Shareholder - Polsinelli

Q: What unique qualities do you believe sets you apart as a leader and woman of influence?
A: I am a creative problem solver. I serve as strategic legal counsel to not-for-profit health care systems and large multi-specialty physician groups. My passion is to assist clients to solve complex issues or execute multifaceted transactions with simple, elegant legal solutions. I have learned over the years to listen well, and really focus what the specific situation requires. Effective crisis management requires rapid response in an emergency. I hope I have brought that skillset to my clients and my friends. I also feel I have been blessed to represent extraordinarily ethical and kind clients, and have been able to assist them in the pursuit of results that positively impact the people and the communities they serve. Many of my clients have been mentors to me. Working with these clients has been an honor of a lifetime .

Q: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your path?
IA: think choosing to become an attorney was a pivotal decision for me. I was a political science major as an undergraduate, and thought I might go into politics or become a lobbyist after law school. I was interning with Judge John Coffey of the US Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit at the time. Judge Coffey knew of my interest in politics, but he counseled me to “first, be a good lawyer.” He said, “you can always go into politics, but people will respect you more, if you develop your skills as a lawyer first. “ I decided to make law my profession, and I never regretted the choice. For anyone starting out in a career, it is great advice. “Take the time to be good in your profession first. The rest will follow.”

Q: How do you define leadership, and how do you embody those qualities in your own life?
A: I believe leadership is defined by carefully and respectfully speaking the truth. Honesty can oftentimes be difficult. It can be time consuming to try to determine a way to express your views in a manner that can be heard and constructively received. Messages or thoughts that are artfully communicated, and then well received are a key component of both a successful career and a successful life.

Equally as important to my concept of leadership is to try to effect an ethical solution to every problem or dilemma faced. This is sometimes extraordinarily difficult, but well worth the time, effort and consideration. Sometimes, the ethical response requires slowing down and allowing time for your subconscious to fully address what the situation requires.
I do not believe we are defined by the mistakes we make, but instead how we correct errors and constantly consider the impact we have on those around us.

Q: How do you pay it forward and support the next generation of leaders?
A: A big part of supporting the next generation of leaders is to take the time to truly see a person and understand what he or she is striving to accomplish. It is hard to be supportive if you don’t you understand the person in full.
One thing a mentor once said to me is: “Try to do the good that is yours to do today.” I love that concept. A person can’t fix every problem or right every wrong in the world, but within each person’s sphere of influence there is good to be done in each and every day.

Lastly, I truly appreciate the impact that TEMPO Milwaukee has had in my professional and personal life. The women of TEMPO have been my mentors and my girlfriends. They have been there in times of success and times of trouble. I owe a debt of gratitude to the past and current Tempo leaders who have paved the way for so many of us in the Milwaukee business community.

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