Liz Mackay’s Post

Five years has never passed so quickly. I remember interviewing for my first role at Amazon and being asked "Why Amazon?" Obviously, there are tons of reasons and ways to explain why Amazon. Just to start the list: 1) the chance to work at an innovative, world-class company, 2) the opportunity to work at the most customer-centric company, 3) entering a culture that challenges my brain to level up and my ego to get a little smaller, 4) getting to bring my dog to work… the list goes on. I decided to answer with what mattered most to me. "I want to go somewhere where I can plant roots and still be challenged to stretch and grow every day. I want novelty and the option to build my career in new directions while I continue to grow as a professional and the ability to do that all within one company." Mission accomplished. I've learned, stretched, and grown in more ways than I could have imagined since onboarding. Last year on my Amaversary, I offered up four lessons for four years at Amazon. This year my advice is be audacious, tenacious, and humble. Have the audacity to think you can learn and do new things, the tenacity to hang in there through the discomfort of learning, and the humbleness to understand you will always be learning. I'm grateful for all of the learnings, experiences, and connections these past 5 years have brought. Excited for all the learnings that will come with my yellow-badge era. #Amazon #Amaversary #5years #yellowbadge

2017 - one of the best career years. Not just because I got to win a bunch of awards. But, for the experiences I gathered working with the smartest, brightest and probably some very tenacious people I can think of. A project I worked during the time involved me to learn coding - something I haven't dabbled after college. I wasn't just Naive in what I was doing, I was in many ways stupid - and generously at it. What seemed like the only way to come out of the box, actually became a gold standard project that I later implemented in two different organisations. Amazon knows it as RADAR and Google would know it as Mayday. But if it were not for the tenacity of the people I worked for, I would have continued to pull from my old wells. But an important lesson I have gathered from working with these leaders - is the need for external validation. At the time, I needed it. And my leaders were generous to provide me with it. A few years down, validation from others became so rare - if not non existent. Criticism in the form of "feedback" became common place. So, I was left to wonder - am I doing the right things ? Am I bringing value to the table ? And enough for what I'm being paid ? Self-confidence is precious. I've learnt to be deeply protective about it. People who choose to be authentic put all of themselves out there - I would like to believe I'm one of them. Losing self-confidence comes from a lack of trust in themselves. But losing self-confidence is a choice. And I learnt it that year. #amazonstories #selfConfidence #successMantra

I am grateful for the opportunity to attend the Amazon Summer Series event! This was a chance to gain deeper insights into Amazon’s culture and hiring process. The event provided a comprehensive look into the wide variety of roles available, their customer-centric approach, and the leadership principles that drive Amazon’s success. As someone with a background in customer service, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Amazon’s Customer Obsession. Hearing how this principle is the backbone of their operations and how prioritizing customers can lead to incredible results. My key take away was finding the role of data-driven decision-making, even in non-technical roles. The panelists shared how being able to interpret data and using it for solving real-world problems is critical at Amazon. They showcased how innovation and continuous improvement are truly embedded in the company culture—where every day is seen as “Day 1.” 💡 Tips for anyone considering applying to Amazon: Be ready to learn and stay curious—Amazon is a place where learning never stops, and curiosity is key. Think big and be customer-obsessed—Amazon is all about finding bold, creative ways to deliver for its customers. Take ownership and earn trust—You need to own your decisions and actions while building trust with your team. Get skilled with data—No matter your background, understanding data and how to use it will give you an edge. Bring your innovation with you; you would need them! *For your application process, remember your STAR technique. Thanks to Amazon for this opportunity. Special thanks to Sophie Neely and Giorgia Piffer for putting together this wholesome event and to the amazing panelists. Kindly repost to your network to help someone who needs this. #AmazonSummerSeries #LeadershipPrinciples #AmazonGraduateRoles #Innovation

