diversity journal | celebrating asian-pacific american heritage month - may/june 2010
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8/7/2019 Diversity Journal | Celebrating Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month - May/June 2010
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Celebrating asian-PaCifiC ameriCan Heritage
Education: J.D., Seto Hall
Uversty Law School; Legslatve
Law Joural, Edtor--Chef;
B.S., Treto State College,
cum laude
What I’m reading: The Help,
by Kathry Stockett
My philosophy: “A lfe s ot
mportat except the mpact t
has o other lves.” -Jacke Robso
Interests: Famly, chartable
orgazatos, sports.
Hedqe: Newark, New Jersey
Web e: www.gibbonslaw.com
P Be: Law firm
Epee: 426
GiBBons P.C.
Who is/was your most influential leadership mentor and why?
John “Chuck” T. Dolan, (one of the founding partners of Gibbons P.C.) showed me, through
experience and by example, how to practice law with the utmost professionalism, the highest
ethical standards, and the greatest sense of humor.
Who in your family has had the most impact on your success?
My parents have had the most impact on my success. You learn by example. My parents came to the
United States in 1975 from Vietnam with absolutely nothing. They put themselves through college and
have worked hard since, sending all three of their children to college. My success as an attorney, and asan individual, is a direct result of their hard work and determination.
What advice can you provide for young leaders?
My advice to young leaders:
1. Work hard—it does pay off;
2. Remember your heritage and your history—whether you are diverse or not, there is always
something in your upbringing and experiences that makes you stronger; and
3. Always be professional and ethical—your reputation always precedes you.
May* is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, a celebration of Asians and Pacific
Islanders in the United States.
We wondered what unique challenges and experiences diversity leaders of
Asian-Pacific Islander descent may have experienced in their careers, and asked for
their thoughts and opinions about leadership, diversity, and mentoring. Many are
first-generation immigrants, and not surprisingly, their unique cultural experiencesgives them a personal insight into the importance of having a diverse and inclusive
workforce.
Celebrting asin-Pcific aericn
Heritge month
* The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the
completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. (The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants).
LAN HOANG Drector
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Profiles in Diversity Journal M a Y / J u n e 2 0 1 0
Education: Atteded commuty
college
What I’m reading: The Fifth
Discipline, by Peter Sege
My philosophy: Have a dscpled
approach to your work.
Interests: Famly ad readg.
Hedqe: Dallas, Texas
Web e: www.comerica.com
P Be: Banking
Epee: 9,500
ComEriCa Bank
Who is/was your most influential leadership mentor and why?
My most influential mentor was my credit manager, with whom I worked in my first year in banking. I
admired his “lead-by-example” leadership style and his great sense of humor. He was highly respected for
his excellent character, fairness, and the ability to lead and motivate others. He provided an inviting and
comfortable working environment where employees felt welcome to share ideas and challenges.
What advice can you provide for young leaders?
Leadership is not an entitlement, but something one earns through trust and respect. To earn trust and
respect, one must demonstrate knowledge, common sense, honesty, and fairness. Good communication
skills are necessary to achieve these tasks. A good leader also needs to listen to, and act upon suggestions
and recommendations. My advice to young leaders is to invest heavily in your character. It takes years to
build trust and respect, but a moment to destroy it.
Given the chance, would you do anything differently?
Given a chance, I would not do anything differently. I believe the accomplishments I’ve achieved so far
were done through hard work and perseverance. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with great
people at Comerica, and enjoy the endless support from my family.
Education: B.A., Face, graduated
Maga Cum Laude
What I’m reading: Leadership and
Self Deception: Getting Out of the
Box, by The Arbger isttute
My philosophy: You oly lve oce,
so lve lfe to the fullest.
Interests: Musc, travel, ad food.
THAO NGuyEN Vce Presdet/ Char of the Asa Pacfc islader itatve
ComEriCa Bank
Hedqe: Dallas, Texas
Web e: www.comerica.com
P Be: Banking
Epee: 9,500
Who is/was your most influential leadership mentor and why?
One of my most influential leaders, if not the most influential mentor, is the one I currently have—
my boss, Betty Tucker. She’s taught me the importance of wearing multiple hats in order to achieve
the aims of any project. It starts with the importance of accepting and understanding that changes
will always take place. Although the paths may change, provided we’re on the same team, the essential
objective is the same. Betty has shown me different ways to inspire my team and has reminded me that
we are only winning when the entire team is winning. Betty has demonstrated to me how to be a servant
leader. We can’t lead if we don’t know how to follow.
