How would you describe your journey? Brief us on the inception story of your career.
In addition to my corporate and philanthropic roles, including CEO, I have served four US Presidents and two Governors, as well as a US Ambassador and UN Delegate.
I have turned around businesses, teams, non-profits, political campaigns, and government projects, solving their seemingly intractable problems. I learned that the key to course-correcting when things go South is strategically evaluating everything with authority and humanity.
In 1984, I embarked on an extraordinary journey in politics and innovation, kickstarting my career at the early age of 19 at the Department of Education under President Ronald Reagan. I became a student spokesperson for the Administration’s initiative to privatize college loans and had the incredible opportunity to join my first foreign delegation.
In 1986, I took a position in technology transfer policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Later I was recruited to the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, where I had the opportunity to witness historical moments unfold as both Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail Gorbachev visited.
In the evenings and on weekends, I pursued a Master of Arts in National Security Studies while working full-time. As the Reagan era drew to a close, a remarkable opportunity presented itself when I was asked by Dr. Craig Barrett, then Senior Vice President of Manufacturing at Intel Corporation, to join his ranks as a technical assistant and trouble- shooter. Under Barrett’s mentorship, I was tutored in applying manufacturing processes to solve complex problems across business, government, and philanthropy. Later, Craig would succeed Andy Grove as CEO and Chairman of the Board.
For those intrigued by the tales of transformation I have spearheaded over the last 30 years, I invite you to delve into my Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller, “Turnaround: How to Change Course When Things Are Going South.”
Enlighten us about your role in the organisation you are leading / associated with?
I recently accepted the position of Chair World in 2050, the global futuristic think tank of the Diplomatic Courier.
The Diplomatic Courier, founded by CEO Ana Rold, is the flagship media network and magazine for top diplomats in Washington, DC, New York, Brussels, Geneva, and 182 countries worldwide.
World in 2050 was created to address how major global forces such as demographic changes, resource stress, technology advances, and economic power shifts will affect our future. To date, they have convened over 20,000 multi-national stakeholders and futurists in the public and private sectors, answer challenging questions about the future of society and galvanize solutions through uncommon collaborations.
The organization models outcomes using a spectrum of signals, opinion polling, social sentiment, and megatrends, including:
- Exponential technologies radically reshaping the world.
- Climate change disrupting our lives.
- The future of the workplace caring more about skills.
- Societal distrust and fragmentation surging.
- The weakening of democracy and the rule of law.
Where do you find inspiration? What motivates you to work harder?
I’ve always had a strong urge to fix things and solve problems others couldn’t. What motivates me is the people I meet and their dedication to working together to make a difference.
I am fortunate to have a strong and supportive spouse, a fantastic daughter, and a close-knit family. They fuel my desire to give back.
Kindly mention some of the notable recognitions and accreditations received by your person. The Ten Most Ambitious Women in Business to Follow, Insight Success 2023Top Five Women Leaders Revamping the Future! CIO Times · Dec 2022
10 Most Influential Business Leaders in 2022, CXO Magazine, Nov 2022WSJ and USA Today Bestseller2023 Gabby Book Awards (Leadership)2022 International Book Award (Business Management)2022 Axiom Silver Award (Business Disruption/Reinvention)16th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards (Business Leadership)PR News Top Women in PR for 2015PR News Top Women in PR for 2015100 Women in STEM100 Women In STEM, STEM Connect, 2012
What is the one thing you wish you had known about women in your line of work before you started working?
When I began my career, I was fortunate to have a White House job where I saw thousands of resumes. Being able to study the resumes of women I admired provided an unexpected advantage in shaping my career path and understanding the criteria for success.
Today, LinkedIn makes that information public to everyone.
Here are two of my top tips:
Pay attention to the routes women took to accomplish similar goals. Doing so will help you discover multiple pathways.
Pay attention to the qualifications and credentials these women (and men) accumulated, e.g., certifications, graduate degrees, overseas experience, language training, fundraising, management, public speaking, or publishing.
Do you believe it is compulsory for a woman to manage a household alongside her work?
Marriage is a partnership between equals. As women progress in business and government, household responsibilities can be shared between spouses to accommodate their career advancements.
We are fortunate that families are finding external resources to support their needs today, freeing up valuable time for mutual assistance and childcare.
Parents are also stepping forward to assist their adult children. You may recall that the Obamas had Michelle Obama’s mother live with them at the White House to ensure the girls had additional support and oversight.
The good news is that I have even seen men prioritizing their wife’s corporate or military careers over their professional options, taking a step back so a successful spouse could move forward.
As a woman, what has been the highlight of you career? What are the changes you wish to make for the better in your professional life post-pandemic?
Being appointed US Ambassador to the Aichi World EXPO 2005 was an extraordinary privilege for me. It was my greatest honor to convey hope, optimism, enterprise, and freedom. Collaborating with representatives from various nations, I focused on fostering economic growth and facilitating foreign direct investment into the United States. I take great pride in the opportunity to contribute to these critical endeavors, working alongside my international counterparts.
Currently, my attention is on empowering and supporting the next generation of leaders and organizations dedicated to addressing the most pressing global challenges. I engage in various roles, including being a keynote speaker and author. Additionally, I proudly serve as a Distinguished Fellow at Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity at the SMU Lyle School of Engineering in Texas and hold the position of Chair at World in 2050, a futuristic think tank.
Brief us on the pandemic’s changes to your sector and your market. Has the work-culture altered?
Having transitioned from being a CEO to more actively mentoring aspiring female executives, I have observed an intriguing trend among those in their mid-30s and early 40s. Many opt out of executive positions and explore new avenues as speakers, coaches, and authors. This shift is often motivated by a desire for increased flexibility in their lives and to discover their true purpose and passion.
The unique circumstances brought about by the Covid pandemic have allowed many working mothers to step back from the daily distractions and focus on what truly matters to them, whether personal goals or making a meaningful impact in their communities.
What words of wisdom/ inspiration/ advice would you offer to the next generation of female leaders?
It may feel like your life is constantly in flux as you experience ups and downs. The key is recognizing that you can recover even in the face of the most challenging circumstances. You can regain your strength, bounce back, and continue progressing.
