Women Worth Watching 2015
Stacey D. Stewart
United Way’s US President Is Driven to Make a Difference
Stacey Stewart grew up believing that we are all called to help one another, and that no problem is insurmountable. She learned that lesson at the dinner table, from a mother who was part of the first black-majority city council in Atlanta’s history and a physician father who helped desegregate hospitals across America and win for black Americans the right to equal access to health care. Her parents instilled in her a can-do attitude and passion for making a difference that is reflected in her work today at United Way Worldwide.
They can also be seen in her efforts to help other women achieve. “Being a woman in my profession is more challenging than I expected it to be,” said Stacey. “There are still a lot of barriers for women in senior positions and there are sometimes different standards for women and men in the workplace. Although we have made progress, I still believe there are great strides that need to be made regarding women in the workplace today.”
“…there are great strides that need to be made.”
Stacey sees her job as helping United Way Worldwide fulfill its potential to be part of the change that so many Americans are working hard to achieve, by creating opportunities for all through education, financial stability, and health—the building blocks of a good quality of life.
Drive, passion, and enthusiasm for the work of community change propels Stacey and her team to find new, collaborative ways to build stronger communities. She is leading a new era of collective action at United Way, creating a national network of change leaders who are doing more than raising money for good causes. They are galvanizing their communities around a common agenda.
These efforts have helped accelerate United Way’s relevance in the nonprofit sector as a leader of community impact. The organization has set three 10-year goals: Improve education, and cut the number of high school dropouts (1.2 million students every year) in half; help people achieve financial stability, and get 1.9 million working families (half the number of lower-income families who are financially unstable) on the road to economic independence; and promote healthy lives (increase by one-third the number of youths and adults who stay healthy and avoid risky behaviors).
Education: MBA Finance, University of Michigan; BA Economics, Georgetown University.
First Job: Senior Associate with Merrill Lynch specializing in public finance
What I’m Reading: “Bud, Not Buddy” by Christopher Paul Curtis in a book club with my daughter and “Auschwitz: A Doctor’s Eyewitness Account” by Dr. Miklos Nyiszli
The most important quality a woman leader should have is…
…not being afraid of your own strength.
The career advice I’d give my former self:
Understand how to better promote yourself.
Words I live by:
Be still & know
The one thing I’d do differently in my career, knowing what I know now, is…
…I would spend more time on STEM subjects in school.
When I really need to focus on a project, I…
…I try to get a clear picture of the end goal.
My biggest career leap (and what I learned from it) was…
…becoming the President/CEO of the FannieMae Foundation was my biggest career leap and I learned that when asked to step up in a big way, it is entirely possible to do it.
Being a woman in my profession has been…
…more challenging than I expected it to be. There are still a lot of barriers for women in senior positions and there are sometimes different standards for women and men in the workplace. Although we have made progress, I still believe there are great strides that need to be made regarding women in the workplace today.
I’ve learned that failure is…
…a great learning experience.
I maintain a healthy personal life by…
…praying, exercising, being with my family, and getting massages.
I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when…
…I figured out that there is a way to combine a love of economics, public finance and doing public good.
Women Worth Watching 2015
Inajo Davis Chappell
This Ulmer & Berne Partner Is Committed to Serving Her Community
Inajo Davis Chappell is a partner at Ulmer & Berne LLP, where she chairs the firm’s Nonprofit Practice Group and co-chairs the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Under her leadership, the firm’s representation of exempt organizations grew from 88 to more than 250. Her clients range from social service agencies to arts groups, health organizations, foundations, community development corporations, and educational and governmental institutions. Inajo has particular experience in representing school districts in the provision and delivery of educational programming and services to disabled students.
“…I was able to incorporate my passion.”
Outside her legal practice, Inajo is an active civic leader and community volunteer. She holds positions on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including the Cleveland Foundation, Medical Mutual of Ohio’s Charitable Foundation, and the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. She was co-chair of the Cuyahoga County Economic-Inclusion Task Force, a countywide initiative focused on improving economic opportunities for women and minorities in the region.