What’s the worst fault a leader can have?
The worst fault a leader can have is lack of compassion towards others. If they are not listening to their
employees and only dictating orders, then their leadership role will soon vanish. There are those ‘leaders’
who don’t create the necessary environment of “wanting to win” from others. They don’t bring out the
best in people. Their only objective is themselves, and having such a self-absorbed attitude will only get
them so far.
SAGRARIO (SAGRA) W.C. CABRERA Seor Vce Presdet/Regoal Maager
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Who in your family has had the most impact on your success?
My parents, because they encouraged me to believe in myself. Looking back, I never once thought
that being a girl, first generation immigrant, or coming from a family of moderate means, was ever a
deterrent to my achieving my goals.
My siblings and I were taught that you could do anything if you put effort into it. For a very long time,
I thought everyone had the same abilities, and that differing results (e.g., grades, tests) were only due
to varying degrees of effort. While I do now appreciate that some are more gifted than others, I greatly
admire people who work extra hard to take full advantage of every opportunity.
What advice can you provide for young leaders?
For me, this quote from Jim Rohn rings true: “The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude;
be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be
proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.”
Given the chance, would you do anything differently?
Not at all. I feel very fortunate to have a job where I get to practice law, lead a team, and also be a part of
the business senior management. While I had the opportunity to join the company much earlier in my
career, I do appreciate the 12 years I spent at a law firm. I had a great mentor who guided me and taught
me the importance of having mentors.
Education: J.D., Uversty of
Marylad, wth hoors; B.A.,
Poltcal Scece, Wester Marylad
College, maga cum laude,
ph beta kappa
What I’m reading: What is
the What, by Dave Eggers,
Unaccustomed Earth, by Jhumpa
Lahr, ad The New Yorker
My philosophy: Trust your stct.
Look for the best people.
Interests: Bkram yoga, golfg,
ad cookg wth my husbad.
Hedqe: Baltimore, Maryland
Web e: www.citifinancial.com
P Be: Consumer finance
Epee: 9,500
CitiFinanCial, Part oF CitiGrouP inC
Celebrating asian-PaCifiC ameriCan Heritage
What is your most rewarding career accomplishment?Landing a job at Abercrombie. Come on, I get to wear distressed jeans and flip-flops to work!
What advice can you provide for young leaders?
Build trusting relationships with a few peers who will have the green light to be honest with you. I
was lucky enough to have someone early in my career tell me, “Tony, you are failing…” It was a
wake-up call.
What are the personal and professional risks a leader should take?
Being confident in their ideas. Many of us have sat in that conference room, overly concerned about hav-
ing our thoughts/ideas criticized or dissected. We need to speak up and be willing to put our ideas out
there. A second risk is having the courage to be authentic. People respond to being real and genuine.
What was the defining moment in your life in which you understood your leadership?Understanding that I will never be that perfect leader, no matter how many books I read, or mentors I
speak to. I just need to be conscious of it and work at it every day.
Education: Poltcal Scece, B.A.;
Jurs Doctorate
What I’m reading: The Big Short,
by Mchael Lews
My philosophy: “Tur the
page”—lear from your mstakes,
but do’t dwell o them.
Interests: Tes, golf, bkg,
theatre ad eatg at restaurats.
TONy PARk Drector of Huma Resources, iteratoal Buses
Hedqe: New Albany, Ohio Web e: www.abercrombie.com
P Be: Retail—Apparel
Epee: 100,000
aBErCromBiE & FitCH
APRIL OH PARk Geeral Cousel ad Maagg Drecto
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Education: B.S., Butler Uversty,
Ecoomcs; Dalhouse Uversty,
MBA (expected completo 2012)
What I’m reading: Aythg
pertag to my MBA currculum;
The Economist; ad The Downhill
Lie, by Carl Haase
My philosophy: never be compla-
cet; strve to be cotet.
Interests: Golf, travellg.
Hedqe: Chicago, Illinois Web e: www.harrisbank.com
P Be: Financial services
Epee: About 7,000
Harris n.a.
CITO MAMARIL Vce Presdet, idaa Busess Market Maager
Who is/was your most influential leadership mentor and why?
Early in my career, one of my first managers was Dave Schmitz. He was, by far, my most influential
leadership mentor. Dave gave me insight to the “street” knowledge and experience necessary to become a
successful banker. He also taught me how to laugh at adversity and see humor in life. These are invaluable
skills that I still use today—and I hope I continue to use them for years to come.
