Equity Shareholder - Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren

Q: What unique qualities do you believe sets you apart as a leader and woman of influence?
A: I am humbled to have been selected for this honor among women who I find so inspiring. In terms of my qualities, I believe my curiosity, positivity, tenacity in the face of challenges, and sincere desire to help others allows me to use my individual skills and talents to authentically connect with others and collaboratively solve problems together. I look at each new opportunity as a chance to learn and grow with others.

Q:Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your path?

A: Joining the TEMPO leadership event committee. The energy of that group was unlike any other group I have worked with before and collaborating with those amazing women gave me the chance to work with and learn from other exceptional women leaders to transform our leadership event program. TEMPO created this incredible, life-changing opportunity for me, and I would not be the leader I am today without having had this experience. I am truly so grateful.

Q: How do you define leadership, and how do you embody those qualities in your own life? How do you pay it forward and support the next generation of leaders?

A: In my view, successful leaders have the ability to identify, encourage, and develop the strengths and talents of their team members in order to achieve the goals of an organization, a team, a committee, a board, or a group. I believe the best leaders choose to put the goals of an organization, team, or group before personal gain or advancement. They seek out and see value in working with others who have diverse skills and talents. They teach others to learn from mistakes, not act in fear of them, and create an environment of high performance through positivity and support. This requires significant investment in the personal success of individual team members. In today’s world of transitoriness, that can be risky. In my experience, it requires a level of energy and presence that can be difficult at times. That said, I approach my relationships with the hope that those I work with will learn something from having collaborated with me whether or not they remain part of my team. There is nothing more rewarding for me than if I can play a part in inspiring another person to do and achieve what they thought they could not before we worked together.

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