I love my job. I work all the time – not that it’s something to be proud of — but it doesn’t typically feel like work. It combines all of the things I love to do. I am motivated by business impact. I enjoy building connections with an executive team, including the CEO and the Board to help an organization that is typically going through change. I enjoy helping them find an executive or an executive team that can actually impact that change. Our placement(s) not only affect the company as a whole but the leadership team, its shareholders and the individual or team we put in. That’s just fantastic. It’s a good, good feeling and a huge win for everyone.

Yes, and these may be obvious, but I would say:

+  Business Acumen. By that, I mean really understanding the balance sheet, what the company does, how they make money and what that all means.

+  Ability to Influence. You can be as smart as they come but without the ability to truly influence, you won’t have impact. It’s especially important in matrix environments where clear accountability is greyer.

+  Communication Skills. From the executive level and all the way down and the ability to connect from top to bottom. The clear ability to describe a strategy and how to implement that strategy.

+  Innovation across different functions. The ability to handle complexity and still innovate is key.

3.  If there are professional women who are looking for a career change or advancement, what steps would you recommend before contacting an executive search firm like Korn/Ferry?
That’s one of the best questions.  We are a total mystery!  First, I would say it is important to understand how a retainer-based executive search firm works. We, as a firm, are retained by companies to find executives. Given that, we generate a lot of interest from executives who are looking. While a portion of our placements come from those who are in transition, we literally get thousands and thousands of inquiries a day. I probably get between 20 – 75 a day. So, don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately. It is never a reflection on the person who is emailing or calling. It’s just a reality of the number of hours in a day. In terms of approach, I would recommend getting an introduction from an executive who is well-regarded. I would not expect an in-person meeting unless there is a specific opportunity a search firm has that is a fit. Typically, it’s a phone call to get the information into the system; so you will be noticed.4.  How should someone prepare before contacting an executive search firm like Korn/Ferry?
Definitely have a resume and a strong idea of what you want. Sometimes I talk to people and they’ll be so broad that it’s really difficult for me to think through how I can be helpful. But if someone has target companies, target roles or specific locations, it’s so much better for her/him and for us. Otherwise, it can be very difficult for us to be helpful.

5.  Washington Women’s Weekly is about building alliances among professional women.  How do you build connections and use networking in your career?
I definitely go to events but I can’t go to a lot of them because, again, it goes back to time. If a client calls, he/she comes first so my good intentions get sidetracked. In my case, serving on non-profits boards is a fantastic way to connect – without expectations from the networking aspect. Anytime you expect to get something out of it, it usually doesn’t work. I think non-profit boards are a great way to give-back and at the same time build connections and friends.

6.  In your role as Office Managing Director, how would you describe your leadership style with other women who are in management positions?
I manage some and I help others. That style of leadership works well for me. I get personal joy from helping individuals to become betterin terms of identifying their strengths — often times they may not realize what those are until they are put in certain situations. It may be in coaching conversations or simply paving the way so that they can highlight those strengths and build confidence. If I went into managing the office with an expectation for recognition, it probably wouldn’t work well and it would not be as healthy for me. Women have incredible instincts and sometimes we go into roles and think we have to prove something. I would say that leading in business, always trust your instincts.
Women are exceptional leaders especially when they use their gifts!