“I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when I was able to incorporate my passion for civic engagement and community service into my law practice,” Inajo said. “It is particularly rewarding to assist nonprofit clients in resolving ‘bottom line’ issues to enable delivery on mission and community benefit. “
Savoy Magazine named Inajo one of the Most Influential Black Lawyers in America, an honor awarded to elite influencers and achievers in the legal community across the country. She has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America® for five consecutive years, earning the distinction of “Lawyer of the Year” for Non-Profit/Charities Law in 2015. The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association presented Inajo with their 2014 Diversity & Inclusion Award, and the organizaiton’s Women in Law Section recognized her for making a difference in the lives of women and contributing to the Northeast Ohio community at a recent “Women in Law Making a Difference” event.
Education: BA, Yale University; JD, Columbia Law School
First Job: Youth Reporter for WEWS-Cleveland (a local ABC Affiliate
What I’m Reading: “Every Day I Fight” by Stuart Scott and “Believer: My 40 Years in Politics” by David Axelrod
The most important quality a woman leader should have is…
…authenticity.
The career advice I’d give my former self:
Be fearless. Trust your intellect, but be guided by your intuition. Make thoughtful decisions.
Words I live by:
Work ethic trumps brilliance any day of the week. Give 150% and earn your stripes. Say what you think and mean what you say.
The one thing I’d do differently in my career, knowing what I know now, is…
…teamwork and mentorship are key ingredients to professional development and advancement.
When I really need to focus on a project, I…
…often work outside of the office; at home in my pajamas! Some of my best thinking is done that way.
My biggest career leap (and what I learned from it) was…
…after a time spent recovering from an illness. I learned that starting over can be restorative and catalytic, and that God is really in charge. What a liberating discovery.
Being a woman in my profession has been…
…an extraordinary asset. Women have keen insight and perspective when problem solving and we work 5 times as hard as everyone else.
I’ve learned that failure is…
…instructive, critical for constructive change and often the guidepost for greater success.
I maintain a healthy personal life by…
…maintaining a focus on family. There is not a lot of “balance” between my professional and personal life. I am a caregiver to several elderly adults so it is often a difficult second job. However, it is a labor of love.
I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when…
…I was able to incorporate my passion for civic engagement and community service into my law practice. It is particularly rewarding to assist nonprofit clients in resolving “bottom line” issues to enable delivery on mission and community benefit.
Women Worth Watching 2015
Nurit Katz
UCLA’s First Chief Sustainability Officer Acts Local, Thinks Global
Nurit Katz earned an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management (named one of its 100 Inspirational Alumni at the school’s 75th anniversary), a master’s degree in public policy from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs (where she is being honored as MPP Alumni of the Year), and a BA in environmental education from Humboldt State University. While a graduate student, Nurit founded the UCLA Sustainable Resource Center. She then served as president of the Graduate Students Association and assisted Dr. Charles Corbett in developing the interdisciplinary graduate certificate program, Leaders in Sustainability, which brings together graduate students from programs as diverse as management, medicine, and urban planning to problem solve and integrate sustainability into their careers. UCLA’s first chief sustainability officer, Nurit also serves on the executive committee of the Luskin Center for Innovation, as well as the boards of the Los Angeles Sustainable Business Council and the Southern CA Green Business Council.
“Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it…”
The Sustainable LA Grand Challenge in Environment and Sustainability is a groundbreaking interdisciplinary research initiative that brings together more than 100 faculty members from more than 40 departments. Its goal is to move the region to 100 percent renewable energy and local water by 2050. The campus is a living laboratory for sustainability, demonstrating what’s possible for the region and the world. Nurit oversees the intersection between the academic and operations sides of the university, coordinating applied research projects like the pilot of a smart water system developed by UCLA’s Water Technology Research Center at the campus cogeneration plant, or the installation of EV charging stations developed by UCLA’s Smart Grid Center.
“Howard Thurman once said, ‘Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive,’” said Nurit. “The best advice I got in my career was from a friend who told me: You don’t need to figure out what you want to do the rest of your life. Just focus on what you want to do the next two years and make sure it’s a position where you will be learning and growing.”
In 2010, Nurit completed a full Ironman distance triathlon with Team in Training in support of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Education: MBA and Masters of Public Policy, UCLA
First Job: Teaching
What I’m Reading: “A More Beautiful Question: The power of inquiry to spark breakthrough ideas” by Warren Berger
The most important quality a woman leader should have is…
…authenticity. When we lead from a place that is true to ourselves, we help others feel more comfortable being open and connecting to the work and to each other in ways that are meaningful and productive.
