Today we’d like to introduce you to Trey Easter.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hello! I always get a little confused/nervous with this question, only because I feel like everyone’s story changes. I also think most would agree that the best stories have multiple chapters and books within the “series,” and I see my life in the same way.
From a professional standpoint, I’ve arrived at the Senior Manager level after eight years within the IT Audit field at Protiviti – a global Risk and Consulting firm. I can say this wasn’t a career I originally pursued during my undergrad years at Texas A&M, but through a friend’s recommendation for an internship, I tapped into something that just seemed to fit. I’m a detail-oriented person who has a love of figuring out how things work, especially as it relates to aspects of information technology. To my surprise, IT Audit hit all of those buttons, helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, foster lasting relationships, and own the representation of my authentic self as a black gay cis-male in the workplace. By far, the latter was, and still is, the most challenging to maintain. However, this opened the door for myself to cooperatively establish an enhanced mentorship program in the office, focusing on encouraging others to nurture the harmony between their work and authentic selves.
Personally, I’m very much team “boujee on a budget.” Whether that’s for vacation destinations, hotels, food, clothes, etc., I prefer to not pay too much for a good experience. Thus, #treycation was born in 2015! Granted, I’m not an established travel blogger (yet), but I do like to inspire those that do follow my travels to just take the trip. There are a multitude of resources that will help you get to where you want to go, without needing to spend two months of rent. Along with chipping away at the fear of solo travel some have. With a lot of destinations reopening, I’m hoping to continue inspiring others with blooper story posts and colorful photos.
During the 2020 quarantine, I was able to have a mental reset and find those “things” that truly brought me happiness. To my surprise, gardening topped the list, fostered by volunteer work at the South Dallas Community Garden, as the activity abided by the social distancing rules that that time. By 2021, this evolved into a curiosity for the buzzy pollinators that we often see on flowers throughout the warmer months. I decided to take a class at Texas Bee Supply and now manage three beehives right in my backyard! It has become such a rewarding passion that I could not have imagined myself doing before. Just seeing how each hive collects pollen, nectar, and water so differently, learning their communication styles, and what *not* to do if you’d like to avoid being stung (I’m up to 18 stings since 8/2021) has truly been a unique experience. I’m hoping to start selling honey this fall; look out for updates on @beeaster.tx!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I think the biggest struggle across my professional and personal endeavors have been: learning to protect myself first. My default is to go above and beyond to help others, being the team player, to see everything succeed. While some appreciate that, it can be very taxing on myself emotionally, not leaving much for my own aspirations. It created feelings of resentment in both areas, but ultimately undefined boundaries were the root of it all. Recognizing this in myself, and solidifying boundaries has helped me to move forward in my goals.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Senior IT Audit Manager at Protiviti, a Global Risk, and Consulting firm, here in Dallas. My expertise lies in assessing IT General Controls for a portfolio of 10+ clients (various companies and corporations) via managing different teams of Managers, Seniors, and Consultants. Even though everyone is trained in the same way, performing relatively the same work, we are each encouraged to develop our own personal brands. This helps to gain more choice on clients and projects that may otherwise be presented to others.
For myself, my personal brand is a mix of relationship repair and teaching. Oftentimes, client relations will wane for different reasons, resulting in a request for a team refresh. Other times, a critical mass is reached, and a replacement is needed quickly. I’m typically brought in to help mend that relationship, which some say is a “secret sauce”, but I always have seen it as simply listening to what clients have to say. Understanding where they are coming from to determine how to help, instead of simply telling them what to do. Internally, I am a big fan of teaching the team the mechanics of the project vs. having them simply rinse and repeat. I find that the work quality is much better, and the team becomes more confident in themselves, which is essential as they move up within the company.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Lots! My current favorite is @blackforager on IG. Her personality is just so infectiously positive and uplifting, while simultaneously providing such educational content. She truly makes my day with her posts.
The Read podcast is my go-to for work/road trips/needs for laughter. I have no idea how they stay up to date on all the things they talk about, but the weekly reads are truly works of art.
Also, shout-out to Snapseed and InShot for the great photo and video editing tools.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/treyeastuhh
- Other: www.msha.ke/treyeastuhh
