CEO - Executive Strategies Elite

Q: What unique qualities do you believe sets you apart as a leader and woman of influence?
A: I’m not sure if I categorize anything about me as unique. I would say that I live by the fact that I need to always have a “roving eye,” which means that I should always be on the lookout for new talent in our woman sphere to advance. That “roving eye” has allowed me to
make connections with many women, early in their careers and community service work –and provide an “opinion and runway” for their consideration as they enter and navigate
through a career, board service or life’s journey.

Q: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your path?
A: One pivotal moment that stands out is when I was asked to join my first corporate board. I was invited to lunch (totally unaware of any expectations except that an individual on a nonprofit board that I also served on invited me to lunch). Once there, we talked about
everything except our shared non-profit board experiences and other interests such as family, travel and friendships. It was a lunch filled with laughter and getting to know each other. Near the end, he then said that he had been watching me and how I interacted at our shared
nonprofit board meetings and my leadership style. I had NO idea that he was even looking. He said that he, and the rest of his company’s board of directors, would be honored if I would join them in their work. I WAS FLOORED. Moral: You never know who is watching, so always behave as if the “roving eye” is on you.

Q: How do you define leadership, and how do you embody those qualities in your own life?
A: I define leadership - effective leadership – as a state of inclusive thinking, strategic visioning. ultimate listening, and active doing. Any of these traits are ineffective when utilized alone. The package is what makes the leadership memorable, for both you and those that are depending on you to provide direction for them to embrace and to understand.

Q: How do you pay it forward and support the next generation of leaders?
A: I have always felt that within a year of moving into a new career position or joining a Board that one of my following year’s goals should be to focus that “roving eye” on who would be a good fit to nominate for that position or any position when an opportunity arises. This is a simple ‘continuous quality improvement opportunity” to ensure that the next generation is
included in my present journey – no matter what the journey may be (i.e., board opportunities and/or career advancement opportunities). It is also the philosophy of Tempo that rings in my ear – to always move forward with including as many of the next generation in the experience – complete with active listening and mentoring. Paying it forward is simply
“writing the annual check” to subscribe for another year of supporting, mentoring and advancing the next generation of women leaders.

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