What inspires you to show up at work every day?
To be in a position to hire, mentor and lead people who are talented, smart and diverse.
How did you determine your career path?
It was determined for me. When God was just sick and tired of my bad decisions, He intervened and humbled me. He gave me the will to see my best self. And, then I worked my butt off to get to where I am today. I’m absolutely positive that my journey is only beginning.
How do you set goals and evaluate your success?
Every six months I write down where I am and where I want to go. I then determine the steps, timing and people I need to make the next goal happen. Once it’s on paper, it’s much easier to execute and track progress.
Names three books that changed how you saw life that you would recommend to others.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison; The Princess Within: Restoring the Soul of a Woman by Serita Jakes; and The Missing Mentor; Women Advising Women on Power, Progress and Priorities by Mary E. Stutts
What are the three most important attributes of a successful woman?
Humility, authenticity and strategy
What role does technology play in your daily life?
I have a BlackBerry, iPhone, iPad, Mac Book and PC. I’m able to build a business, check in on the world while at my sons’/daughter’s sports practice. It has changed not only how I do business but from where. There are no more excuses for underperformance.
What social media or digital tool has made the biggest difference in your life and why?
Being able to get information in real time. When the stock market changes, when a big client has a recall, when a job is open, or when a plane goes missing is now at my fingertips. It’s empowerment on steroids. We have no excuses not to know something. And, everyone is held to this new social media standard.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
The definition of famous is to be known by many and to be “excellent.” I wish the world would idolize people because of their excellence and nothing else.
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
Patience. I need some.