What is your definition of leadership?
To me, leadership is about being a role model, as well as an advocate, for a cause greater than oneself in
order to motivate people and achieve the best possible outcome for that cause.
What is your most rewarding career accomplishment?
My most rewarding professional accomplishment took place in 2009, when my team of Relationship
Bankers in Indiana became the top performing group within the Harris Small Business Banking segment.
As a leader, it was fulfilling to be able to help those I lead realize a common goal and achieve success.
Having said that, I think continuous improvement is critical to success.
Given the chance, would you do anything differently?
If I could go back and do something differently, it would be great if I could make myself grow a foot taller
to fulfill my dream of being in the NBA!
Education: B.S., Computer Scece,
Pesylvaa State Uversty
What I’m reading: The Eragon
seres, by Chrstopher Paol
My philosophy: Make the most
of everythg you do ad strve
to do your best. The eergy ad
commtmet that you covey helps
motvate others to reach ther peakperformace.
Interests: Volleyball, scuba dvg,
jet skg, travelg.
Hedqe: Melbourne, Florida Web e: www.harris.com
P Be: International communications and information technology company serving government acommercial markets
Epee: 15,000+
Harris CorPoration
JENNIfER ADAMS Egeerg Drector
Who in your family has had the most impact on your success?
My mother always pushed me to be the best that I could be and told me that there wasn’t anything I
couldn’t do. Since both my parents were pharmacists, they made sure I was never afraid about getting
into a technical career.
What is your definition of leadership?
Leadership is the ability to effectively bring people together to achieve a common goal/accomplishment.
Key traits include communication skills, integrity, being motivational, and a team player.
What’s the worst fault a leader can have?
Inability to communicate and make decisions. Communication and listening are key to
successful leadership.
What advice can you provide for young leaders?Don’t be afraid to think out of the box and propose something different. Seek out leaders that you respect,
and learn from their experiences and actions to model your own leadership style.
What are the personal and professional risks a leader should take?
A leader needs to be a self-starter and demonstrate courage in the decisions that he makes. It encourages
and inspires others on the team to step out of the box.
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Who in your family has had the most impact on your success?
No doubt my wife has had a tremendous impact on my career and my success. In the last decade, my
family has lived in four countries on three different continents. We moved from Asia to Europe to North
America. The relocation means we have had to adjust to continuous and significant changes in culture
and lifestyle. My wife’s dedication and flexibility to supporting my growing family through change has
allowed me to focus on my career. My wife has played a pivotal role in my success and remains my key
and most valuable collaborator.
What are the personal and professional risks a leader should take?A leader needs to be prepared and willing to make hard and unpopular decisions. You will have to make
more and more difficult decisions as you progress in your career. Take the risk and make informed deci-
sions. Make sure you have all the information you need to make a sound decision. Keep in mind that
not all the decisions we make will bring success or please everyone. Sometimes, they may not be the right
decisions. When that happens, it’s important to take responsibility for those decisions and learn from
painful failures. These are what make you a better leader.
Education:
B.S., Chemstry, Badug isttute
of Techology, idoesa; M.B.A.,
northwood Uversty, U.S.A.
My philosophy:
The sky s the lmt—ever stop
learg ad mprovg.
Interests:
Golf, tes, basketball.
EDDy SETIAWAN Global Busess Drector, Chlorated Orgacs
tHE DoW CHEmiCal ComPany
Who in your family has had the most impact on your success?My mother, who sacrificed and encouraged us to do more. My father, who, with only a high school
education, taught me business fundamentals at his grocery store.
What advice can you provide for young leaders?
Allocate time every week to interact with customers. Get to know the individuals that sum up to the
reports or segments. Early in my career, I spent a lot of time listening in on sales or market research calls.
Now, I get similar information online.
What was the defining moment in your life in which you understood your leadership?
I took time off from the corporate world to live and work in different regions of the U.S. The goal was
to learn about multiple walks of life and how those differences can be harnessed for success. I worked
as a Montana ranch-hand, inner-city teacher, and health researcher for older-adults studies. The one
consistent theme I learned about leadership is that passionate people who work together as a team on asingular mission achieve extraordinary results. For example, for a short time, I worked in a disadvantaged
school in Birmingham, Alabama, where the graduation rates and test scores were near the top for the
state. From janitors to teachers to principals, everybody excelled at their jobs, but they also stepped out
of their roles to help each other.
