Glenda Gill
executive director, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition National Global Automotive Project
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
My heart passion for life, fairness, equality and service … not sacrifice.
How did you determine your career path?
It was God’s plan for me. I was just led. Life brings you full circle.
I began my career at Xerox, then off to NYC to Fashion Institute of Technology, spending 13 years in fashion retailing, followed by fundraising — nonprofit and political, TV production, entertainment management, an entrepreneurial stint of working on municipal water projects and special events business, and lastly, the world of automotive.
What other industries connect to your career choice?
Pretty much everything touches automotive … technology, education, innovation, finance, telecommunications, legal, advertising and marketing, motor sports, design, construction, green, environmental and social responsibility.
Describe the skill sets that are essential to future business leader and innovators?
Being a strategic thinker and having an aspiration to lead, creating relationships and surrounding yourself with self starters, innovators, building a smart innovative team.
Define innovative methods you apply to your business and life.
Constantly reading what’s next, being engaged in professional and personal development courses, conferences etc., a willingness to operate outside my comfort zone. I think I am a futurist – spotting trends before they happen.
Information and increased skill methods you use?
I just completed Tuck School of Management Business Executive program, which provided me with stronger financial skills, strategic planning and organizational skills.
Name your favorite role models for success in two industries.
My colleague, Janice Mathis; and my business mentor, Louis James
Names three books that changed how you saw life?
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz because it outlines principles that I try to live by.
Daily Word & Until Today by Iyanla Vanzant are my daily devotionals.
We a BaddDDD People by Sonia Sanchez helped shape my views young as a black woman and helped shape my constitution that i must be strong to thrive and survive in the world.
Explain why lifelong learning is important to you.
Living life is constant improvement, learning and growing in who I am, what I do, how I show up and how I serve.
What is your favorite vacation spot(s)?
St. Martin and Anguilla
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Eradicate fear. It prevents us from showing up in our greatest God self.
If you could change one thing about your self, what would it be?
To relax more and smell the roses.
