Having learned from one of the legends of the accounts receivable management and debt buying industries, it’s no wonder that Shannon Battani has forged a successful career for herself. Even though she is someone who relishes in helping her colleagues and co-workers, Battani understands the importance of being a good listener. Read on to learn more about Shannon, the reality show she would most like to be a part of, and how she gets more done by 9am than you get done in a day.
Name: Shannon Battani
Current Role/Job Title: Director of Legal Operations
Company: Unifund
Length of time at current company: 7 months
Length of time in industry: 27 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I started in the industry at Asset Acceptance LLC as an admin in 1996. I worked in the Legal department at Asset Acceptance for Bud Reitzel for 18 years while working my way up in the company.
What is your career highlight so far?
I feel like the highlight to me is working with any person or process that I am able to help develop. I strive to help people grow and to streamline processes. At the end of the day it is what makes me feel successful.
When or how are you most productive?
I am a morning person, so I feel like that is where I thrive in productivity. Even outside of work, on the weekends, I can have most of my tasks done and errands ran by 9am.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
This is a hard question because there are so many to select from. If I had to pick just one, I would go with Bud Reitzel. He provided my introduction into the industry. He was an amazing entrepreneur and caring man. He provided so much knowledge and at the same time made you feel like family. He really framed my future in the industry and I am glad I was able to know him.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I don’t know that I do it better than everyone else but I do pride myself in my integrity within the work that I do and the way that I treat people.
What do you like most about this industry?
The thing that I like most about the industry is how closely connected we are. Even though it is a larger industry and people move around, we tend to stay in touch kind of like a very large family.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
If I could change anything, I would make it a little less competitive. Working together more and sharing of best practices.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I would own a pet animal sanctuary. While living in Arizona, I volunteered at a Aimee’s Farm Animal Sanctuary regularly and it was one of the best experiences I have had.
Describe a typical work day
My work day definitely starts with coffee. Even though I am a morning person, it gets the day going. From there I address the urgent needs and requests and then prioritize the to-do list for the day so that I am able to tackle what I need to in the day.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Well… reality TV. Yes, I was whispering that. Lol. In my mind, I am in line for a spot on the next Housewives show. I do think that I do not argue and drink enough to fully qualify, but I am up for a challenge!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Hearing is an important professional skill. Take time to listen to understand and not to respond and it will simplify the process and gain respect.
What are you currently reading?
A lot of LinkedIn training modules. I am putting together a plan to help develop future leaders in our organization and the LinkedIn modules have provided helpful information to assist in that.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
One of my favorite quotes is “It’s fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure” and I use that to find opportunities for improvement in all I do and am.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Kacey Rask – VP of Portfolio Servicing