Education: Harvard College
What I’m reading: Common
Wealth: Economics for a Crowded
Planet, by Jeffrey Sachs
My philosophy: Passoate
people workg together ca
acheve aythg.
Interests: Pao, tes.
JASON JuE Drector, Marketg
Hedqe: Midland, Michigan
Web e: www.dow.com
P Be: Manufacturer of technology-based products includingspecialty chemicals, advanced materials, agricultural products and plastics.
Epee: 52,000
Hedqe: Round Rock, Texas
Web e: www.dell.com
P Be: Information Technology
Epee: 95,000
DEll CorPoration
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My parents have had the most impact on my success. As refugees in their mid-thirties, they came to the
U.S. with four young children. I learned a strong work ethic from their struggles. My
father is a tremendous inspiration to me and has instilled in me the necessary courage to take risks, while
at the same time teaching me to welcome setbacks and to learn from them, using them
as opportunities.
What is your most rewarding career accomplishment?
My most rewarding career accomplishment is not one experience; it is that I have chosen a career formyself that has given me the opportunity to mature and evolve in a very competitive and challenging
industry. And my career for the past 21 years has, at the same time, been very personally rewarding be-
cause, just as my family is most important to me, I am able to help other families and businesses in my
community protect their loved ones.
Given the chance, would you do anything differently?
The advice I would give to young leaders comes from the Dalai Lama: You can’t change the past because
it is gone. You do not worry about the future because it is not yet here. However, you can learn from the
past to make wise choices in the present for a better future.
Who in your family has had the most impact on your success?
Education: B.S., Face,
George Maso Uversty
What I’m reading: Blink, ad
The Tipping Point, both by
Malcolm Gladwell
My philosophy: if t s to be, t s
up to me.
Interests: Martal Arts, moves,
spedg tme wth my lades
(wfe, Clauda; daughters,
Mela ad Holly).
PASCAL NGuyEN, CRPC, CLTC Specalzg Retremet Plag for Orage Couty
Hedqe: New York City Web e: www.newyorklife.com; www.nylpascal.com
P Be: Insurance
Epee: More than 8,600 (Domestic)
neW yorK life insurAnce coMPAny
itt corPorAtion
MuNISH NANDA Vce Presdet, itegrated Supply Cha—Flud & Moto Cotrol
Who is/was your most influential leadership mentor and why?
My late father. He had an innate ability to identify opportunity and to simplify the complex; he was
fabulous with people and a super coach.
What is your most rewarding career accomplishment?
A few times in my career I have enabled underperforming organizations to realize so much more of their
potential. Having the privilege of leading teams that, from a position of disadvantage, went on to create
extraordinary value for their constituents (customers, the organization, and employees) has been most
rewarding.
What’s the worst fault a leader can have?
Lack of mental flexibility, and the inability to recognize the fine line that separates self-confidence from
arrogance.
What advice can you provide for young leaders?
Engage. Lead with confidence, especially in tough times. Learn every day. Anticipate. Shoot for the stars,
but keep your feet well grounded.
Education: Bachelor’s
Egeerg & Master’s Busess
What I’m reading: Three Cups
of Tea, by Greg Morteso &
Davd Olver Rel; Outliers,by
Malcolm Gladwell
My philosophy: Lve lke there
s o tomorrow. Pla lke you’ll
lve forever.
Interests: My famly, sem-classcal
Hd musc, walkg.
Hedqe: White Plains, New York Web e: www.itt.com
P Be: Multi-Industry Engineering and Manufacturing
Epee: 40,000
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What is your definition of leadership?
Leadership is consistently using actions, words, and behaviors to help others, while being guided
by a strong moral compass and supported by strength of character. Strong leadership is exemplified by
unbiased behaviors, principled approaches to decision making, clear communication, and an ability to
genuinely connect with people.
What advice can you provide for young leaders?
Develop the leader within you—starting now! You’ll likely need to continue developing your
technical and soft skills, but first understand what gives you a sense of fulfillment or purpose in yourlife. If you can align your career, employer, and job responsibilities with what you enjoy doing, you will
experience a sense of purpose, and your work will enable you to build a more fulfilling life.
