What was your first job, and what did you learn from it that you still apply today?
My first job was working as a frycook at a local drive-in seafood restaurant when I was in high school. This job gave me a whole new level of respect for people working in food service – it’s high-stress hard work, with almost no recognition and typically insufficient pay. It’s one of the many formative experiences I’ve had that have helped shape a personal philosophy that anyone working should never worry about putting food on the table or a roof over their head.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done outside of work, and how did it change your perspective?
As the culmination of a rehab process from torn ligaments in my knee, I ran a half marathon this past spring. While this isn’t “adventurous” for everyone, coming back from an injury and having little long distance running experience made this an adventure for me. It was a challenging process – requiring a commitment to a training plan, articulating my goal to others, and some mental fortitude on the day of the run. This is never something I thought I’d do, and changed my perspective on how incremental progress and daily commitment can sincerely help in the pursuit of larger goals.
What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned from a mentor or colleague?
My mom is one of my biggest life mentors, and she has a mantra that we call “bad stuff first.” Her perspective is that, when faced with a list of tasks ahead, it’s always better to do the things you want to do least, first. This is something I still live by – it helps clear your head of unnecessary stress, devotes your cognitive energy to your most challenging tasks, and lets you truly enjoy yourself when the “bad stuff” is out of the way.
What is the most recent leadership challenge you have faced?
Without delving into too much detail, I faced a challenge as a course instructor that revolved around addressing a potentially harmful comment made to one of my students. I checked in with this student and came up with a plan to address the issue without making a spectacle in front of the class. This was a poignant example of the importance of listening as a leader. Oftentimes, finding the “right” decision can come out of relationships and conversations with the people who you are leading.
How does The Sixth Level show up in your life?
Constantly. In the most obvious way, I’m working on a dissertation on gender inequality among managers and leaders, so I’m constantly reading and thinking about issues that
Sixth Level contributors so wonderfully articulate. Outside of “work,” it’s really neat to see who my “Sixth Level” friends are – the friends who bring principles like mutuality and justness into friendships. These are fulfilling relationships that truly enrich life experiences that I have been more intentional in seeking out after being involved