#Amaversary Celebrating seven years at Amazon today! The 'every-day' passes so swiftly, that a milestone like 'seven years' tends to make you a little reflective. If there is one thing that continually makes working at Amazon a delightful experience for me, it is our culture of invention. Sharing my favorite 4 quotes that reflect this culture best.  Could I have chosen 7 quotes for 7 years - sure! But that's another thing I've learnt - don't follow something just bcz it is status quo 😋 Here we go: 1. “We are stubborn on vision. We are flexible on details.” 2. “Our success at Amazon is a function of how many experiments we do per year, per month, per week, per day. If you double the number of experiments you do per year, you’re going to double your inventiveness.” 3. "We need big failures in order to move the needle. If we don’t, we’re not swinging enough. You really should be swinging hard, and you will fail, but that’s okay." 4. "Keep inventing, and don’t despair when at first the idea looks crazy. Remember to wander. Let curiosity be your compass. It remains Day 1" Looking forward to more of this! 😀

Looking back at these awards and certificates reminds me of the dedication and perseverance I poured into my role at Amazon. Whether it was driving impactful results, collaborating with diverse teams, or delivering exceptional customer experiences, each recognition tells a story of growth, resilience, and passion for excellence. After 3 amazing years at Amazon, I made the decision to take on a new challenge: pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science to deepen my technical expertise and broaden my horizons. This journey has been a leap of faith, but it’s driven by my unwavering commitment to personal and professional development. My goal? To return to Amazon—stronger, more skilled, and ready to contribute at an even higher level. I’m eager to blend my technical knowledge with my operational experience to deliver innovative solutions and continue making a difference. For now, I’m cherishing these milestones as reminders of what hard work and a growth mindset can achieve. Let’s connect if you're looking for someone with a proven track record of excellence, a thirst for learning, and a drive to make an impact! #HardWorkPaysOff #Amazon #MastersInComputerScience #Achievements #CareerGrowth #OpenToOpportunities

How Amazon employees are driving to new careers in transportation through our Career Choice program.

Last Tuesday marked my 6th anniversary at Amazon! From Day One, it’s been a journey filled with growth, challenges, and unforgettable experiences. I’m incredibly grateful for the remarkable people, inspiring leaders, and innovative projects that have shaped my path here. In classic Amazonian fashion, I’d like to share some data to put things in perspective: - I’m now more tenured than 88% of all Amazonians and 97% of the team in Mexico. - I’ve had the privilege of working with 5 outstanding managers and learning from 3 incredible mentors. - I was part of launching a global project/startup, which required me to build a world class team from scratch (185+ interviews to date). Today, I’m fortunate to work with an amazing group of smart, driven, and genuinely good people. One of my proudest achievements is having promoted 9 exceptional Amazonians, who continue to make a significant impact within my team and the wider International Expansions organization. To commemorate this milestone, I’d like to share 5 key lessons I’ve learned: 1) Leadership Principles: Every company should have its own set of Leadership Principles (aka. values, guiding principles, etc.). At Amazon, our 16 LP's guide decision-making, hiring, evaluations, and strategy. It’s now tough to live my personal life without considering these principles. 2) Communication: Effective communication (both written and verbal) is crucial for thriving as a leader. 3) Data and Mechanisms: Having data and the ability to analyze it is essential, but equally important is building the right mechanisms with your team to review, analyze, and make decisions based on that data. 4) Team: Building an amazing team around you is key. Leave your ego at the door and surround yourself with people who are smarter and complement your unique skills. 5) Risk and Failure: Embrace risks and fail fast. Own your failures, protect your team, learn from your mistakes, and build mechanisms to prevent similar failures in the future. Here’s to many more years of growth and innovation! #AmazonAnniversary #Day1 #ItsStillDay1 #InternationalExpansions #DIP

Today marks the end of an incredible chapter! After seven enriching years at Amazon, filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences, it's time for me to bid farewell to this remarkable journey. When I joined Amazon on February 13, 2017, I embarked on a voyage that transcended mere employment—it became a transformative part of my life. Over the years, I had the privilege of embracing four distinct roles within this dynamic ecosystem, each offering unique challenges and opportunities. Amazon's legendary Day 1 culture has been my guiding light, instilling in me the relentless pursuit of innovation, the courage to embrace ambiguity, and the unwavering commitment to deliver results that matter. The customer-centric ethos ingrained in every aspect of our work has fundamentally shaped my mindset, fostering a deep-seated understanding of "Customer Obsession" as not just a principle, but a way of life. Reflecting on this journey, I'm profoundly grateful for the incredible colleagues who have been my mentors, collaborators, and friends. Together, we've tackled challenges head-on, celebrated victories, and forged bonds that transcend the confines of the workplace. Your passion, dedication, and shared pursuit of excellence have been the cornerstone of our collective success. Our paths may diverge, but the indelible imprint of our time together will forever remain. As I bid farewell, I carry with me invaluable lessons and experiences that will continue to shape my path ahead. Here's to new beginnings, continued growth, and the enduring bonds forged through shared experiences. Farewell, Amazon—it's been an honor and a privilege. #Amazon #LeadershipPrinciples #Day1Culture #CustomerObsession #Grateful #NewBeginnings

