Women in Technology: Crystal Baldwin

Liquid Web’s Support Operations Manager on why she loves working in tech, the amazing people at Liquid Web, and her best accomplishment—her sons.

Crystal Baldwin grew up in Mason, Michigan. “We were the sort of family that had dinner together every night on the dinner table,” she says. “ Our family vacations were at all times at a cabin on one in all the numerous lakes in Michigan. We’d fish, water ski, and go tubing together.”

Baldwin has at all times been a employee. She began babysitting at 12, then at 16 began working on the local food market, Felpausch. “At Felpausch, I did as much as I could to grow and learn.” She began as a bagger, then moved to supply and cashier before taking a management position at 19—all while ending highschool and attending college.

But tech is a brand new adventure for Baldwin, who began at Liquid Web just over nine months ago. “I used to be seeking to learn something recent, challenge myself, and step out of my comfort zone,” she says. “I had at all times been interested by Liquid Web, and heard so many good things in regards to the company from others. After I saw a gap in management, I seized the chance and applied. It’s so rewarding to be among the many amazing women currently working within the tech field.”

At Liquid Web, Baldwin is a Support Operations Manager, working with employees who provide direct support to customers needing assistance with various internet hosting services. What she loves most about working in tech is the people. “The people I get the chance to work with and learn from are amazingly helpful humans. There may be a lot talent and brainpower here! If utilized appropriately, Liquid Web’s success has no limits.”

The variety of backgrounds and the wealth of information embodied by her coworkers continues to be a pleasing surprise for Baldwin. “Don’t judge a book by its cover is a very good rule,” she says. “A lot untapped potential makes it very exciting to look toward the long run.”

Baldwin says she’s been lucky enough to be surrounded by great people throughout her life; these personal and skilled relationships have contributed to her growth and success. Most influential in her profession journey, though, has been her father. “All of it stems from strong roots,” she says. “Seeing how driven and hardworking he was, it was essential for me to make him proud. He was my motivation and the one which at all times told me I could do anything. If I said I can’t, he would correct me and say, ‘You may do anything, but you’ve to work for it.’ He was right.”

Of every little thing Baldwin has achieved, her proudest accomplishments are her two boys, 16-year-old Brandon, and 9-year-old Noah. “I really like watching my oldest son play soccer. Spending time with my kids, playing board games, or having a very good conversation is my favorite strategy to spend a day. My boys are very different, but each are a joy to spend time with.” When she’s not spending time along with her kids, Baldwin enjoys doing anything crafty—drawing, painting, knitting, and sewing, to call just a few.

As she grows with Liquid Web, Baldwin’s primary goal is to make every process more efficient, to search out one of the best strategy to utilize resources and employees. “You will have to actually understand what your employees do, what their strengths and weaknesses are, so you may best align each individual throughout the company to make your collaboration as successful as possible.”

Baldwin is fascinated with examining what will be automated, streamlined, and even eliminated to best fit the needs of consumers and employees. “I ask numerous questions, so I fully understand what’s being done and why we’re doing it a certain way. It’s important to know the history before moving into future changes or improvements.”

She is motivated by a desire to assist others develop and grow to realize their dreams and seeing those dreams come to fruition. “A component of being a powerful leader is constructing others up around you, recognizing when someone’s talent is underutilized, and helping talented individuals showcase their skills.”

To Baldwin, the long run of girls in technology looks promising, though not without its challenges. “The outlook appears to be improving, but more work stays. The number of girls in tech is slowly but surely growing. Today, there are more women in tech leadership positions than ever before,” she says. “The tech industry isn’t only for men. The more women that join tech, the more that may follow.”