Take charge of your career; don’t wait for it to happen. Create a vision statement, share it with
your teams, and be accountable to it. If you don’t want to be the best at whatever it is you’re doing,
then you should probably try doing something a little different if you want to be successful. Don’t
define yourself by a title or metric; work hard doing what fulfills you and you’ll enjoy success.
Have a global perspective and learn from those who have different cultural or socio-economic
backgrounds. Give back generously, and lead with integrity.
Education: B.S., Busess
Admstrato, Accoutg; Master
of Accoutacy, Uversty of
South Carola
What I’m reading:
SuperFreakonomics, by Steve D.
Levtt ad Stephe J. Duber
My philosophy: i am thakful to
have the opportuty to work wth
those aroud me. As a leader, i am
a better posto to serve ad
uplft others.
Interests: Actvtes wth my three
chldre, travellg (i’ve bee to more
tha 40 coutres to date), readg,
metorg, ad college football.
MATTHEW PRAJNA DENNIS JOHNSON Maagg Drecto
Hedqe: New York City Web e: www.us.kpmg.com
P Be: Big Four Accounting firm providing audit, tax, and advisory services
Epee: 21,000
kPmG llP
What is your most rewarding career accomplishment?As a more senior lawyer, I am being asked to speak to junior lawyers in a mentoring capacity. I never really
thought of myself as a role model, but as I look at some of the younger lawyers, I can’t help but remember
the times when I was navigating work- and life-related issues and wished I could turn to a mentor for
advice. Having someone ask for my help, and understanding that I may actually be in a position to help,
has been very rewarding—I consider that to be a very important career accomplishment.
What’s the worst fault a leader can have?
Losing touch with the people who you are suppose to lead, and failing to learn from earlier mistakes.
What advice can you provide for young leaders?
You can’t be paralyzed by fear of the unknown and you should have confidence in your own ability to
navigate beyond your comfort zone. Developing a broad database of experience, while solidifying your
core expertise, can only benefit you in the long run.
Given the chance, would you do anything differently?
No. I would not do anything differently. I have a rewarding and intellectually stimulating job in a profes-
sion that performs a critical function within society.
Education: J.D., Bosto Uversty
School of Law; B.A., Uversty of
Calfora, Davs
What I’m reading: i am a hstory
buff, partcularly World War ii
hstory. i am curretly readg
Stalingrad, by Atoy Beevor
My philosophy: i am a frm belever
of the sayg, “Keepg my sde ofthe street clea.” Makg sure that i
have acted properly, whether profes-
soally or persoally, has always
esured that i ca hold my head hgh
all stuatos.
Interests: Famly actvtes, travel, ad
martal arts.
Hedqe: Greenville, South Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia
Web e: www.ogletreedeakins.com
P Be: Law firm
Epee: 900
oGletree, deAKins, nAsh, sMoAK & steWArt, P.c.
VINCE VERDE Co-Maagg Shareholde
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Education: B.A., Busess
Ecoomcs, UCLA
What I’m reading: Tuned In, by
Crag Stull, Phl Myers, ad Davd
Meerma Scotty
My philosophy: Chersh what’s
mportat lfe—famly, freds,
commuty—whle cotug to
grow ad develop professoally.
Interests: Spedg tme wth my
famly, readg, voluteerg for
o-profts.
TRACEy DOI Group Vce Presdet, Chef Facal Offcer
toyotA Motor sAles, usA, inc.
Hedqe: Torrance, California Web e: www.toyota.com
P Be: Automotive
Epee: 40,000 employees in North America
Who in your family has had the most impact on your success?
My mom has been a tremendous inspiration throughout my life, demonstrating that it is possible to have
a challenging career and a healthy, happy family at the same time. I am very lucky to benefit from her
wisdom and advice, and to have her participate so actively in our children’s lives.
What is your definition of leadership?
A leader paints a vivid picture of the future, and provides the strategy, resources, and motivation to
achieve inspiring goals together.
What’s the worst fault a leader can have?
If a leader doesn’t listen, derailment could be near. When I get pushback, I try to listen more closely, ask
more questions, and dig deeper. The additional insight can be critical to the success of the team.
What advice can you provide for young leaders?
Build your own Board of Directors. Rather than seek out one mentor, look for multiple advisors
that can provide input for different facets of your life. It often helps to have a sounding board to
double check that you’re staying true to your core values and to provide advice when you stumble.
