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Meet Katie Larrieu, who joined Tropic as our Senior Manager of People Operations in back in September 2022. 👋
She is the ultimate resource in supporting and developing our team, helping us stay productive and engaged at work. As for her own growth, she's taken advantage of many opportunities that have challenged herself and helped her grow as a leader.
The moments are there and present and if you allow yourself to lean into those bold bets and act like an owner. Your growth is exponential. Working at Tropic has given me a confidence I didn’t have before because I've had opportunities to challenge and put myself in new positions that foster development.
Learn more about what Women's History Month means to Katie, her most meaningful accomplishment at Tropic, and more.
What does Women's History Month mean to you?
Women’s History Month means a lot to me because I grew up with a single mom, who showed me firsthand the incredible strength and resilience that women possess. She was my superhero.
This month is a time to recognize that daily grind and fierce determination to make things happen. It's about hitting the replay button on all the powerful feats women have had throughout history, celebrating the wins of trailblazing women who have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for the rest of us. Lastly, it’s a reminder of the work that still needs to be done in terms of gender equality and representation.
What inspired you to join the Tropic?
I wanted to be a part of something great and work with a championship team. I knew I would have the opportunity to work with really talented and smart folks. I also loved having the chance to assist and build programs that supported the development of the entire team in reaching not only their goals, but Tropic’s as well.
How have you grown professionally since you joined the team?
I started at Tropic almost a year and a half ago and it’s true what our CEO Dave says about your personal ROI at Tropic. Not only do I surround myself with driven and intelligent people that help me grow and develop in our everyday interactions, but I am also given larger opportunities to challenge myself and learn.
The moments are there and present and if you allow yourself to lean into those bold bets and act like an owner. Your growth is exponential. Working at Tropic has given me a confidence I didn’t have before because I've had opportunities to challenge and put myself in new positions that foster development.
What has been your most meaningful accomplishment at Tropic so far?
I enjoyed putting together the first ever Tropic YOUniversity program in 2023 for individual contributors at the company. It was great seeing this group of people take initiative in their career development and show up to every class as engaged as they were. Being able to create meaningful and comprehensive learning and development experiences to foster growth was very rewarding.
What does a great People Operations team look like to you and what’s your favorite part about working with members of our team?
A great People Ops team looks at their role as a support function to the company. This involves all actions that help employees be productive and engaged at work, from the moment they're hired to the moment they leave. My goal is to be the ultimate resource for our employees–it's what I enjoy working on at Tropic. We truly care about this team and want to provide the programs, resources and opportunities that support and develop everyone at Tropic. 💪
What's a fun fact people would be surprised to know about you?
Not sure if this is a "fun" fact, but I don’t really use any social media. I do have an Instagram account (for occasional scrolling purposes) but I never post on it. I don’t have Facebook, Twitter, TikTok either. It's just not really my thing!
What activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love being outdoors, whether that be hiking in the San Jose hills, skiing in Tahoe, or camping (real camping with a tent 😉) with my husband and family, I enjoy it all. I am so lucky to live in area (San Francisco Bay) where you can see the ocean or the snow and mountains in just a short drive.
If you could choose 2 celebrities to be your parents, who would they be and why?
I would have to choose the Bravo King himself, Andy Cohen. I haven’t met a Bravo Network show I haven't liked and it would be an fun experience to be up close and personal in that world with Andy. I would also choose Dolly Parton because she’s...Dolly Parton. Her kindness and ability to stay true to herself even with her fame is an admirable sign of strength and empowerment for people of all ages and backgrounds. I want to be close to that.
What are three items you cannot live without?
- I hate to say my phone, but at this point I can't lie to myself…I need my phone.
- Coffee is a must, as I drink at least 2 cups every day.
- I can't live without my Apple Watch to track my workouts. I wear it so much that I have a tan line on my wrist; without it, I feel like something is missing.
What’s one thing on your bucket list in life and why?
I haven’t traveled enough outside of the country. I have done plenty of exploring within the states, but it's my priority to travel more to other countries. First stop would be a full trip to Europe, then Egypt, and Australia...all bucket list places to see. ✈️
What piece of advice or lesson would you give to your younger self?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. I wish I had a better grasp on this when I was younger because I wasted too much time worrying about things that did not matter in the long run. Ultimately, I've learned it's best to not focus your energy on things that don't hold significant importance in your life. That has given me freedom.
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