The career advice I’d give my former self:
This quote from Howard Thurman- “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” The best advice I got in my career was from a friend who told me: You don’t need to figure out what you want to do the rest of your life. Just focus on what you want to do the next two years and make sure it’s a position where you will be learning and growing.
Words I live by:
“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.” –Robert Heinlein
The one thing I’d do differently in my career, knowing what I know now, is…
Coach John Wooden said, “Don’t mistake activity for achievement”. As I grow in my career I am learning to prioritize and learning when to say, “No.” This would have been helpful earlier in my career, since I have a tendency to enthusiastically say “yes” to everything and can end up with too many projects to juggle.
When I really need to focus on a project, I…
…set aside designated time for it.
My biggest career leap (and what I learned from it) was…
… from graduate school to head of sustainability for UCLA. I learned that I needed to find a sustainable pace- the work is infinite, and I’m not. The pace that I kept during graduate school was not one I could maintain for years to come.
Being a woman in my profession has been…
…gratifying. This field is very collaborative, both the men and women are open to sharing best practices and connecting because we are working towards something larger. The facilities side of my work is traditionally a field with more men, but as the older sister of three younger brothers I never felt uncomfortable in those settings.
I’ve learned that failure is…
…critical. If you aren’t failing, you aren’t pushing your boundaries hard enough.
I maintain a healthy personal life by…
…taking time to be outdoors and trying to make sure I turn off my electronics when I’m with family or out hiking. It’s hard to unplug in our culture today, but important.
I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when…
…I found that I was volunteering most of my free time doing similar work because I loved It. I am grateful to have found work I am passionate about. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I wouldn’t leave my job.
Women Worth Watching 2015
Catherine Cornelius Smith
Founder & President of True Blue Inclusion Has Long Been a Diversity Leader
During her career, Catherine Cornelius Smith has served in the White House, been a trusted advisor to the US Secretary of Agriculture in the preparation for and negotiations regarding the Seattle Round of the WTO, and devised a corporate strategist for a diversity & inclusion platform in broadcasting, publishing, and online media, on behalf of NBC Universal, iVillage, Inc., and its subsidiary Lamaze Publishing, as well as Bonnier Corporation.
Catherine served as an executive team member with Diversity Best Practices where she led relationships and provided consultation to dozens of Fortune 500 companies. She is known for being particularly effective at bringing the best in approaches and solutions to bear on a wide range of challenges and opportunities for chief diversity officers.
“We really don’t yet know what’s at journey’s end.”
Currently the president of True Blue Inclusion, which she founded in 2010, Catherine has also served as vice president of business development for Diversity Best Practices and Working Mother Media Publishing, vice president for iVillage, vice president of strategy and sales at Business Women’s Network and Diversity Best Practices, chairperson at Working Families for Wal-Mart, director of outreach and exporter assistance at the US Department of, Agriculture–Foreign Agricultural Service, and special assistant to the President of the United States.
“Being a woman in my profession has been the best kind of adventure travel,” said Catherine. “There’s something new and unexpected at every twist and turn in the road, full of amazing people from every walk of life. And know what the best part is? We really don’t yet know what’s at journey’s end.”
Catherine developed and launched three of the company’s four signature events and revenue vehicles—The Annual Women’s Trailblazer Symposium, the Business Women’s Network’s Legacy Award, and Rising Star Awards. Through outreach and communications, she was successful in expanding public understanding of foreign markets for US agricultural producers. Catherine holds a BSBA in management and marketing from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University.
Education: BSBA Marketing and Management, Texas A&M University
First Job: Summer Youth Swim Coach
What I’m Reading: “(1)ne Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race” by Dr. Yaba Blay
The most important quality a woman leader should have is…
…open ears, open eyes and bullet-proof skin. Be totally aware of all that goes on around you, and shrug off the snipers.
The career advice I’d give my former self:
It’s not the critics who matter, it’s the believers.
Words I live by:
Be a voice, not an echo.
The one thing I’d do differently in my career, knowing what I know now, is…
…nothing. I have made many mistakes, but I wouldn’t undo any of them. Living through the consequences of any mistake gave me the opportunity to show people, and show myself, what I was made of.
When I really need to focus on a project, I…
…set an impossible deadline, work my network . . . and make sure the wine’s chilled.
