#PGProfiles: Dynamic Duo KB and Natalie

It’s a new month, which means we have another exceptional climber feature! You’re in luck: this month we have payroll-and-best-friend-duo, KB and Natalie! KB is a Manager of Payroll Services, and Natalie is a Payroll Services Specialist III. They met five years ago and were fast friends (see their first-ever email, included here). Read on to learn more about each climber!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

KB: I'm a Michigan native and I grew up in a big, loud, loving family. I enjoy being active in my free time; I ran my first half marathon this year and am actively training for my next few races. When I'm not running, I love reading, spending time outdoors, and catching up with friends over coffee. Most of all, I love all things Disney and am lucky to travel to the parks often with my favorite travel buddy, my mom.  

Walk us through your PG career journey so far. 

KB: I've been repping Payroll since the beginning! I started as an Employee Relationship Specialist, moved over to the Transition Team, and stepped into my current role as Manager of Payroll Services last year. Over the last six years I've also taken on a few supporting roles within areas like the Inclusion Council and the RP Training Team, too. 

Natalie: I started at PG in 2021 as an interim Employee Relationship Specialist before being brought on full-time. After three years as an ERS, I accepted a position as a Payroll Services Specialist. I had the opportunity to serve on the Engagement Committee and now sit on the PSS Taskforce where I help identify gaps and collaborate on solutions that elevate not only the PSS team, but the entire ecosystem.

What is the most rewarding part of your role? 

KB: It's rewarding to support climbers throughout each season of their lives and pour into others the same way that people have invested in me over the years. It's a privilege to mentor others, and I am so grateful to this community for teaching me that.  

Natalie: Having had the opportunity to work in a contractor-facing role before transitioning to a PSS, I have a greater understanding of how what we do each day impacts our contractors. I take pride in ensuring that each of my contractors are paid accurately and timely each week!

 Outside of payroll processing, I really enjoy the connection aspect of my role. I find it so rewarding to build relationships with fellow climbers through Snack Chats, co-working sessions, and in-office opportunities!

Tell us how your friendship started!

KB: I met Natalie in 2021 when she first started at PG. I introduced myself as her climbing buddy and "new best friend" via email and the rest is history!  

Natalie: KB reached out to me before my first day and introduced herself as my climbing buddy. Over time, we evolved from coworkers, to car-pool buddies, to full-fledged besties!  

Do you have a pet? If so, what are they like?

KB:  While I don't have any pets of my own, I'm a very proud auntie to my brother's cats, Ford and Nova. I'm lucky to spend a lot of time with them and love sharing tales of their hijinks with anyone who will listen.  

Natalie: I have a black lab named Rascal. You can occasionally spot his wagging tail on camera—he likes to wedge himself under my desk and demand scratches. He is the sweetest boy and keeps me company in my office all day.

If you were to host a podcast, what would it be about, and why? 

KB: We've been talking about starting a podcast together for years! We're still workshopping ideas and potential podcast names, so we're open to suggestions. Natalie is such a great storyteller, and we can find humor in almost everything.  

Natalie: We’ve often joked about starting a podcast together! Listeners could tune in to hear us chat about nothing and everything. We love to tell stories, crack jokes, and give advice that no one asked for. We’re already building a fanbase and list of potential guests for our yet-to-be-created podcast.  

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice when first starting your career, what would you say?

KB: It's just as valuable to learn what you don't enjoy doing as it is to find what your true passions are at work. Reframing your mindset to understand that is a lesson that will guide you toward your true purpose is reassuring!  

Natalie: Give grace easily and freely (this includes to yourself!). No one is expecting you to have it all figured it out. We are all constantly learning and growing; life and work become a lot less stressful when we remember this.  

What is one thing (a gadget, product you’d recommend, or general advice) that has made your work-life easier?

KB: My walking pad and standing desk have been such a great addition to my home office. Whether I need a change of pace (literally) or a chance to catch up on emails, I'll walk a few miles to clear my head and refocus.  

Natalie: For anyone with long nails, the Tippy Type keyboard cover is a must-have! Maybe they’ll sponsor me once our podcast goes viral.  

Recommend a book, tv show, or movie you recently enjoyed.

KB: I recently rewatched the “Star Wars Skywalker” saga and loved it. I'm really enjoying the various shows and movies in the franchise too! I'm a big fan of Obi-Wan Kenobi.  

Natalie: I love a low-budget shark movie. One of my favorites has got to be “6-Headed Shark Attack”. Right now, I’ve taken a break from the sharks and am spending my downtime binge-watching “Teen Wolf”.  

What is your favorite ‘little treat’ when treating yourself?

KB: The Mocha Cold Brew smoothie from Pure Green. It's so good and the perfect treat to enjoy during a snack chat! 

Natalie: An iced coffee from my local coffee shop hits the spot every time. I can’t resist grabbing a salt bagel when I stop in too. A salt bagel hates to see me coming.  

Thank you for sharing your stories KB and Natalie!