What important lessons or skills learned in your first job have been instrumental in your success?

The most important thing that I learned at age 13 and has been reinforced in every job that led to my professional career is to have a strong work ethic. That means getting to work early, and not coming in one minute before nine; that means you are at your desk doing what you need to be doing prior to nine. You have to be punctual. Also, staying until the job is done is key. In order to get ahead in any job you have to adapt to the culture and work until the job is done.

 

Has anyone ever given you advice that you carried on with you?

The best advice I ever got was from my mother. She instilled in me that you could do whatever you want to do and be whatever you want to be as long as you get a good education. Take that philosophy to every job you have. Strong values, strong principles, a strong drive and the foundation of education will get you very far in your career.

 

What advice would you give to someone starting his or her first job?

I think the best advice I can give to anyone is to always do the best you can right now. Go beyond the call of duty. Also, keep your principles close no matter your background. Certainly as an African-American woman it has been tough, there are challenges, but I have tenacity and I am determined. Keep those principles close and live them every day.

 

What is most important for young people to know about your industry? What skills are most important for them to possess or acquire?

The underlying and most important thing is you must be on top of current events. You must know politics; you have to know everything that affects your local region and the national agenda. You have to know business, political and international news. You have to be able to talk about it and be intelligent on the subject. You have to read the newspaper. You can’t just look online - read the newspaper. Get the whole story. You have to be able to know what’s going on in the world around you.

 

What is most rewarding about your job?

The one thing I like about being a CEO is that I am the rainmaker, I bring in all the deals, I do all the marketing, but can still contribute creatively to my team. I can feel comfortable wearing both of those hats. I can feel confident and know that I bring excellence to my company. I still know after 29 years I am at the top of my game. Also I love being an advocate for women and minorities. My volunteer work is serving on boards, speaking on behalf of women and minorities in business. The time I volunteer is just as important as the work I do everyday.