My biggest career leap (and what I learned from it) was…
…serving on the White House Staff as the President’s Special Assistant for Advance less than a year after finishing business school. It was the first time people invested in me for what I could grow to do, not my achievements. No one ever told me I couldn’t do it, or wasn’t capable of accomplishing the work and managing through extraordinary situations. My advice: Serve leaders who see your potential, not your accomplishments.
Being a woman in my profession has been…
…the best kind of adventure travel. There’s something new and unexpected at every twist and turn in the road, full of amazing people from every walk of life. And know what the best part is? We really don’t yet know what’s at journey’s end.
I’ve learned that failure is…
…teaches me how to succeed. Failing is always the very best teacher, success comes from experiencing everything but, and learning from its lessons.
I maintain a healthy personal life by…
…living with Scout and Lucky, our rascally rescue dogs. They unconditionally adore me, even when I don’t.
I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when…
…I learned I could see connections and points of intersection most people couldn’t. I had believed everyone could see how different people, efforts, dreams could connect to elevate everyone. When I realized it was something special about me and how I saw the world, I knew I wanted to use it to ensure the executives I served had the very best partners, information and access to the people they might need or want to for their own success.
Women Worth Watching 2015
Deborah (Debbie) Higgins
For Title Resource Group’s SVP of HR, it’s Truly All about People
Debbie Higgins has over 25 years of experience in all disciplines of human resource management. At Title Resource Group, she oversees the human resources function for 2,000 TRG employees in 385 offices across the United States. This includes performance management, learning and development, compensation, benefits, organizational change and development, and the company’s affirmative action plan.
Debbie is the executive sponsor of the TRG Diversity & Inclusion Council. She is also executive sponsor of the TRG Cares committee, which raises funds and organizes events for local and national charities, and helps support a local women’s shelter.
“…I have been fortunate to learn from many smart, focused professionals…”
Outside work, Debbie is actively involved in fundraising, volunteering for, organizing, and participating in bike rides, runs, and other events to benefit multiple sclerosis, cancer organizations, a local food bank, Special Olympics, and the Willow Tree Center’s anti-bullying campaign. She served on the Willow Tree Center’s board for three years and held the position of president for one year. Debbie was instrumental in sending more than 30 local middle school children to the Willow Tree Center’s annual camp, which focuses on teaching children how to cope with the stresses of growing up, live a healthy life, and avoid negative peer pressure.
“There are so many great women in HR roles,” said Debbie. “I have been fortunate to learn from many smart, focused professionals, who happen to be women. My first mentor was a wonderful inspiration to me. I cannot emphasize enough how important she has been to my development. If any woman starting her career has not found that mentor yet, find him or her!!”
Education: BS Rider University
First job: Retail sales person; Bamberger’s (Macys’)
What I’m Reading: “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption” by Laura Hillenbrand
The most important quality a woman leader should have is…
…I think the most important quality every leader should have, regardless of their gender, is ethical behavior. Without it, our business has no compass, our leaders lack credibility, and our people have nowhere to turn for role models in the workplace.
The career advice I’d give my former self:
Learn better work-life balance, without a doubt. I worked in an environment early in my career that valued time spent on the job. I wish that I had become a more vocal advocate for work-life balance much earlier in my career, both for myself and for my colleagues.
Words I live by:
Ethics and credibility are important to me. Do the right thing!
The one thing I’d do differently in my career, knowing whatI know now, is…
…I wish that I had learned the skill to trust my instincts and act on them with confidence earlier in my career. Do not be afraid to speak up, ask questions, make suggestions. It is so important to have a voice.
When I really need to focus on a project, I…
…clear the other “stuff” from my mind. I delegate or clean up other projects or issues so I can give my entire focus to that project.
My biggest career leap (and what I learned from it) was…
…leaving retail, where I worked for so many years, and coming to work in a completely different industry. We are fortunate in Human Resources to have a transferable skill set, so I wanted to try a different industry. While I was apprehensive about leaving what I knew so well, I knew I would grow more if I learned something completely different. I was very fortunate to find a company like Title Resource Group (TRG) and Realogy. We have a supportive culture, and I am surrounded by a great team. What I learned from this leap was that finding the right culture, where I knew I could thrive, was the most important consideration in my new career adventure.
