Employee Spotlight
E2open is powered by a strong global network of problem solvers and innovators driven by strong values and our company culture. Together, we are focused on doing what’s right in business and our communities. Every month, we will shine a spotlight on an exceptional team member who is helping us transform the supply chain industry. This month, we held a Q&A with Tara Buchler, VP of Product Management at e2open.
Q: How long have you been working for e2open?
A: I have been at e2open since 2008 and have worked in various roles across Logistics as a Service, Professional Services, and Product Management.
Q: Describe a typical day for you at e2open.
A: I try to start my day with a 20-30 minute workout (Peloton bike or weight training), then I get my two kids off to school before sitting down at my desk. Most days are whirlwind. If possible, I prefer to catch up on emails before taking any calls. Otherwise, most days are filled with meetings – with clients, partners, sales and consulting, services, engineering, client success, support, product management, and so on. Even though many team members are remote or located in other offices, I’m still fortunate to have strong relationships with the coworkers I talk to most frequently and enjoy the time I spend with them. I also block off some quiet time for work that requires deeper thinking, like reading, analyzing, researching, and writing responses. I’m yet to adopt a digital to–do list (despite multiple tries), so before logging off I organize my paper to–do list to make sure I have a plan of attack for the following day.
Q: How do you continue learning and growing as a professional?
A: I pick up industry and domain insights through trade memberships and publications and leverage relationships with industry experts – this helps me grow as a supply chain and product management practitioner. I’m also part of e2open’s Women’s Network (WIN), which is a great group that facilitates a lot of conversations about how to grow both personally and professionally.
Q: Describe e2open in two words.
A: I would describe e2open as collaborative and mission-critical.
Q: What do you love the most about your job?
A: Hands down, my coworkers. I love being part of a broad team that I respect, which is built on a culture of being supportive and collaborative. Plus, they’re a good group of people that I enjoy spending time with.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about the city/town you currently live in?
A: I live in West Michigan, and I appreciate the beauty of the four seasons. Don’t get me wrong, winter feels very long, but there are so many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors…our beaches and the Great Lakes can’t be beat.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
A: Most of my bucket list is travel-related – the one I’ve yet to convince my family to consider is sailing from Florida to the Dry Tortugas. It’s still on the list, though!
Q: How do you like to spend your free time?
A: My family keeps me very busy – I have a 12 year old son and 9 year old daughter. My husband and I both spend a fair amount of time chauffeuring them and cheering them on at various sporting events. The upside is we’ve met a lot of great friends over the years as our kids have become more involved in school and our community! I also enjoy reading, cooking (but not baking…cooking is an art, and baking is a science…), and traveling.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
A: I would go to any ski hill with a decent amount of snow, with great beginner trails (because I’m a terrible skier), and a strong après ski game (because that’s half the fun).
Q: What is one thing you can’t live without?
A: I don’t want to live without my three cups of Ferris Kent Club coffee with Starbucks Caramel Macchiato creamer. It’s possible to do without it, but I appreciate the ritual and indulgence of starting the day this way!
E2open is a purpose-driven, people-powered company that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are always on the lookout for creative problem solvers, so if you are interested in joining an innovative technology company, we encourage you to check out our careers page to see if e2open is the right fit for you.
