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In my previous post, I wrote about the great potential of Millennials. How do we help them reach this potential and motivate them to perform at their best? I think it starts with respect. They have lots of ideas that they will want to share. They are not afraid to go to the CEO during their first week of work and to make suggestions. This happened to me recently, and the suggestions were good. Listen to them. Hear them out. You may need to advise them on the “how” and “when,” but do not dismiss them. Keep them engaged.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Millennials are not patient. They want a lot of responsibility fast, so give it to them. They will surprise you with what they can do. Empower them or risk losing them to another employer or losing their full commitment and energy. Approaches like Ken Blanchard’s Situational Leadership® II and Situational Self Leadership are structured ways that can help both managers and their Millennial team members. Managers can learn how best to lead and develop their people according to their needs. And Millennial team members can learn to develop effective self-leadership and self-reliance.
Here are a few tips for mentoring and coaching your Millennial team members:
We have been blessed with some incredible generations that have built and maintained our country. The founding fathers fought for our independence and constituted the great federal and state governmental institutions that are still the engine of our country. The Civil War generation gave its life and blood to preserve our country and end slavery. The WWII generation toiled through a horrible Great Depression and led the defeat of Hitler’s Nazi regime and of Japanese imperialism.
The Millennial generation, which includes those born between 1981 and 2000, seems to get bad press. “Entitled,” “lazy” and having “unrealistic expectations” are words often used to describe Millennials. Indeed, every generation seems to underestimate the next. Plato wrote 2,500 years ago how his contemporaries worried that the next generation of Athenians were too soft, not hard working and wanted success without effort. Every generation since then has likely expressed the same judgments about the generation following it.
Yet, the young can do amazing things. Alexander the Great conquered most of the civilized world by age 26. Alexander Hamilton was 32, and James Madison was 36 when they led the writing and adoption of the United States Constitution. Albert Einstein was under 30 when he published the great theories that sparked a quantum leap in science and technology. We should never underestimate the next generation of talent.
I believe that Millennials could turn out to be one of the greatest generations of our time. They have three advantages instrumental to their success.
One, they have grown up during the tech revolution, making them the most technologically savvy and information-intensive generation of all time. The world is changing dramatically because of the Internet and digital technology, and Millennials understand it best.
Two, Millennials are achievement-oriented and used to working under pressure. Although this notion contradicts the popular view, Millennials study harder in middle and high school. Many take a plethora of advanced academic classes and study longer hours than did the baby boomer generation to which I belong. Today, getting into college is more competitive and puts greater importance on class work and test scores. In addition, many participate in intense, performance-based activities, such as club sports and dance, a fact that prepares them well for the highly competitive work world.
Three, Millennials know how to collaborate and communicate effectively with their peers to get work done. This skill is vitally needed in the real world and can make the difference between productive results and failure. I noticed my oldest would do school work with her classmates. I asked her if that was allowed since it had been considered cheating when I was in school; work was always done on your own. She said that the teacher encouraged them to study together. I realized the brilliance of this idea since one of the biggest difficulties at work is to practice open collaboration.
So here is a generation that is equipped with the skills to succeed today and tomorrow: superior in technology, competitive, high achieving and adept at collaboration and communication. The Millennial generation will lead the way to solving the most pressing economic, social, political and environmental issues in our history. And those of us from earlier generations who work with Millennials should not only encourage them, but also should collaborate and learn from them.
A team member who follows Stephen Covey on Twitter recently sent me one of his posts: “Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it in themselves. Are you such a leader?”
Covey’s post makes me think of The Wizard of Oz. Behind the smoke and mirrors, the Wizard is an ordinary man whose true power lies not in magic, but rather in his ability to help Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion see the innate strengths already within them. I am reminded to be just this type of leader, one who helps people believe in themselves and in their ability to accomplish what might at first glance seem out of reach.
As leaders, we must ask ourselves if we are inspiring our teams to live up to their own greatness. At times, they may have doubts that they have what it takes to succeed.
Our role is to help our people cultivate their full potential by investing in their development and nurturing their talents and aspirations. And as our people gain confidence and grow, our businesses, too, will grow with them.
Earlier in my career, I had talented people on my team who would perform excellently for a time, and then their performance would deteriorate. My approach was to look first at my own performance as their manager and to see how I potentially contributed to this deterioration.