Being a woman in my profession has been…
…there are so many great women in HR roles. I have been fortunate to learn from many smart focused professionals, who happen to be women.
I’ve learned that failure is…
…sometimes healthy. Learning to accept the lessons of failure is so important to personal growth.
I maintain a healthy personal life by…
…exercising most every morning. We are fortunate enough to have a fitness center in the office, so I can sneak in the occasional work out there too! I try to eat right most of the time. Most important, though, I try to laugh as often as I can. Laughter helps to balance the stress of work life most effectively for me.
I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when…
…I met my first mentor. She was a wonderful inspiration to me. I cannot emphasize enough how important she has been to my development. If any woman starting her career has not found that mentor yet, FIND HIM/HER!!
Women Worth Watching 2015
Z. Ileana Martinez
Thompson Hine Partner Is a Forceful Advocate—In and Out of the Courtroom
Ileana Martinez has been practicing law for 28 years and is a member of the Georgia, Florida, and Connecticut bar associations. As a partner at Thompson Hine, she handles complex business and commercial cases, including those involving breach-of-contract and fiduciary duties, tortious interference, trade secrets, fraud, civil conspiracy, and noncompete provisions. She serves as national, regional, and local product liability litigation counsel for pharmaceutical and medical device companies, and other commercial product manufacturers.
Among her professional distinctions, Ileana is AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and was selected to the 2014 and 2015 Georgia Super Lawyers® lists. In 2014, Ileana received an Outstanding Advocacy Award from one of her clients, Medmarc, an industry-leading company.
“One of the important lessons I’ve learned along the way is that unexpected change can be a very good thing,” said Ileana about her career path. “After working with the same law firm and partners for 17 years, the firm disbanded and I left the comfort of the known for the risk of the unknown. Yet, I have continued to thrive both personally and professionally.”
“When I reflect back on what I perceived as a failure at the moment it was happening, I find that it was actually a blessing in disguise and a catalyst for events that later put me in a better place or situation,” she said.
“…unexpected change can be a very good thing.”
Ileana leads the Atlanta committees for Thompson Hine’s Spotlight on Women program and Diversity & Inclusion Initiative. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed named her to his Welcoming Atlanta Advisory Committee, a select group of business and community leaders who collaborated to provide the mayor with recommendations related to the immigrant population and its role in Georgia society and business. Ileana also serves on the boards of the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta and Cristo Rey High School.
Ileana is an immigrant to this country, having been born in Cuba in 1960, at the height of the communist revolution. She is married to Ed Martinez, president of the UPS Foundation, and has three children and three grandchildren.
Education: BS, Florida International University; JD, University of Miami School of Law
First Job: Assistant in optics manufacturing and distribution company
What I’m Reading: “Go Set A Watchman” by Harper Lee
The most important quality a woman leader should have is…
…emotional intelligence. That is, the ability to recognize and understand our own feelings and those of others, and to use this emotional information to guide our thinking and behavior. Intellectual ability without emotional intelligence rarely results in long-term success.
The career advice I’d give my former self:
Begin developing your marketing and client development skills and activities from your first day on the job. Join professional or community organizations and groups with which you share common interests, and develop relationships that are personally and professionally rewarding.
Words I live by:
Whatever you do, do it with all your heart.
The one thing I’d do differently in my career, knowing what I know now, is…
…I would do a better job of finding some down time for myself – to read a book, to exercise, or to just take a moment and do nothing. Being right with ourselves first makes us better workers, family members, friends and people overall.
When I really need to focus on a project, I…
…assess and gather the resources needed to complete the project including team members and required information and documentation. I create a mental outline of the project steps, and visualize the completed project.
My biggest career leap (and what I learned from it) was…
…that unexpected change can be a very good thing. After working with the same law firm and partners for 17 years, the firm disbanded and I left the comfort of the known for the risk of the unknown. Despite this, I have continued to thrive both personally and professionally.
Being a woman in my profession has been…
…very challenging. I have had to balance the demands of a profession that to a large extent judges my professional performance and determines my compensation on how many hours I work with the demands of being a good wife and mother to three children.
I’ve learned that failure is…
…simply a part of life, an experience from which we learn, and one that ultimately helps us appreciate success even more. When I reflect back on what I perceived as a failure at the moment it was happening, I find that it was actually a blessing in disguise and a catalyst for events that later put me in a better place or situation.
