Executive Insights

General Manager, Americas
Global Operations Center
General Electric

What is the best business advice you’ve received?

There are a couple pieces of business advice that I received early in my career that I still reflect upon today. First, the customer is why we exist, so stay focused on creating solutions for their needs. And second, you have to take what you do in business seriously, because it’s your job. But please don’t take it personally.

What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

Successful leaders have to possess a toolkit of skills to navigate the complexity of any given day. One characteristic that I believe is critical for today’s leaders is their ability to be humble. Admitting when you’re wrong or don’t have an answer is an admired characteristic in leaders by their teams. It drives greater trust and connectivity!

What advice do you have for aspiring business professionals?

My advice for the past 20 years to new team members is to never assume what we do is the best way nor the correct way to do it. Bring fresh eyes to every process and find a better solution. Always think about how your role fits in to the value stream of an operation. Who is upstream from you that potentially impacts your work, as well as, who is downstream that you may be impacting? Understanding this will increase your productivity and solutions. 

What’s the biggest career or business risk you’ve ever taken?

Leaving an established business CFO role to create a brand-new ‘start-up’ operation for GE was scary! But my new experiences have truly provided me the opportunity to grow and challenge myself. I would do it over again every time, 100%!

Chief Financial Officer
Paycor

What is the best business advice you’ve received?

Approximately 15 years ago, I had the pleasure to meet Kevin Carroll. Kevin is an acclaimed author and was the Chief Fun Officer at Nike Corporation. Kevin tells his story as a motivational speaker and via a book he wrote, Rules of the Red Rubber Ball. Kevin's key message is to achieve maximum human potential through the power of passion and creativity. I have fully embraced Kevin's assertion that one has to find your own "red rubber ball" and chase it to your heart's content, and, if you do, it is the surest route to peace, prosperity and happiness. Kevin transformed his philosophy into seven simple rules that any successful leader will endorse:

1) Commit to it

2) Seek out encouragers

3) Work out your creative muscle

4) Prepare to shine

5) Speak up

6) Expect the unexpected

7) Maximize the day.

I actually have an autographed picture of red rubber balls Kevin has given around the world as a daily reminder to follow my passion.

What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

Empathy, it serves as the foundation for building trust with the individuals you lead.

What advice do you have for aspiring business professionals?

Take control of your own career. Be prepared to capitalize on the opportunities that are presented to you...they are often unexpected.

What’s the biggest career or business risk you’ve ever taken?

Early in my career, I was presented an opportunity to leave public accounting and accept an attractive corporate finance position. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was interested in retaining me and offered a two-year rotation in its National Technical Group in New York City. With a newborn and significant fear that I would be "figured out" as not particularly strong technically, my wife and I decided to relocate to New York and take on my fears about my technical capabilities. It was one of the best professional (and personal) decisions I have made in my career.

EVP and Chief Enterprise Risk Officer
Freddie Mac

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

A professional career is a marathon not a sprint. Rather than be disappointed, it is important to use short term setbacks as a learning opportunity and pace yourself for the long road.

What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

Confidence and conviction to go in a direction that others may fear to tread.

What advice do you have for aspiring business professionals?

Gain diverse skills and experience and take professional risks early in your career.

What’s the biggest career or business risk you’ve ever taken?

After working 19 years at Citigroup, I left in February of 2008 to start a new venture. Even though the mortgage crisis had just started and I had a daughter in college and a large mortgage, I was determined to move forward since I was strongly convinced by the business proposition. Until October 2008, I evaluated multiple acquisitions and talked to several investors to raise money. But as the crisis unfolded, I was largely unsuccessful, as risk appetite was very low and markets were frozen. Realizing my timing was wrong and there seemed to be no light at the end of the tunnel, I started looking for a corporate role which I landed after a few months. In hindsight, it was a very risky move to leave Citi at the time I did. Even though I was not successful in my entrepreneurial foray, the experience I gained was invaluable.  

Chief Marketing Officer; EVP, Chief Customer Officer; SVP Sales, Operations, Marketing and Business Development
Tire Discounters, Inc.

What is the best business advice you’ve received?

Trust but verify.

What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

Imagination.

What advice do you have for aspiring business professionals?

Work hard. Opportunities always come to those that earn them.

What’s the biggest career or business risk you’ve ever taken?

I like to take calculated risks every day. What makes business exciting is taking risks! If I had to name just one, I would say my decision to leave P&G was a hard one. Such amazing co-workers and partners, in many ways what molded me into the businesswoman I am today. Then, I find myself in another amazing place at Tire Discounters, leading teams and individuals that are the hardest working bunch around. Our collective pride in our high growth, unmatched work ethic, wild-and-crazy creativity, and impeccable customer service is really something to write home about.

Managing Director
Financial Services Regulatory Practice
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

What is the best business or career advice you’ve received?

“Learn to say no” – most of us are presented with a number of decisions, requests or opportunities, and many times, there is a motivation to please or avoid angst or confrontation that leads to saying “yes” or not raising objection. The context of this advice was keeping in mind your bearings as a leader: does it feel right; is it good for your stakeholders; and is it aligned with vision, goals and objectives?

What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

Integrity: a leader who is believable, walks the talk and is transparent about the truth—good or bad—is essential to gaining the support and confidence of any group (large or small).

What advice do you have for aspiring business professionals?

Know your strengths and weaknesses, and don’t be afraid to show a little humility. Seek opportunities that align with what’s good for you (self), your family and stakeholders, and are consistent with your strengths, goals and objectives. 

What’s the biggest career or business risk you’ve ever taken?

I am not a big risk taker, at least as it concerns my career. I served over 33 years — from college to retirement — as a federal bank regulator. Then, moved on to a second career as a banking consultant for PwC. Only two employers in over 40 years of being in the workplace. Within a variety of positions at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, I sought opportunity, and in seeking change, followed my desire to gain new perspectives and experience. My evaluation of risk in my career and business life always had three components:  

1) Does the situation feel right to me (self)?

2) Evaluate the impact to family; and

3) Is there opportunity to improve and acquire new knowledge or experience?