That introspection taught me 10 things I could do to motivate my people to perform at their best:
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., June 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cydcor, the leading provider of outsourced, face-to-face sales teams, recently held a company-sponsored "Casino Night" to raise funds for Operation Smile, a children's medical charity that provides free cleft lip and cleft palate reconstructive surgeries worldwide. Cydcor team members have been raising funds for Operation Smile over the past several months with an overall goal of raising $150,000 to fund a medical mission to remote locations in Peru, Cambodia, or Rwanda.
Planned entirely by Cydcor team volunteers, the casino event was created to bring team members, family, and friends together in a fun environment to raise funds for Operation Smile. During the event, more than 50 participants, including Cydcor friends, family and team members, enjoyed a poker and blackjack tournament, a costume contest, a raffle, and prizes.
Donations from sponsors included Dodger tickets, restaurant gift certificates, teeth whitening from a local dentist, a gym membership, a tanning gift certificate, a tennis racket, and an American Airlines gift card. Cydcor's blog contains more information about the prizes, donors, and prize recipients.
"The positive energy and attitude of everyone who participated was inspiring," said Vera Quinn, senior vice president of sales operations. "This is just another example of everyone coming together to reach a common goal – raising $150,000. We're almost there and it's such an accomplishment; it shows that people working together make the biggest differences. Our team members have embraced this goal, as they do all of our goals – and it's that kind of energy and focus that changes things."
About Cydcor, Inc.
Cydcor, Inc. is the leading provider of outsourced, face-to-face Cydcor sales teams to a diverse client base of companies in a range of industries, including telecommunications, office products, retail, energy, and financial services. Serving Fortune 500 and emerging market clients in the business-to-business, residential, and retail channels through in-store marketing initiatives, Cydcor works with a network of independently owned corporate licensee (ICL) Cydcor sales offices providing clients with access to more than 2,700 sales professionals and nearly 200 offices in North America. The privately held company is based inWestlake Village, California. For more information about Cydcor, log on to www.cydcor.com.
SOURCE Cydcor
My wife and daughter recently watched the ESPN special, The Brady 6, about the events leading up to and after the selection of Tom Brady in 2000 as the New England Patriot’s seventh quarterback. I was somewhat surprised that they would watch a one-hour football show but then realized it told an inspiring story that could appeal to everyone. I highly recommend this documentary, which chronicles Brady’s rise to the top from humble beginnings—the story of someone who became great through sweat and determination, rather than through sheer talent.
Brady was the 199th draft pick during his senior year. With six quarterbacks picked ahead of him, he was drafted in the sixth round. He had been overlooked because physically, he had the worst combine (an athletic workout) of any quarterback likely in history. He was slow and did not jump very high. Additionally, he did not have the greatest arm and could not throw a tight spiral. In his senior year at the University of Michigan, Brady split the starting quarterback role with a newcomer, and NFL teams questioned why he lost the starting position.
As you watch the documentary, you learn that Brady outworked and out-prepared the other quarterbacks drafted that year. Except for maybe Payton Manning, he probably continues to outwork and out-prepare all NFL quarterbacks. Today, Brady holds numerous regular season and postseason records and is one of two players in NFL history with multiple NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP awards. He is now widely viewed as one of the best NFL draft picks of all time.
Tom Brady’s story shows us that hard work and preparation, more so than natural gifts, are crucial to success. He overcame the odds and excelled at something he was truly passionate about. Rather than expecting greatness to be bestowed upon him, Brady earned it through determination, dedication and drive—a lesson from which we can all learn.
I recently spoke with someone who just opened his business but has lost his confidence. He feels that his people do not respect him because of mistakes he has made and because he no longer believes in himself. He asked me:
I, too, have experienced doubt and difficulty, as has every successful entrepreneur. All of us have had times in our careers when we have questioned our abilities and lost our confidence. These moments that test us, however, can strengthen our character and ability to lead, if we do not let them defeat us.
Experience has taught me the following lessons to weather adversity and emerge a more effective and inspiring leader:
One step closer to $150,000 goal!
It was a night filled with excitement, energy, and competition as more than 50 Cydcor team members, families, and friends participated in a “Casino Night” to raise money for Operation Smile. During the event, they enjoyed a poker and blackjack tournament, costume contest, and raffle prizes.