I maintain a healthy personal life by…
…taking long walks during the weekends, taking some time during the year to travel with my family, and simply spending time with my kids and grandkids having a nice meal or enjoying a movie.
I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when…
…growing up, I would hear interesting stories about trials and cases from my mother, a lifelong legal secretary. One of the first words I learned to spell was subpoena. When I turned 15, I met a young man who wanted to become a lawyer. Three years later, we married, and we both became lawyers; a source of further bonding in our relationship.
Women Worth Watching 2015
Cathleen Taff
This Talented SVP Helps Drive Brand and Employee Success at Disney
Senior vice president of integrated planning and franchise management for The Walt Disney Studios, Cathleen Taff drives collaborative efforts to maximize the value of the studio brands and creative properties across all company divisions. A 21-year Disney veteran, she champions many company initiatives, while simultaneously emphasizing the development of her team.
Cathleen began her career as a Senior Financial Analyst and earned several promotions, becoming the vice president of finance for the Disney Music Group. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in transforming the struggling segment into a $100 million business and was promoted to senior vice president in 2001.
“…a journey of balance.”
In 2003, Cathleen transitioned to the role of senior vice president and controller of The Walt Disney Studios, where she was instrumental in developing and implementing a cost-saving initiative that generated over $100 million. In 2008, she became the head of Strategic Operational Initiatives, a role created specifically with her in mind. Cathleen built and developed a new team whose goal was to collaborate across all lines of business to identify and implement sustainable efficiencies and cost savings. She later rejoined the Disney Music Group as senior vice president and general manager and became the principle architect of a reorganization transitioning the group to a more streamlined model.
As executive sponsor of Women@Disney, which supports and develops female leaders, Cathleen helped grow the group to more than 1,000 members. She also participates in the Young Storytellers Program, where employees mentor elementary students, guiding them in writing their own screenplays.
“Being a woman in this profession has been a journey of balance,” said Cathleen. “I needed to learn how to give my best to all facets of my life, whether as an employee, a leader, or mom. It is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach, but as my mentor taught me, it’s about making the right moment-by-moment decision for me.”
Cathleen holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics (emphasis in accounting) from the University of California–Santa Barbara and is a certified public accountant in California. Prior to joining the Disney organization, she worked at Deloitte & Touche.
Education: BS Economics with emphasis in Accounting, University of California, Santa Barbara
First Job: Staff Auditor at Deloitte & Touche
What I’m Reading: “Letters From Leaders” by Henry Dormann; “Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes” by William Bridges; and “Sweet Girl” by Rachel Hollis
The most important quality a woman leader should have is…
…an honest sense of herself—what drives her, what inspires her and what makes her uniquely and authentically who she is – the good and the bad.
The career advice I’d give my former self:
Worry less. I cannot remember for the life of me any of the catastrophes or things I thought would negatively impact my life.
Words I live by:
To everything, there is a season.
The one thing I’d do differently in my career, knowing what I know now, is:
…I wouldn’t do anything differently as my journey has been amazing and I was able to learn and grow with each difficulty or tough moment. My journey has shaped me into who I am today and I wouldn’t trade where I am now, personally or professionally, for anything.
When I really need to focus on a project, I…
…think about it throughout the day, take notes on my thoughts, and then I go home, eat, go to bed, and wake up in the wee hours of the morning and tackle it.
My biggest career leap (and what I learned from it) was…
…moving into a role where I managed staff. It taught me a great deal about how to get the best out of others and the need to focus on encouraging and empowering my team to achieve success.
Being a woman in my profession has been…
…a journey of balance. I needed to learn how to give my best to all facets of my life, whether as an employee, a leader, or mom. It is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach, but as my mentor taught me, it’s about making the right moment-by-moment decision for me.
I’ve learned that failure is…
…necessary. It helps you grow and learn new things, but it also teaches you humility. It is not about the failure itself, but what you do with the lesson learned that matters going forward.
I maintain a healthy personal life by…
…establishing and communicating my boundaries. While I love and am invigorated by my Disney job, my primary role is that of a mom and I have some amazingly talented daughters that need me to be there for them.
I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when…
Disney had me at ‘hello.’ This company is such a blessing as it touches families and helps them create memories that last a lifetime. I cannot imagine wanting to be anywhere else.