Having spent nearly 25 years with the San Francisco program, On Lok Senior Health Service. The
program started in our Chinese, Filipino, and Italian communities, and was designed to help elders stay
in their own homes and community with culturally appropriate services. I am so proud that this locally
designed health program that originated from an ethnic community became a mainstream Medicare
program which today operates in 31 states. We were able to change and create policy, from the ground
up, that has meaning, value, quality, and accountability that continues to grow.
What’s the worst fault a leader can have?
A leader is at risk when she feels that she has THE answer without always understanding the context of
the situation and recognizing that others have important points of view that matter. I subscribe to the
school of servant leadership, wherein one is constantly aware that it isn’t about me but about the us and
the mission at stake. We will all have opportunities to be the team leader and the team member. One isnot “better” than the other, but is simply what is needed at the time based on the work at hand to be
done.
Education: Bosto College;
Uversty of Calfora,
Sa Fracsco; Hoorary Doctorate,
Bosto College
What I’m reading: John Adams,
by Davd McCullough
My philosophy: Work hard,
wth tegrty ad respect for
others, o what you care about adwhch helps to make a dfferece
to socety.
Interests: Readg, orchds, m
get-aways, teratoal travel wth
husbad.
JENNIE CHIN HANSEN Presdet (The hghest rakg voluteer at AARP)
Hedqe: Washington, D.C. Web e: www.aarp.org
P Be: Founded in 1958, AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps p50+ improve the quality of their lives.
Epee: 2,154
aarP
What is your most rewarding career accomplishment?
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Who in your family had the most impact on your success?
My grandmother. She was a “giver.” Her parents (my great-grandparents) emigrated from
Japan to work in the sugar plantations in Hawaii. Together they successfully raised four college-educated
children. Her door was always open to anyone and everyone who needed a helping hand. Her saying was,
“We are truly blessed—we may not have much, but we can share. So give—and truly give—don’t expect
to get anything in return. If so, don’t—that’s not true giving—give from the heart.”
What advice can you provide for young leaders?
Never stop learning. Try new things, volunteer for new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to fail. If you fail,
learn from your mistakes—don’t dwell on them. Get up and move on. Seek out success and successful
people. Sign up for Toast Masters!
What are the personal and/or professional sacrifices to being leader?
By putting clients, customers, and employees first, it’s been tough to balance my personal life.
I have to work harder at scheduling family events and school activities than at executing a new business
partnership! I could not do what I do without the love and support of my wife and my two daughters. I
am truly blessed to have their support, and have them at my side.
Education: B.A., Busess
Admstrato, Seattle Uversty
What I’m reading: The Necessary
Revolution, by Peter M. Sege
Interests: Coachg Lttle League
softball, physcal ftess, ad golf.
sodexo
kERWIN M. HIGASHI Vce Presdet, Busess Developmet, Educato Servces
Hedqe: Gaithersburg, Maryland (North America) Web e: www.sodexo.com
P Be: Global provider of integrated food and facilities management services
Epee: 125,000 (North America)
What is your definition of leadership?
To me, leadership is about creating a way for people to contribute toward a common vision, achieve
common goals, and to share the rewards of success.
What is your most rewarding career accomplishment?
The most rewarding career accomplishment was when I was leading a team in an operation and I was
able to develop and eventually promote a couple of people, helping them move their career forward and
mentoring them along the way. It felt good to have made a difference in people’s lives.
What advice can you provide for young leaders?
Respect is earned. Greatness can be developed. Keep learning. Find a mentor or two. Be generous with
your time and energy. Deliver your promises.
What are the personal and/or professional sacrifices to being leader?
Personal sacrifices are mostly related to losing time for yourself or for your family. Professional sacrifices
could involve not getting what you want, but what the team wants.
Education: B.S., Detetcs ad Food
Admstrato, Calfora State
Uversty, Log Beach
What I’m reading: Golden Leaf, A
Khmer Rouge Genocide Survivor, by
Klog Ug
My philosophy: Do what i say i wll
do. Gvg s a greater blessg tha
recevg. Lfe s too short to ot
make tme for people.
Interests: Travelg ad
learg about dverse cultures,
tes, gardeg.
LIz kINNIBuRGH Drector, Busess Developmet, Corporate Servces
sodexo
Hedqe: Gaithersburg, Maryland (North America) Web e: www.sodexo.com
P Be: Global provider of integrated food and facilities management services
Epee: 125,000 (North America)
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What is your definition of leadership?
A great leader is able to harness the power and wisdom of a diverse team. You need a vision and a strong
imagination that enables you to transfer innovation from outside the box into the box. A leader needs to
listen, observe, and question.
