wants a safe space, especially when you are running out in your local neighborhood . I will also try to do my part to welcome other runners, help pace and have a conversation with anyone who might need it that day. Everyone has a different journey and reason for getting out there. Being nice to any runner, new or old might be a difference in someone’s day or life.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Running with different running groups helped my reputation. At the beginning you can say it was intimidating checking out different groups. But the groups I have ran with were all welcoming. The running community might be big but it is a small world. But still big enough to continue making new friends. I have met so many amazing people, road runners, trail runners, weight lifters and ambassadors to so many great brands. We all follow each other on social media, inspire each other and even run together now. This running world has saved me and each person I have met has impacted me in a positive way. I hope everyone of my friends and followers know that I truly appreciate them all. As well as my family and kids who continue to support me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: ladyinred_83
• Linkedin: Stephanie Morales
• Other: TikTok: @cubanmexbunny

Image Credits

@photos_nataliemarie