Cydcor team members have been raising funds for Operation Smile over the past several months with an overall goal of raising $150,000 to fund a medical mission to remote locations in Peru, Cambodia, or Rwanda. Operation Smile is a children’s charity that provides free cleft lip and cleft palate reconstructive surgeries worldwide.
Special thanks to the vendors and organizations that donated products and services to the raffle winners! They included:
It was a winning night for Operation Smile, Cydcor, and all the attendees.
When things are not going as well as we have planned, we should remember what Jack Welch said in his book, Winning: “Whatever you will accomplish is restricted by your ability to lead others.” We measure our success by the effectiveness of our leadership, which takes hard work and skillful practice of the fundamentals.
Exude the right energy; teams take their cue from you.
Your team feeds off your energy, so demonstrate confidence, enthusiasm, passion and vision in everything you do. Uphold clear standards and expectations while providing knowledge, coaching and guidance.
Build a strong relationship with your team.
Determine how well you are connecting with your team. Do people feel that you care about them and have their backs? Do they feel their lives are better by being on your team? Are they engaged and motivated?
Be tough and consistent.
At times, you need to be tough in a relationship. Firmly holding people accountable to a high but achievable standard drives them to succeed. Teams lose confidence in leaders who appear inconsistent and allow them to become stagnant.
Lead by example.
Your example and intensity sets the bar for the team. Your character, integrity and follow-through create trust and bind the team together.
Congratulations to Team Cydcor, this year’s proud winner of the Corporate Games’ Division C JD Probasco Spirit Award! The award honors one company in each division that displayed a high level of team spirit and commitment to community service.
Joel Daniels, a quality assurance manager at Cydcor, said it best when he was quoted in a recent Ventura County Star article on the close of the games: “We feel great. This is a big deal for us.”
This latest achievement is fitting conclusion to Cydcor’s impressive performance during the 2011 Corporate Games. Among the medals that Cydcor team members brought home were the gold in indoor volleyball and table tennis (individual competition); the silver in basketball, table tennis (doubles competition) and football; and the bronze in bowling.
Way to go, team!
Click here to read more about the final results of the 22nd annual Ventura Corporate Games.
When I entered the workforce, I sought experiences that would teach me vital skills for the future and build my confidence. Although many of my peers wanted to find jobs at companies that would carry them to retirement, I wanted to rely on myself and become a successful entrepreneur.
During the first ten years of my career, I focused on honing the skills that would make me a successful business owner. Ultimately, I learned that I needed to excel at two things: sales and relationships.
In the beginning stages of a business, the owner is usually the number-one sales person, as I was during the first five years of my commercial printing business and during all three years of my financial recruiting business. Successful entrepreneurs are savvy sales people who understand their customers’ needs and offer the most effective, compelling solutions to meet them.
Good sales people also have good people skills. Unless you want to be the only person in your business, you need to be able to work cooperatively with others and build strong relationships based on trust and respect. The more people you can successfully recruit, develop, manage and lead, the more you can accomplish and the more economic value you can generate.
The most important lesson I have learned in my career is this: Choose work experiences not for their prestige or short-term gain, but rather for their ability to equip you with the skills for success and the opportunities to practice them.
Cydcor was founded in 1994 on a simple yet powerful principle: people still want to buy from people they trust. While much of the business world in the 1990s was moving toward automation and call centers, the founders of Cydcor recognized that something essential was being lost. Technology could handle transactions, but it could not replace trust, loyalty, or the personal connection that uniquely comes from a face-to-face conversation. That insight shaped the company’s mission and continues to guide it today. Headquartered in Agoura Hills, California, Cydcor partners with Fortune 500 leaders as well as emerging brands across the U.S. and Canada. The company specializes in outsourced, in-person customer acquisition through a network of independently owned sales companies across North America. These companies operate in the residential, retail, business-to-business, and event services channels, creating flexible and scalable solutions to meet each client’s needs. Some clients rely on Cydcor to complement their existing sales force, while others count on Cydcor’s network as their exclusive customer acquisition channel. In both cases, the goal remains the same: driving measurable growth through meaningful interactions.
What sets Cydcor apart is its ability to combine the timeless art of relationship building with modern systems and accountability. While independent sales companies focus on customer engagement, Cydcor provides the backbone that makes scaling possible. This includes compliance oversight, detailed reporting, operational systems, and performance tracking that give clients confidence in both the process and the results. The approach has earned the trust of top Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 brands that turn to Cydcor when they need more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. They need real conversations, genuine connections, and long-term customer relationships.
