Swimming into Salesforce: Taylor Nanfria
Taylor Nanfria grew up in Danville, CA where she soon transitioned to being a part of the National Champions, California Golden Bears Swim & Dive Team. Primarily a distance freestyler and 400 IM’er - Taylor talks about her adjustment outside of sport and her successful launch into Salesforce as a Business Development Representative.
“Surround yourself with only people who will lift you higher.”
Q: Taylor, Let’s start off talking about your experience at Cal Berkeley and on the women's swim team. Did you enjoy your time with teammates and the sport? Overall how was your experience and how has it changed now?
My experience at Cal was transformative. I learned so much both in and out of the pool. My teammates are my closest friends and will continue to be my rocks through all of life's adventures. I learned so much about being my authentic self, chasing dreams, working hard, facing adversity, and a constant focus on performing at the highest level in my sport and in the classroom.
Being in an environment with so many high performing people was a unique, challenging, and rewarding time that I will hold on to for the rest of my life!
Q: After you left the world of collegiate swimming at Cal Berkeley, where did you find the largest void in your life? Did you struggle with anything in particular with the adjustment?
When all my teammates scattered around the country, I had so much anxiety about not seeing them every day. I spent 4 of the best years with these women and I was so sad to not see them every day. I think it was just realizing that it wasn't the end of anything, I'm still great friends with all of those women, it's just a transition to a different chapter where we don't get to see each other every day.
Q: What areas did you focus in on to help you with the relief or cure to this problem?
I can't put my finger on anything in particular I focused on. I like to keep a positive outlook on most situations, so I was just embracing the next challenge with open arms. Dealing with new types of stress was different, and I realized how important working out is for me to maintain a healthy stress level. I'm so grateful for my support system!
Q: Where are you now in this journey outside of the sport? Are you still actively working out, what do you do to keep yourself active?
I am 3 years out of my last race as a swimmer and into the "swammer life". Swimming taught me that I am very much a morning person, so I workout a lot in the mornings to get my day going before work. I enjoy running, yoga, Interval training, skiing, and an occasional swim to stay active and to reduce stress! I have run a few half marathons to accomplish something athletically, and I'm having so much fun discovering new avenues of competition!
Q: Could you walk us through your normal routine?
My routine is a little bit crazy, so bare with me: My alarm goes off every morning at 4:50am so I can catch the 5:06 bus to the financial district. I meet up with my workout buddy and former teammate Kaylin Bing for a high intensity circuit, run, or swim for about 45 minutes. I arrive at work around 6:55 to get my day started. I typically stay at work until around 5:30 where then I either enjoy another nice workout class (Soul Cycle, Barry's Bootcamp, etc) or a fun social event with friends (I love being very social!). My preferred bed time is 8:30pm after I cook a nice dinner and watch a show on Netflix!
Q: Where are you currently working? How did you find your new job outside of swimming?
I am currently working at Salesforce, specifically in sales. I started her in March 2016, shortly after I graduated in December 2015. I actually got connected to this opportunity through a swim coaching position I help one summer, and I'm very blessed to have an amazing network that helped me out!
Q: As an athlete a large amount of your daily schedule was filled with practices, team meetings, mandatory team events – what hobbies have you picked up to fill time outside of your corporate job?
I love cooking, so I love trying out new recipes and making myself some delicious dinners. I also just really love living in San Francisco, meeting new people, and exploring this amazing city! It's fun to get my skiing days in, because I was very involved in that before I got serious with swimming, or going on hikes to enjoy the beautiful Bay Area. Anything in the sunshine and I'll be there!
Q: We all adjust to the working world - where did you find the largest adjustment and what was your remedy?
There were so many challenges and adjustments that I didn't even realize when I finished swimming. Who were my friends? How do I workout on my own? What skills do I have that apply to the workplace? I found the largest adjustment in being surrounded by different people, not my swimming teammates that I knew I had a lot in common with. I have really enjoyed getting to know all types of new people, challenging myself to find new areas of interest, and enjoying this next chapter of life!
I also really struggled with not having a goal to strive towards and train for on a daily basis. This is why I got involved with half marathons, etc to keep my brain and body motivated towards something to accomplish. Part of the reason I love sales as well is that I am always striving towards a number and competing with my colleagues to close the most deals!
Q: What’s the one piece of wisdom that you could share with our More Than The Score girls? Any advice?
My biggest advice is to have an open mind and have fun. This is a special time in life that can be the most challenging as well. Find people that will support you like your teammates did, find hobbies and stress-relieving activities to keep you active, and don't be afraid to stretch outside of your comfort zone! Becoming an adult is challenging. Paying bills, living in a new city, making new friends, etc. Let those challenges motivate you, have fun with it, and soak up this new chapter of life!
Q: Lastly, any books or resources that you have utilized or still do in your life away from sport?
I always love reading books around Female Empowerment. Lean In is one of my favorite books, and Sheryl Sandberg is a role model I love to read about. Currently, I'm reading a book called Brotopia by Emily Chang, and I love learning how I can make a difference as a female in the workplace.
Connect with Taylor on LinkedIn here.