Define your own personal brand. Never let someone else define you. Only you, define you. Be respectful, listen for understanding, be the best prepared person in the room, be open to influence, bring value, help others, and stay humble. Earn your right to be at the table. Level up. Push through your fears. When you’re lost, do a gut-check and trust your heart and instincts to be your compass. Then, smile and have some fun.
What person you would most like to meet?
Condoleezza Rice She was the first black woman to serve as the United States' national security adviser, as well as the first black woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State. She speaks French, Russian, is a classical pianist who has played with Yo Yo Ma and Aretha Franklin; and she has been considered for the position of NFL Football Commissioner. An incredible example of class and grace.
What is the most pressing issue facing the Milwaukee area?
No matter where I’ve traveled in the world, people want the same things from life…shelter, safety, food for their family, a decent living standard, stability, a better life for their children, a feeling of community, freedom of religion, purpose, and self-esteem. Much of this comes from self-sufficiency, independence, learning how to make good choices, and seeing a path toward a family-supporting job that leads to self-reliance. There are no short-term fixes for this. No easy, check-the-box spending programs that are long-term effective. We need to put people in positions to help themselves. Churches and the community need to step up. Programs like the Joseph Project bring results. I’d like to see more tax incentives for business development in areas of highest unemployment rates to drive family-supporting jobs that create longer lasting higher living standards.
Who is your go-to person when you need help?
My brother, Mark first; as he always has excellent insights. And always Betty Arndt, retired Johnson Controls and Woman of Influence 2018; who has been my best friend for 40 years. We became fast business and personal friends early in our careers. She was by my side at my wedding as Maid of Honor. No matter what challenge, a glass of wine together; and we have a plan!
Work-life balance is about____
….giving yourself permission to make yourself a priority, protecting your me-time, keeping things simple, removing the drama, expressing gratitude, being realistic, and going to the beach whenever possible.