Under the leadership of Vera Quinn, President and CEO, Cydcor continues to evolve without losing sight of its core belief: that business has always been built on human connection. In a marketplace where digital noise grows louder every day, Cydcor proves that face-to-face sales remain not only relevant but essential. It is a model that honors tradition while embracing innovation, ensuring clients have the reach, structure, and results they need to grow.
In conversation with Vera Quinn, President and CEO of Cydcor
“We see technology as a way to make the in-person experience even better. Our platforms, sales tools, and data systems deliver the information clients need—precisely when they need it."
– Vera Quinn, Cydcor President and CEO
Cydcor has been a trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies for more than three decades. How has your face-to-face approach helped brands stay competitive in today’s automated world?
In today’s automated world, the value of human connection and quality continues to rise because people’s needs are not one-size-fits-all. Brands spend heavily trying to break through the noise, but nothing cuts through like a real conversation. When the field teams engage face-to-face, whether in a business, at a retail store, at someone’s doorstep, or an event, it creates authenticity, accountability, and connection. That personal approach builds trust and loyalty, delivering long-term growth instead of one-off transactions. There is no substitute for the clarity and trust that comes for genuine two-way conversation.
You work across very different verticals—B2B, retail, residential, and event services. How do you customize each campaign?
It starts with listening. We take the time to understand what matters most to the client—what outcomes they want to achieve and who they’re trying to reach. From there, we apply proven strategies while piloting and refining until the approach is right. We don’t believe in copy-and-paste campaigns; every engagement is designed around the client’s goals, with a clear commitment to measurable results.
We’re also highly nimble. Offers, hours, and territory plans can shift quickly, and we adjust with speed, going where customers are and where opportunities exist. For example, in retail environments customers may need product education at the point of sale, while in B2B settings the focus is often on efficiency and ROI. Each campaign is tailored to those realities, ensuring both clients and customers feel understood.
Leading companies often credit Cydcor with helping them expand into new markets. How does your model drive that kind of growth?
We help clients grow because we’re built to scale responsibly. The companies in our network are locally run by entrepreneurs who care deeply about performance and quality. That ownership mindset allows us to move fast when a client wants to expand while still delivering consistency and quality. We’re able to test, adapt, and ramp with speed—without sacrificing the fundamentals. Because we take such pride in the brands we represent, our clients trust us to deliver with consistency and care.
Cydcor works with a network of independently owned sales companies. How does that support innovation and client outcomes?
Entrepreneurs think differently. They’re invested in doing things right because it’s their business. That ownership mindset creates a ripple effect: higher standards, better execution, and more accountability. When a client partners with us, they’re not just accessing sales teams; they’re tapping into a culture of ownership and drive. That translates into stronger performance in the field and sustained results for the brand.
You’ve been recognized as a Great Place to Work. How do culture and leadership play into your business success?
Our culture is built on the belief that people succeed when they help others succeed. That philosophy drives how we lead, how we collaborate, and how we show up for our clients and each other. Our values aren’t just words on a wall. They act as our constitution, guiding decisions and holding us accountable. Because of that, leadership at Cydcor isn’t about hierarchy; it’s about creating an environment where people support one another, push for excellence, and celebrate shared wins. That’s why our culture has become a competitive advantage and why clients trust us to represent their brands with pride.
Technology is clearly important to your operations. How do you balance that with the human side of your business?
We see technology as a way to make the in-person experience even better. Our platforms, sales tools, and data systems deliver the information clients need—precisely when they need it. AI is making our systems smarter and faster, improving everything from compliance to reporting to campaign insights. At the end of the day, technology is there to empower people. It supports the work; it doesn’t replace the human connection that makes in-person sales powerful.
What’s next for Cydcor? Any exciting plans on the horizon?
Cydcor is entering an exciting new chapter of growth. We’re expanding into new industries while continuing to strengthen relationships with the Fortune 500 and emerging brands we already serve. A big part of that future is leveraging AI and advanced platforms to enhance both the client and customer experience, delivering faster insights, sharper tools, and more seamless interactions. Driving results through the power of people remains constant, but the ways we deliver on it are evolving quickly. We also see opportunities in industries undergoing disruption, or where customers are clamoring for personalized solutions where face-to-face engagement can help brands establish trust and drive growth. That’s where our model truly shines.