Women Worth Watching 2015
Elissa Margolis
Calm Leadership and a Thoughtful Approach Helped Make this Disney Stores SVP a Star
As senior vice president and general manager of the Disney Stores, Elissa Margolis oversees the day-to-day operations for more than 200 brick-and-mortar locations across North America and Disneystore.com. In FY14, her first year in the role, Elissa led the Stores team, and the business, to deliver all-time, record-breaking revenue and operating income.
Prior to assuming leadership of the Disney Stores organization, Elissa served as vice president of e-commerce and marketing for Disney Consumer Products, and grew the division by 20 percent in a single fiscal year.
“My biggest career leap came in moving from Marketing to General Manager of our ecommerce business,” said Elissa.” “I learned how to provide leadership, direction and guidance in areas where I wasn’t the subject matter expert and have confidence doing it.”
“Be open to different paths…”
Before joining The Walt Disney Company, Elissa spent nearly 20 years in the retail industry, providing data-driven, consumer retail marketing strategies for Harte-Hanks Direct Marketing, Tweeter Home Entertainment, Charming Shoppes, and others. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, from Temple University.
Elissa’s pragmatic, thoughtful, solution-oriented approach, while displaying calm leadership, makes her a woman worth watching. And the business results tell the story of how well her extended team of more than 5,000 cast members and Disney Store customers respond to her winning style.
Education: BBA, Marketing, Temple University
First Job: Advertising Coordinator, West Coast Video
What I’m Reading: “Becoming Steve Jobs: The Evolution of a Reckless Upstart into a Visionary Leader” by
Brent Schlender
The most important quality a woman leader should have is…
…confidence. The most important quality for any leader is Integrity.
The career advice I’d give my former self:
Be open to different paths that may take you to new opportunities.
Words I live by:
We are our choices.
The one thing I’d do differently in my career, knowing what I know now, is…
…nothing. I love what I do and know that had I done anything differently at any point, it would not have led me where I am today.
When I really need to focus on a project, I…
…clear my calendar to have uninterrupted blocks of time.
My biggest career leap (and what I learned from it) was…
…moving from Marketing to General Manager of our ecommerce business. I learned how to provide leadership, direction and guidance in areas where I wasn’t the subject matter expert and have confidence doing It.
Being a woman in my profession has been…
…a non-issue. I only became aware of the significance of my gender when I reached the executive level and saw the inspirational impact that has on women in lower levels of the organization. I take that responsibility very seriously.
I’ve learned that failure is…
…inevitable. It means you’ve tried something new and provides insights for the future.
I maintain a healthy personal life by…
…never (ok, rarely) giving up my Tuesday gym night and ensuring I have scheduled time each week for friends and family.
I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when…
…I was excited to get up and go to work every day.
Women Worth Watching 2015
Patricia Betron
ESPN’s Savvy SVP Connects Audiences and Advertisers in a Multimedia World
By focusing on advertising effectiveness and delivering quality audience and potential customers for ESPN’s clients, Patricia Betron has reshaped the way businesses thinks about ESPN. Its fans are not just sports fans, but also consumers, and this savvy senior vice president of multimedia sales has lead efforts to understanding the often under-appreciated buying power of its traditional audience, and developing insights into a growing bicultural Hispanic audience, as well as a growing female sports fan base.
She has also pushed the company to understand media consumption behaviors in a multiscreen environment. Over the past two years, Tricia has led innovative deals that incorporate the multiscreen nature of video, developing industry-leading concepts that are not only revenue generators, but major breakthroughs in scale, scope, and concept.
“…I never thought of myself as a sales person…”
Tricia has been a leader in focusing on serving both ESPN’s viewing customers and its advertising clients—engaging customers to best achieve results in marketing to them. She has blazed a trail among women in ESPN’s sales organization, runs a vast multimedia team that spans the country, and handles some of the biggest accounts with whom ESPN does business—all while raising two children.
“My first sales position was a real leap for me. I never thought of myself as a sales person,” said Tricia, “and realized I really enjoyed it. I knew this was what I wanted to do when my first client told me I helped grow his business.”
Tricia is a well-regarded member of ESPN’s executive team—respected by her peers, her superiors, and her staff. She’s an active member of the Executive Women Forum at ESPN and a mentor to many women across the company.
