AWL Alumni Spotlight

What did the AWL experience mean to you in terms of your journey as a leader?
I learned that my responsibility to my team and those I interact with is to create a positive culture in which one can be successful. I am not however responsible for an individual’s happiness.

Describe the six months you spent in the Bloombase experience for Advanced Women Leaders.
I found the experience rewarding and introspective. The women leaders I was with were impressive and going through some of the same struggles I do in feeling quite alone in leadership at times. My new WELA grads have expanded my network to include those who think like me.

Describe the benefits of the AWL experience.
Network expansion, remaining curious instead of being the problem solver, treating myself well so I can treat others well and lead with empathy.

What was it about AWL that made you feel you had an ROI from the experience?
Learning to be OK with trusting others with responsibility to do their jobs. Learning to react with questions instead of answers.

What did you walk away with from AWL and what are you continuing to learn about yourself?
I am not in charge of others’ happiness. That was an enormous burden lifted off my shoulders. I need to really work at asking curious questions.

What would you say to someone considering the AWL experience?
I would suggest they ask their manager to be sponsored for the program. The self discovery and realization that you are not alone is very beneficial.

I feel like I am fulfilling my purpose when… I let go of work and dedicate my whole self to my family and friends.

My favorite way to spend an afternoon by myself is... reading a good spy novel with a cup of tea. If it’s raining outside, even better!

The kind of work I am passionate about is… relationship driven. I enjoy building relationships and creating trust. I like the negotiation process and learning what motivates others to make decisions.

To me, leadership is… providing guidance and direction to those who seek my help as well as help those who don’t, think about and implement long term career success

Something that makes my life ridiculously fun is... my friends. Although we are all busier than we were with little kids, and now with a bit less energy 😆, my friends and I always have a fun time. They help me feel grateful for everyone in my life. Yep, everyone, even the PIA.

The values/behaviors that are most important to me are... integrity, honesty, love.

How I would like to impact the world right now is... I would like everyone to step back and imagine themselves in others lives. World peace is too Miss America, but we can take baby steps to create world peace around us.