What advice can you provide for young leaders?
I tell young people to be the best at what you do right now, but always think like an owner or CEO. You
need to anticipate the needs of your colleagues, and it’s very important to invest in yourself with further
education, seeking help from mentors, and reading books.
What was the defining moment in your life in which you understood your leadership?
I was in college when my mother died in a car accident, and that was when it really sunk in to me that
I had a promise to fulfill. That moment of realization still influences how I act every day, reminding me
of my obligation to further better myself.
Given the chance, would you do anything differently?
Life is funny when you think back upon what could have been if you had made different
choices. But I have no regrets, I feel privileged to be where I am, and I just wish my mother were still
alive.
Education: B.A., northwester
Uversty; M.B.A., northwester,
Kellogg School of Busess
What I’m reading: The Tipping
Point, ad Outliers, both by Malcolm
Gladwell; The Innovator’s Dilemma,
by Clayto M. Chrstese
My philosophy: Leaders come
all dfferet styles, but what they allhave commo s people who are
followg support of ther vso.
Interests: Coachg my two boys
baseball, woodworkg, water
actvtes wth my famly.
SAM kIM Vce Presdet, U.S. E-Commerce Group
W.W. GrAinGer, inc.
Hedqe: Lake Forest, Illinois Web e: www.grainger.com
P Be: Distributor, Maintenance, Repair, and Operating Supplies
Epee: 18,000
What is your most rewarding career accomplishment?
What I value most is seeing people I mentored or worked with succeed. Personally, it has been very re-
warding to work with Grainger in understanding the value of our name and what our brand stands for.
This is a very humble organization, but we are changing our culture because, leveraging who we are will
help us grow in the future.
What are the personal and/or professional sacrifices to being leader?
Time is the major sacrifice. You have to change your mindset about the value of time and give up one
thing to get another. In choosing a working career, I have learned to be very deliberate about the quality of the time I spend with my family; not just the quantity.
What was the defining moment in your life in which you understood your leadership?
I was a member of a literary society in college, when I first realized I had a natural ability to influence
people. I discovered that the direction of a group of people could be shaped without being the formal
leader of the group. I had never thought that of myself until I saw it materialize.
What advice can you provide for young leaders?
My advice early in your career is to be deliberate, to take the time to decide where it is you want to go,
and to map out how to get there. If you don’t have an end game, you will find you lack direction when
you are making some of your early career decisions.
Education: B.S., Ketterg
Uversty; M.B.A.,
Uversty of illos
What I’m reading: The Exceptional
Presenter, by Tmothy J. Koegel
My philosophy: Every challege
s a learg opportuty. Lke
water, you eed to adapt to
ay evromet.
Interests: My famly (tw four-year-
old grls), readg, travel.
MEETA kRATz Drector, Strategy—Govermet & Healthcare Busess Ut
W.W. GrAinGer, inc.
Hedqe: Lake Forest, Illinois Web e: www.grainger.com
P Be: Distributor, Maintenance, Repair, and Operating Supplies
Epee: 18,000
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Who in your family has had the most impact on your success?
My parents were a tremendous influence on me, and have had a great impact on me. First, they taught
me, by example, the importance of hard work and focus. They emigrated from China and worked in
Chinese laundries and restaurants for most of their adult lives striving to create a better life for our family.
I believe that this focus and strong work ethic has been central to my character. Another valuable perspec-
tive was the belief that education is a central ingredient for success. They actively supported my academic
growth, gave me self-confidence, and provided me the means to pursue my educational ambitions.
What advice can you provide for young leaders?You should always strive to continuously learn. The moment you lose that desire, you’ll stop your po-
tential to grow. Everyone should explore new opportunities, experiences, and try to learn new functions.
You should also look to network with colleagues, peers, and executives. Finally, you need to manage your
own career—and don’t expect anything to be handed to you. Good things will only happen if you create
the opportunities.
What are the personal and professional risks a leader should take?
You need to be willing to step at least slightly outside of your comfort zone. Show that you have the self-
confidence to take on new assignments, create new relationships, and promote your successes. You can
gain this through cross-functional experience and learning new skills.
QuINTIN LEW Sr. Vce Presde
Hedqe: New York City
Web e: www.verizon.com
P Be: Communications
Epee: 200,000+
Who is/was your most influential leadership mentor and why?Winston Churchill, who once said: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue
that counts.” No doubt some of his spirit was the result of his keen interest in spirits; but nonetheless, he
never fails to amuse and inspire.