Education: BS, Syracuse University, Newhouse School of Public Communications
First Job: Research Analyst at NBC
What I’m Reading: “Every Town Is a Sports Town: Business Leadership at ESPN, from the Mailroom to the Boardroom” by George Bodenheimer
The most important quality a woman leader should have is…
…curiosity.
The career advice I’d give my former self:
Don’t take things personally
Words I live by:
In the short-term, you regret what you do; in the long-term, you regret what you didn’t do.
The one thing I’d do differently in my career, knowing what I know now, is…
…taken on an international assignment.
When I really need to focus on a project, I…
…have to get away from my desk — move to a quiet place with a blank notepad and write down my thoughts.
My biggest career leap (and what I learned from it) was…
…my first sales position. I never thought of myself as a sales person, and realized I really enjoyed it.
Being a woman in my profession has been…
…an advantage because I bring a different perspective.
I’ve learned that failure is…
…hard, but the most impactful way to learn.
I maintain a healthy personal life by…
…trying to limit email on the weekends and during vacation as much as possible. It’s not always realistic, but my family notices.
I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when…
…my first client told me I helped grow his business.
Women Worth Watching 2015
Linda Kay
Terex Director Tells Women, “Believe in and Challenge Yourself”
Linda Kay’s first proper job, post-university, was as a quality engineer for an automotive switchgear company. Her first task there was to analyze boxes full of returned warranty parts (switches, indicators, wiper levers, and so on). Her boss gave her a set of screwdrivers and showed her how the test equipment worked. She analyzed products for six months, and says it was the best hands-on training she could ever have wish for.
Today, as Director of Global Product Development, Linda oversees all product development activities for the Terex construction business and leads a team of eight managers. She is dedicated to continuing to improve the way Terex manages product development and to providing a product customers want, while ensuring the required financial returns for the business.
“I was given an opportunity…now I try to do the same for others.”
“I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when the first product I developed rolled off the production line,” said Linda. “Seeing designs come to life and then finally into the hands of customers is something that I continue to love doing.”
Linda is equally passionate about supporting women in the engineering field, and offers the following advice to women who wish to pursue that path:
- Believe in your abilities and pursue the career you want
- Put yourself into challenging situations/roles; you will be amazed at what you are capable of
- Keep learning; you can learn from everyone around you, every day
“I was given an opportunity to try a different role. Now I try to do the same for others,” she said.
Linda has a bachelor of engineering (Hons) from Coventry University, England.
Education: B Eng. (Hons), Coventry University, England, United Kingdom
First Job: Quality Engineer
What I’m Reading: “The Strategy Book” by Max McKeown
The most important quality a woman leader should have is…
…passion for their job. Great leaders are those with charisma, passion and the ability to inspire a team to support their vision and company goals.
The career advice I’d give my former self:
Get as much varied work experience as possible. This will aid personal development and help you decide what you want from your career.
Words I live by:
At Terex we have values called “The Terex Way” which define our culture. Integrity, respect, improvement, courage, citizenship and servant leadership are the values that define how we should do business. I support these and strive to work to them every day.
The one thing I’d do differently in my career, knowing what I know now, is…
…be proactive in building a network of mentors/business professionals as soon as possible. Find colleagues whom you respect and who give good honest feedback.
When I really need to focus on a project, I…
…organise my priorities to allocate the necessary time to provide the focus needed. Delivering a few high impact/priority items well is better than half a job on many.
My biggest career leap (and what I learned from it) was…
…from a Quality Engineer to a Programme Manager. Key learnings:-
- Sometimes you need to take a risk and try something different
- I was given the opportunity to try a different role. Now I try to do the same for others.
Being a woman in my profession has been…
…a rewarding experience. We need to continue to do more to promote Engineering as a field in which women can develop great careers.
I’ve learned that failure is…
…a “lesson to be learned”. If a mistake is made, learn from it, but make sure to never make the same mistake twice.
I maintain a healthy personal life by…
…finding a balance. To get the best out of work and personal life you have to find the right balance across both. I work and travel for as many hours as needed during the week, but I do try to box off the weekend as “off duty” to ensure that personal time remains just that. To perform well at work you need to have the downtime to come back refreshed for the week ahead.
I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when…
…the first product I developed rolled off the production line. Seeing designs come to life and then finally into the hands of customers is something that I continue to love doing.
