When Mattie Farnsworth packed her belongings into her brother’s truck and moved five hours away to Atlanta, a career in tech wasn’t even on her radar. But after a series of bold moves—including crashing a career fair—she found herself in the world of IT sales. Fast forward a few years, and Mattie is now one of GEP’s top performers, leading multi-million-dollar deals and proving that trusting your instincts and showing up—even when you’re not on the guest list—can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Hustling in Hospitality
Mattie didn’t set out to work in sales—let alone technology. Fresh out of college and juggling multiple jobs in the hospitality industry, she wanted something bigger. While bartending at a private country club, she found herself surrounded by business leaders and high achievers, absorbing their insights like a sponge.
Encouraged by conversations she overheard, she took a chance, walked into a sales hiring fair (uninvited!) and just went for it. With no formal sales experience—but a natural knack for connecting with people—she networked, handed out résumés, and walked away with her first job in IT sales. That brave, unplanned move set her on a path that would eventually lead her to GEP.
Overcoming Challenges and Owning the Room
Breaking into a male-dominated industry is no small feat, but Mattie never let that stop her. From her first gig selling office supplies to making a name for herself in software sales, she took every opportunity to learn, grow, and, most importantly, make sure she wasn’t underestimated.
When GEP came calling, she was ready for a new challenge. Stepping into a fast-paced, high-stakes sales role at a global company was intimidating, but instead of second-guessing herself, she doubled down. Within her first year, she hit quota (a first for a new hire), landed one of the biggest deals in company history, and made it clear she wasn’t here to play small.
Leadership, Impact and Taking Up Space
For women looking to break into sales, tech, or leadership roles, Mattie’s advice is refreshingly direct. First: Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself—everyone started somewhere, and the right connection can open unexpected doors. Surround yourself with people who push you to be better: smart, driven peers who challenge you, and a few optimists who can balance out your inner skeptic.
And whatever you do, don’t shrink yourself. Speak up, lead with confidence, and make sure people remember you—for the right reasons.
Just as important, Mattie believes in celebrating other women—loudly and publicly. She uses platforms like LinkedIn to share career lessons, spotlight the successes of women making an impact, and push back against the idea that success is a solo climb.
“Historically, men bring their friends along as they move up, while women sometimes see each other as competition. We need to change that,” she says. “There’s room for all of us at the top—and trust me, it’s more fun when we’re up here together.”
A Culture That Champions Women at GEP
One of the things Mattie values most about GEP is the company’s commitment to supporting women. From leadership representation to equitable promotion practices, she sees firsthand how women are given real opportunities to grow. “I’m often the only woman in the room, but I’ve never felt more supported in my career,” she says.
Mattie’s journey is proof that with confidence, resilience, and a bit of fearlessness, anything is possible.