🌟 Celebrating Three Years at Amazon 🌟 On November 8th marked three years since I joined Amazon, and it’s been an incredible journey of growth, resilience, and learning. Moving to a new city and embracing change has taught me so much about myself, my goals, and the power of adaptability. Being away from family has deepened my appreciation for my roots, and I’ve realized that I’m most fulfilled when I have clear goals and direction, always striving to go above and beyond. Reflecting on these years, here are the top ten things I’ve learned at Amazon: 1. Leadership Principles in Action: Amazon’s Leadership Principles aren’t just words; they guide decisions, help us grow, and inspire us to deliver results. 2. Embrace Change, Never Settle: Change is constant here, and I’ve learned to keep pushing for innovation and improvement every day. 3. Think Big: At Amazon, I’ve learned no goal is too ambitious if we start with the customer and work backward. 4. Dive Deep: I’ve become comfortable exploring details to solve issues that drive both short- and long-term success. 5. Taking Risks and Learning Fast: I’ve been encouraged to take bold steps and make decisions quickly. Each experience adds value and insight. 6. Expanding My Scope - Recruiting in LATAM: Being asked to recruit in LATAM was a new challenge, teaching me the importance of cultural understanding and broadening my perspective. 7. Writing as a Core Skill: Clear, concise writing drives alignment and transparency, and I’ve embraced it as a powerful tool for impact. 8. Seek Diverse Perspectives: Working here has shown me how diversity in thought and background enhances every project. 9. Be Obsessed with the Customer: This principle drives us to exceed expectations and deliver true value. 10. Never Stop Learning: Amazon has taught me the importance of staying curious and embracing every chance to grow. I’m grateful for the colleagues I’ve met along the way and for the relationships that will stay with me wherever I go. Here’s to many more years of growth, challenges, and impact at Amazon! 🚀 #Amazon #Leadership #CareerJourney #Growth #Learning #Positivity #LatinosAtAmaxon #glamazon #PXT

Farewell, Amazon Yesterday marked my last day at Amazon, closing a chapter I’m immensely grateful for as I step into a new opportunity, which I’ll share soon. Reflecting on my time here, there are a few lessons that truly shaped me: 1. No Simple Days – As a Marine Corps veteran and former law enforcement officer, I’m no stranger to challenges. However, Amazon presented a whole new set of challenges. The pace and complexity of this environment in regards to driving strategic advice for multi-million dollar corporations pushed me in areas that were new to me. 2. Imposter Syndrome – I’ve faced tough situations before, but I hadn’t experienced imposter syndrome until I joined Amazon. To my surprise, it’s common, and I learned that even those at the top sometimes question themselves. Discovering that shared vulnerability made me realize how much growth happens outside your comfort zone. I truly believe after sitting through some interview processes that each person is hired only if they have necessary skills. I saw several tenured individuals not get recommended for roles while others less tenured did. So if you land the role know you can do the role! 3. The saying, “Every day is Day 1” holds true. My role involved building partnerships in challenging areas like cost negotiations and vendor relationships with some of Amazon’s strategic vendor accounts—skills that aren’t always easy to master but are critical in business. Many say two years in Amazon’s AVS role is equivalent to an MBA; while I don’t have my MBA (yet), I can see why people draw that comparison and will update once I have completed an MBA. To my Amazon team, especially Jacob Hein, Daniel Sotoamaya, EMBA Trinity August and Samantha Zieber, MSC. —thank you for your mentorship, friendship, and support throughout my time. If you’re looking for a challenge that will refine your skills and push you to grow, Amazon is an incredible stepping stone. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the journey. #AmazonLife, #CareerGrowth, #Leadership, and #VeteranLinkedIn will also help boost visibility. Good luck with your next steps!