Leadership

I was asked to speak at a panel at a gathering of the University's women faculty and administrators yesterday. The topic was : Leadership. At the end of the discussion, the organizer approached me and said, it would be a shame not to share my message to a wider group.  In that spirit --  Here's my message: It's quite humbling to be here with you today, as a member of this panel.  The truth is, I never really dreamed of becoming a "leader".  But somehow, for whatever reason, I seem to find myself in that role.

I was the youngest of four, with a five-year gap between my older sibling and, so I guess it became natural for me to learn to stand on my own . Growing up, I was always the youngest in my class, but was always elected to be the president of a co-ed class, and eventually, the president of the student council.

I immigrated from the Philippines to New York when I was 24, landing a job at American Express, and quickly rose up the ranks, initially supervising a group of employees who were my peers.  Peers who have been there longer than me and  older than me.

I suppose that's when I first realized how humbling, sobering and rewarding it is to be a leader.  They were not just "senior" than me, I was also the only non-American girl, who was now their boss. I wasn't worried about the technical aspects of the job:  I felt I always had a good handle on that -- but it was about how my staff and I can develop a healthy, respectful and trusting relationship with each other.

This is the first time I felt an enormous amount of responsibility to make sure that I lead with my values:  respect, trust, integrity and humility.  It was important for me that we develop a common sense that we could achieve something good - together.

This sense has guided me through my career, and grew even stronger with the increase in my leadership role.  I learned to listen more, to be more mindful and empathetic.  I  found myself becoming more committed to developing others, to find ways to make a difference not only in my workplace but in the lives of those who work with me; to find ways to develop a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and nurturing.

I learned to find the courage to follow my instincts, seeking the counsel of those I trust.  I learned not to be afraid - to develop a stronger sense of my self and my values; to face the consequences of decisions I make and to deal with these consequences head-on.   I learned to find purpose in what I do : eventually, young ambition made way to an inspired drive to make a difference in the lives of others.

I learned that work-life balance is important:  and to the extent that I could, I will influence my work place to enable others to have the ability to have the same.

Don't get me wrong: I set very high standards, work very hard, and  am known to be quite demanding, and hold those who work with me accountable.  But-- they know I  will be the first to defend them, as long as they also hold true to the norms and values I hold them to:  trust, respect, integrity and humility.

My career has taken some serendipitous turns.  Chapter 1 was my life in the Philippines: young, carefree, ambitious.  Chapter 2 was my life in New York and New Jersey, where I built a career in corporate finance while raising a family.  Chapter 3 is here, in Charlottesville, in higher ed.  Life has offered me its share of ups and downs: disappointments from dishonesty and deception, tragedies of losing loved ones, breast cancer.   I am grateful that my parents instilled in me a strong faith,  that my mother modeled for me the meaning of independence and work ethics, and my father showed me how to live life to its fullest.  I am sustained by the love of my husband, children, sisters and extended family. And I have the good fortune of finding and keeping - many kind and supportive friends and colleagues who also keep me honest.  I  also now have a  puppy that simply adores  me, and  my photography is improving by the day.

At Darden,  I continue to encourage our staff and my colleagues to lead from where they are, and, my role is to find ways to create a safe and supportive environment for this to thrive.  I also now teach  a course in global leadership to our full time MBA students.  It is a wonderful opportunity for me to share what I've learned:  that no matter what the cultural differences , and no matter where we are in our lives and careers, we will face challenges in this global and complex world.  And - to be successful, it is critical to find common ground.  It is critical to be authentic and not lose one's self.  That in the end, common ground can be found through the universal values of respect, integrity, trust and humility.  And - leaders need to lead by example.

This seems to serve the organization, and our students well.  It has inspired me  - and hopefully those around me to continue to evolve towards realizing my vision of a leader:  a teacher-learner; a servant-leader.  This is what  I've learned to believe my work is about.  I continue to aspire and hope that whatever I do will make a difference in the lives of who I work with and my work place, and with some luck, this will extend beyond to others.

I don't know if you've heard of the story about the hundredth monkey -- if you don't, look it up.   This story proves the possibility that holding positive ideas is not sufficient by itself to change the world. The ideas need to be communicated,  be translated into action, and then --freedom of choice needs to be exercised to act upon these ideas.  I suggest that you, all,  present here, have the capacity - and the choice - to lead from where you are.  I encourage you  to do so - with respect, integrity, trust and humility.

Thank you.