Meet the leader behind the success of Cydcor
Vera Quinn, President and CEO of Cydcor, is recognized for her leadership and the business impact she continues to drive. She began her career entry-level in the field. Then seizing an opportunity at Cydcor, and rose through nearly every level of the organization, a path that gives her unmatched perspective on building teams, growing leaders, and scaling a business with integrity.
Vera has been honored as CEO of the Year by the Los Angeles Business Journal, and under her leadership, Cydcor was recently named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America. She is known for her ability to develop leaders by instilling confidence, clarity, and accountability. Today, she continues to guide Cydcor’s growth with a clear mission: when people succeed together, businesses and communities thrive.
“We don’t believe in copy-and-paste campaigns; every engagement is designed around the client’s goals, with a clear commitment to measurable results.”
– Vera Quinn, Cydcor President and CEO
Agoura Hills, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 3, 2025) - Cydcor is proud to announce that CEO Vera Quinn has been recognized as the CEO of the Year Honoree at the Los Angeles Business Journal's 2025 Valley Women's Leadership Symposium & Awards. The program spotlights influential leaders across the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles who are driving innovation, cultivating inclusive workplaces, and shaping the future of business.
Under Quinn's guidance, Cydcor has become a company synonymous with a culture of growth, performance, and community. Highlights of her leadership include:
"It is an incredible honor to be named a CEO Honoree among so many remarkable women," said Quinn. "I am proud to represent a community of women leaders who are inspiring the next generation and driving meaningful change in business."
For more on Cydcor's culture and Quinn's leadership, visit: A Culture Strategy of Growth, Performance, and Community.
About Cydcor
For more than 30 years, Cydcor has provided outsourced sales solutions to Fortune 500 and emerging companies. By combining the power of relationship-driven sales with innovative strategies, Cydcor helps its clients acquire, grow, and retain customers at scale. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Agoura Hills, California, Cydcor remains privately held.
Visit: www.cydcor.com.
For information contact:
media@cydcor.com
805-277-5500
Agoura Hills, California--(Newsfile Corp. - August 11, 2025) - For the 13th time, Cydcor has earned a place on the Los Angeles Business Journal's (LABJ) Best Places to Work in Los Angeles list. This recognition, determined by detailed employee surveys conducted by Workforce Research Group, celebrates Cydcor's enduring commitment to a collaborative, employee-centric workplace culture. As a leader in outsourced sales and customer acquisition services, Cydcor continues to set the bar for what it means to build a workplace where people grow, thrive, and find purpose.
Recognition Driven by Employee Survey and Culture
Hundreds of small, medium, and large companies across LA participated in the 2025 LABJ survey. The process evaluates workplace policies and practices, with 80% of the score drawn from confidential employee feedback. The result: a curated list of LA's top employers, with Cydcor standing out for its consistent leadership, supportive environment, career development focus, and the company's foundation lies in its culture and core values.
A 13-Year Legacy of Workplace Excellence
"We are very intentional about building both a high-performing culture and a high-performing business," said Vera Quinn, CEO of Cydcor. "We want Cydcor to be a place where people are inspired to grow, feel proud of their work, and know they're part of something meaningful."
Cydcor uses the feedback collected through the survey process not only to celebrate what's working but also to highlight areas where the company and departments can improve. This ensures continuous growth, adaptation, and accountability across all levels of the organization. Cydcor fosters a culture where people helping people isn't just a saying, it's the way business is done.
"Consistency matters. Being recognized year after year is a result of our people showing up for one another, staying grounded in our values, and always aiming to get better," Quinn added.
What Makes Cydcor a Top Employer
Cydcor continues to set the standard in creating an environment where employees feel seen, supported, and challenged to achieve their potential.
How does Cydcor continue to earn recognition? Here are just a few reasons:
Explore Career Opportunities at Cydcor
Want to join one of LA's top workplaces?
Explore career opportunities at Cydcor today: www.cydcor.com/careers
About Cydcor
For three decades and counting, Cydcor has provided award-winning customer acquisition solutions to Fortune 500 and emerging companies in a wide range of industries. Cydcor has mastered the power of building relationships with consumers while harnessing technology to acquire, grow, and retain customers for its clients. Founded in 1994, the privately held company is based in Agoura Hills, California. For more information, visit www.cydcor.com.
Media Contact
Gail Michalak
805-277-5525
gmichalak@cydcor.com