Dionne Spencer

Dionne Spencer
Vice President, Legg Mason Global Asset Management

MY GREATEST STRENGTH

I consider my leadership skills to be my greatest strength. I am able to develop, motivate, and inspire others to be high potential, high performing employees who provide value to the organization.

MY INSPIRATION

My mother has always inspired me to go beyond what is expected. She taught me at an early age to be a critical thinker—to listen, to question, and to be prepared for what is next. These skills have helped me achieve success in my career and my relationships.

HOW I MOTIVATE OTHERS

I motivate others by leading by example. I treat people with respect and in the manner that I want to be treated. I demonstrate my genuine concern for their success and the work that they do.

OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE

The greatest issue facing the African-American community today is unemployment and maintaining focus on the value of family and community.

GIVING BACK

I am honored to sit on the advisory board for the Earl Graves Honors Program at Morgan State University. As a member of the board, I support the program’s mission of providing a well-integrated, rigorous course of study with both academic and experiential components that prepare students to reach their potential as leaders in outstanding organizations. Being on the board also has provided me opportunities to speak to African-American youth from the perspective of an African-American woman in a corporate leadership role. I encourage them to stay focused on obtaining a good education. I have also mentored high school and college students to help them achieve their short-term and long-term goals.

LESSONS LEARNED

The most valuable lesson I have learned in the course of my career is the importance of being a person of integrity. In 2011, I was honored to receive the Legg Mason Chairman Award in recognition of my professional contributions.

FINDING BALANCE

I maintain balance in life by practicing good time-management and organizational skills. My family is my top priority. These skills, along with working for an organization that supports work-family balance, have allowed me to nurture my family and pursue my career goals.

PERSONAL WISDOM

I have learned that every day I desire to be a better me than I was the day before.

CAREER ADVICE

My advice to someone just beginning his or her career is to set goals and write a plan to achieve them.