What advice can you provide for young leaders?
Be fearless in presenting your ideas and vision for solving problems; and be equally willing to work hard
for these. Seek mentorship and build relationships across all stakeholders to effect enduring change. Build
diversity of thought, background, and outlook into all your teams.
What e the personal and professional risks a leader should take?
Be willing to speak your beliefs with conviction, to anyone, regardless of their position. Openness is the
best course of action, both professionally and personally.
Given the chance, would you do anything differently?
Like anyone, I would wish I could have learned the lessons of team-building and leadership
even earlier.
Education: M.B.A., new York
Uversty, Ster School of
Busess; B.S., SUnY Albay
What I’m reading: The Psychology
of Winning, by Des Watley
My philosophy: Thk bg. Act
wth tegrty ad resposblty.
Interests: Readg, golf, ad travel.
Education: B.S., Computer Scece,
Uversty of Marylad;
M.B.A., Georgetow Uversty
What I’m reading: Founding
Brothers, by Joseph J. Ells; Justice:
What’s the Right Thing to Do?, by
Mchael J. Sadel
My philosophy: Happess s here
ad ow. Be the chage you watto see.
Interests: ida cuse ad
promotg healthy whole foods,
readg, wrtg, commuty
servce, adveture travel.
Hedqe: Washington, D.C. Web e: www.usps.com
P Be: Postal Service
Epee: 600,000 Career Employees
united stAtes PostAl service
verizon
PRITHA MEHRA Vce Presdet, Busess Mal Etry ad Paymet Techology
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Education: B.S., Psychology,
Upper iowa Uversty; M.A.,
Leadershp, Bellevue Uversty
What I’m reading: The Speed of
Trust, by Stephe Covey
My philosophy: Seek the
ukow, lear, apprecate.
Interests: Cultures, rug,
famly, dversty.
Hedqe: Des Moines, Iowa Web e: www.wellmark.com
P Be: Health Insurance
Epee: 2,000
RONA BERINOBIS Drector of Workforce icluso
WellMArK Blue cross Blue shield
Who in your family had the most impact on your success?
My parents. They taught me the value of hard work, the importance of a positive attitude, and how to
respect and treat others. Their own life experiences helped me to appreciate how embracing different
cultures enriches each of us. In the spirit of my culture, I try to leave those I interact with feeling a sense
of ‘the aloha spirit.’
What is your definition of leadership?
Effective leadership involves having mutual respect and treating colleagues and team members as partners
and collaborators. Leadership is the ability to inspire and motivate people to give the best of themselves.It means never making judgments without facts, and requires having the capability to deliver the tough
messages in a respectful and meaningful way. Successful leaders are defined by their actions.
What advice can you provide for young leaders?
Respect, accept, and appreciate all generations. Technology is a wonderful tool and serves a
significant role in communicating, but be sure not to lose sight of the value and power of
face-to-face meetings.
Education: B.A., Yale College;
M.A., Yale Uversty; J.D.,
ZUversty of Mchga Law School
What I’m reading: Whatever looks
good the ‘ew fcto’ secto at
the lbrary.
My philosophy: Lve the
momet.
Interests: Paretg, rug,readg, ad beg outsde.
Hedqe: London, England Web e: www.nationalgrid.com
P Be: International energy delivery company
Epee: 27,000
COLIN OWyANG Seor Vce Presdet ad U.S. Geeral Cousel
nAtionAl Grid
What is your definition of leadership?
Doing the right thing when no one’s looking.
What’s the worst fault a leader can have?
Not knowing one’s self. If you don’t know who you are—what makes you who you are, and drives you
to who you want to be—I don’t think you can responsibly lead anybody else.
What was the defining moment in your life in which you understood your leadership?
The first time I had to stand on my feet in front of a jury and say “objection” was when it hit home, in a
very real way, that I was responsible for making sure the right thing was done. It was a defining moment
of taking ownership for delivering an outcome. We are all measured by the results we deliver.
Given the chance, would you do anything differently?
I was a Chinese literature major in college which was an intellectual interest and important formy own self identity, but it didn’t exactly give me a lot of different ways to earn a living. If I had
to do it all over again, I would have double majored in math too (no minors where I went to
school). Then again, if I did that, I might never have gone to law school and had the privilege
of being a federal prosecutor before coming in-house.