Cox Business provides voice, data and video services for more than 290,000 small and regional businesses, including healthcare providers, K-12 and higher education, financial institutions and federal, state and local government organizations. Cox Business is one of the largest providers of business Ethernet services in the U.S. and in the last 11 years has been recognized with 15 J.D. Power & Associates awards. Diana Tedrow is the Director of Sales for Cox Business.
How did you get started in the business? – I was a history major and when I graduated from college, a family member mentioned that I might want to apply for a sales job while trying to find a position in my field. More than 20 years later I am still in sales. It was fortuitous for me as I have found communications to be a dynamic and engaging industry that affords opportunities to truly help businesses maximize their potential.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – When you see significant potential in an employee and they do not want to fulfill it. You cannot want something for someone else more than they want it for themselves. Our job is to provide the skills, tools, and opportunity – it is up to the employee if they will take advantage of what is provided to them.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Seeing employees achieve successes, whatever that means for them personally and professionally. I have facilitated development programs to ensure staff was equipped to take advantage of career opportunities and better their life/career trajectories for themselves and their families.
Tell me a little about your family. – I have been married for 19+ years to my husband Brian Tedrow. I have three sons – Blake 17, Parker 16, and Logan 9. My husband has taken on a role we never expected when two of our sons had some challenges that required a lot of doctor visits, additional overlay programs at school, and special care at home. Brian has been a stay at home father to ensure we had the attention and flexibility to give our children whatever structure they needed to ensure their best outcomes.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – My biggest turning point was when I went into foster care at 16. I was very blessed to have the best role models and selfless foster parents who taught me that to those much is given – much is expected. They gave me a sense of responsibility to others and passion for making a difference.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Go to movies with my family; we truly enjoy a great film (and popcorn).
What are you the most proud of? – My three sons that have tremendous hearts and care deeply for their family and friends.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Be true to yourself because that will be your value compass throughout life.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – History Museum Tour Guide
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Shackleton’s Way by Stephanie Capparell and Margot Morrell.
What is your favorite movie? – Tie: Gone with the Wind and Glory
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Too many to mention! Omaha has an amazing variety of fabulous restaurant choices for a family that utilizes that amenity often.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – By email at Diana.Tedrow@Cox.com or by phone at (402) 934-0241.