Every organization has that one person who balances vision with diligence — the one who not only ensures the numbers add up but also keeps the bigger picture in focus. For NTI, that’s Monica Reed, Portfolio Executive for Finance & Compliance.
Monica’s journey to NTI began with a leap of faith — and a little encouragement from a trusted friend. “I was ready to make a move at my last job, and a good friend told me about the opening here. I met with Kekai, and I knew this company was going places. I just wanted to grab onto his coattail and go for a ride,” she shared.
Her ride so far has been both purposeful and inspiring. With her eyes set on the long-term goal of becoming CFO, Monica recently started her master’s degree program. “In order to get there, I have to follow a certain path. And that’s where I’m at now,” she explained. It’s a sentiment that perfectly reflects her philosophy: if you don’t like the position you’re in, you have the ability to change your path.
But Monica isn’t all business. Away from financial strategy and compliance frameworks, she finds joy in the simple things. At home, she’s often alongside her daughter — who recently took up birdwatching. Naturally, Monica picked up the hobby too. “We do a lot of that together,” she said with a smile.
Her true sanctuary, though, is the garden. “Believe it or not, I love picking weeds,” she laughed. “You get to sit on the ground, clear out the clutter, and it’s symbolic — clearing the clutter in your head.” That grounding practice mirrors the way she approaches challenges at work: with patience, perspective, and a determination to make space for growth.
Family time rounds out Monica’s week. Every weekend, she and her family gather for a movie night, complete with popcorn, nachos, and plenty of laughter. “We pick the day together and make it special,” she said.
Monica’s story is a reminder that leadership isn’t just about climbing the ladder — it’s about embracing the journey, making intentional choices, and finding balance along the way.
