Procise Proud: Meet our team

Employee Spotlight: Betsy Sween - From the Classroom to IT  

At Procise, we’re proud to have a team with diverse experiences and unique journeys. After years in education, Betsy transitioned into the tech world, blending her passion for helping others with the power of Microsoft 365 tools. Today, she partners with clients to streamline processes and enhance collaboration, proving that lifelong learning and embracing change can unlock new opportunities.

What led you to pursue a career in tech/IT?
I spent twenty years working in education, and when I determined it was time for a change, I wanted to transition into a career that still involved working with people and had an educational component. IT wasn’t my first thought, but two of my siblings, both with backgrounds as trainers in the field, helped me see the connection.

Tell us about your career and education journey. What brought you to work at Procise?
I grew up in Hastings, MN, and had a wonderful experience in piano, choir, and band. From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in education, and my childhood experiences in music pointed me toward a career in music education, with a particular passion for adolescent development. I earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in Instructional Strategies from Augustana College (now University) in Sioux Falls, SD. For twenty years, I taught in public schools, primarily middle school, and directed choirs in community and church settings. It was an amazing experience, and I still miss working with middle schoolers. Still, I knew it was time for a change.

My sister Connie suggested that I come work with her at CB Technology Solutions, where she put me on the fast-track to understanding the Microsoft 365 tools and how they work together. It was an intense learning curve. However, it turned out to be a great fit for my skill set. At the time, she was also a contractor for Procise Solutions, so I was able to collaborate with her on projects and get to know Jim Burns and his team. After about a year of working with Connie, I joined Procise Solutions full-time. I continue to be grateful for the time she spent mentoring me, and she continues to be a guiding influence in my career.

What tools or platforms do you use the most?
I primarily work with Microsoft 365’s three main collaboration tools: SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive. I also use supporting tools like Microsoft Planner, Microsoft Forms, Outlook, and, of course, the Microsoft Office tools. My favorite part is automation. I love helping clients streamline their processes and make repetitive tasks more efficient.

What is your favorite type of project to work on?
I love working on Microsoft Teams projects. Teams is still a relatively new Microsoft tool but has the potential to improve so much about how we work with our colleagues. It integrates all my favorite Microsoft and third-party tools into one spot solving many past pain points, such as managing unwieldy folder structures, sharing materials, versioning, and email bloat.

What do you enjoy the most about your work?
The people. The Procise family is wonderful. I felt welcomed here from day one. Technology evolves so rapidly that there is no way to be successful without constantly learning.  I have a team of colleagues who don’t hesitate to help, teach or point each other in the right direction to find a successful solution for our clients. Speaking of clients, I have great ones. Every interaction provides a chance to not only support their goals but also gain valuable insights into their industries, challenges, and successes. It’s this dynamic exchange of knowledge and teamwork that makes what I do so rewarding.

What are your passions or hobbies outside of work?
I play piano and sing whenever I have the opportunity. I also read, knit, and like going on long walks while listening to podcasts. Living in northern Minnesota, I take advantage of the outdoors and kayak whenever I can.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I’m truly okay not having an answer to your question right away. It took me a long time to get to this point. As a teacher trained in a pre-internet era, I felt like I had to know the answer to every question before it was even asked, I thought that was what it meant to be prepared.

In our world now, that scholarly approach to education or leadership isn’t always necessary and frankly becoming more and more impossible. The key now is to have enough foundational knowledge in your subject area and an awareness of the resources to get up-to-date answers when you need them. I have become so much more comfortable saying “I’m not sure, but I’ll get back to you on that”. It has led to a calmer existence for me and helped me with my imposter syndrome.

I am impressed by the way this approach and mindset is changing the culture in workplaces for the better. More and more leaders are confidently turning to their team as resources and empowering those who work for them, rather than fearing that they will look like a poor leader if they don’t have the answer. I have witnessed better collaboration and open communication when people work together and greater acceptance that things change rapidly and it’s okay not to know everything. The best approach is to be a lifelong learner.

What’s your favorite animal?
Cats! I have two elderly cats who are my office companions during the day. They make me laugh and help me feel less lonely on quiet days.