Danielle Lapaglia

FactorSoft System Administrator, ENGS Commercial Capital, LLC, a division of ENGS Commercial Finance Co.

40 Under 40 Category: Software

Biography:

Danielle LaPaglia is the FactorSoft system administrator for ENGS Commercial Capital and has been working in the commercial finance industry since 2007. As the FactorSoft system administrator, she leads all day-to-day operations of the FactorSoft application and makes recommendations to improve business process and efficiencies.

Before joining ENGS, Danielle worked for ProfitStars, formerly known as Bayside Business Solutions. She started as an implementation project manager where she was responsible for new client implementations, product development, software training, and technical support. In her last role at ProfitStars as a QA analyst, Danielle assured the quality of the software and ensured that program changes and enhancements met functional and design specifications.

Originally from New Jersey, Danielle lives in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, with her husband and their two young boys. Outside of work, Danielle enjoys reading and traveling with her family.

What is the best professional advice you have been given and how have you implemented it?

Looking back at all the professional advice I’ve been given, the information that has had the most impact on my career is to take initiative and be resourceful. I learned this early on and have applied this immensely throughout my life. This piece of advice has been instrumental in the progression of my career.

As far as how I implement this, I pride myself on having a strong work ethic, do my best to deliver expectations on time, and continually seek ways to grow and expand my skills. The fact that I love what I do and have a passion for helping people succeed drives my need to take initiative and do whatever it takes to complete the goal or task at hand. Another way I apply the advice I’ve been given is by being intentional about what I do. I’ve learned that it is more efficient to be proactive, which requires planning and strategy, rather than to be reactive.

How would you define what a good leader is, and what can you do to reflect those characteristics as you progress in your career?

I would define a good leader as someone who leads by example, holds integrity in the highest regard, and can be empathetic towards others. Empathy is an amazing tool that can be used to understand others and cultivate relationships. By devoting time and energy into understanding people, a leader can gain trust and effectively lead.

I’ve been blessed with knowing several great leaders throughout my life whom I admire and have influenced my life significantly. Their guidance and support have been vital to my success and personal life. These role models have set an example of the type of person that I want to be in my professional life and at home by exemplifying these traits. I try to reflect these characteristics by placing an emphasis on being honest and exercising strong ethical principles. I also strive to be empathetic towards others, understanding of their needs, and offer the support and wisdom that has been shared with me.

What advice do you normally give to the junior talent you mentor/what advice would you give to forthcoming generation of talent aspiring to win this award?

My advice to the younger generation is to never stop learning. Continually ask questions and never stop growing. When you feel that you’ve become comfortable in your position, that is when you know it is time to challenge yourself. This could be by taking a class to further your knowledge in the industry, volunteering to help in an outside area/department where you can develop your skills or consider advancing your career by speaking to your manager about potential opportunities within the company.

Another significant way you can grow is through people. Allow yourself to receive guidance and direction from others. Know that you won’t always have the answer and that it is okay to accept or ask for help. Not every encounter you have with others will be a positive one, but through it you will become a better person if you allow yourself to learn from the experience. Most importantly, surround yourself with influential people who challenge you. Look up to those you respect, who hold a higher position than you, so that you’re always seeking to grow both personally and professionally.