Vice President, Human Resources

Who is/was your most influential leadership mentor and why? Don Zrebiec, former Senior Vice President, Human Resources at Xerox. Don taught us the importance of goal setting, resource allocation, flawless execution, and relentless pursuit of excellence while treating others respectfully.

Who in your family had the most impact on your success? My mother, who was a tireless worker, humble citizen, and loving Mom, but fearlessly defensive of her children and friends.

What is your definition of leadership? Having the ability to get others to perform at levels unachievable without your inspiration.

What is your most rewarding career accomplishment? Assisting three of my direct reports to become the most senior HR leader in other companies.

Headquarters: San Ramon, California
Web site: www.chevron.com
Primary Business: Energy
Employees: 60,000

What’s the worst fault a leader can have? Lack of integrity.

What advice can you provide for young leaders? Have clear, measurable objectives, the appropriate resources to achieve them, a fair amount of time to deliver them, and a periodic inspection of your progress, all the while surrounding yourself with folks who are smarter than you.

What are the personal and/or professional sacrifices to being leader? A leader builds into her/his schedule time for family, friends, and non-work interests. Many leaders intentionally avoid the development of friendships with direct reports, thus missing potentially great friendship opportunities.

What was the defining moment in your life in which you understood your leadership? In 1981, when most of my New York team posted to relocate in order to continue to work for me when I was promoted to a new position in Virginia.

If given the chance, would you do anything differently? Yes, although I have always volunteered and given back to the communities where I have worked and lived, I would do even more if given another opportunity.