About
About Vicki
Vicki Nieto’s deep understanding of technology and her astute business acumen has provided her opportunities to serve various IT roles in her career in industries such as oil & gas, software and industrial equipment rental. She started her career as an Application Developer and quickly transitioned into leadership positions within ConocoPhillips, Chevron, RSC Equipment Rental and United Rentals. She currently works for ConocoPhillips as the IT Director for Global Production, Wells, Supply Chain, HSE and Corporate Planning & Development. Vicki’s deep passion for business has driven her to cofound two businesses with her husband. Sweet Tea Patio Company and Nieto Creative has allowed her to expand her understanding of basic corporate business principles and apply them to business start-up endeavors. Sweet Tea Patio company specializes in patio maid services and Nieto Creative is a creative agency that offers digital marketing services, web development, graphic design and photography services. Vicki received her Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a focus on Management Information Systems. She currently lives in Houston, TX with her husband and two teenage boys. She is an avid reader, photographer and outdoorswoman that loves hunting, fishing and camping with her family. Scroll down for a few more things…
Grit and Determination
I am proud to say it took me 10 years to get my Bachelor’s Degree. You’re probably thinking “Ten years to get a Bachelor’s Degree, Why is she proud of that?” I did it while working full time during the day, following my military spouse around the country and becoming a parent. I am proud of the fact that I never gave up and have a great appreciation for what it means to demonstrate grit and determination in the pursuit of a goal. While my husband was stationed in Alaska, I completed my degree at the University of Alaska Anchorage, where I earned a BBA in Management Information Systems.
Technology Specialist
I spent 7 years as a Software Application Developer. This job taught me how to take a high level concept, break it down into manageable chunks and create action plans on how to execute it. It also taught me to value the practice of deep work. As described in one of my favorite books, Deep Work by Cal Newport, “Deep work is the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task. It is a skill that allows you to quickly master complicated information and produce better results in less time.” This skill has benefited me in all areas of my life and I am proud to say that I still practice it daily.
Project Planner and Organizer
I believe I was born a planner and an organizer. At the age of 10 I remember the excitement of receiving one of those little delivery slips in the mail that tells you to come pick up your package from the post office. It had arrived! My very first planner. It was a vinyl, maroon, three ring beauty. It had a calendar, daily planner pages, note pages, a pen holder and even a strap that allowed me to carry it as a purse. I started planning at 10 years old and haven’t stopped. Now I am certified (PMP Certified and Certified Agile ScrumMaster) and get paid to do it!
Leader
Yes, I was that kid bossing everyone around in elementary school when it came to group activities. Luckily, I figured out pretty quickly that leadership was more than bossing people around….so much more. In fact, leadership has nothing to do with bossing people around. Leadership is about setting the direction, empowering people while supporting them throughout the entire journey. Leadership is not a role, it is a behavior.
Lifelong Learner
Learning is, and has always been, one of my core values. I can’t remember when learning became important to me, but I know it wasn’t until after high school. Maybe it was a habit that naturally formed from being in college for so long. I am a voracious learner and read on average 5-7 non-fiction books a month. One of my favorite quotes by Jim Rohn is “Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.”
Entrepreneur
The entrepreneurial spirit showed up for me as a freshman in high school when I started selling custom made keychains. This was the first of many entrepreneurial endeavors. While many of my business ideas never really took off, the “education ” I have received from them is worth far more to me than the ideas themselves.