13. One of the benefits of growing older is that we are increasingly able to reflect on our experiences and learn from them. Have you found any patterns of personal behavior no longer useful in your leadership role? Is so, what are these and how have you changed?
I tend to be passionate about things I am involved in, and that passion can spill out. When I was younger I was more confrontational, and am now a better listener. The way I express myself publically is less confrontational. I have always been conscientious and empathetic since I was a kid. I think those are good character traits to have in a leadership role.
14. What leadership qualities do you most admire in effective leaders that you have known? Which of these qualities do you believe best describe your leadership?
I really have an enormous appreciation for people who are creative and are willing to express ideas outside the common consciousness of an organization. The status quo is often comforting, but I like organizations that like to grow and grow and grow.
15. What, if any, spiritual traditions or practices do you most draw upon in exercising leadership?
None. Empathy and friendship and being available for friends and family are my guides. Shit happens, and I can accept that. With theft and fires that have destroyed my art and work from past periods of my life, I have learned the capacity to let stuff go. Bad experiences have given me insight into how to let go, and having kids has also taught me how to let go of certain things.
16. How has your leadership style changed as you have progressed in your career?
I put as little ego in as possible. I try to treat my employee the same as I do my business partner. I am not a top down kind of person.
17. What is the one mistake you see leaders making more frequently than others?
Over-commitment and not following through. Putting too much ego into one’s leadership, which muffles the capacity to listen. Not being able to be patient with people.
18. What are you doing to continue growing and developing as a leader?
I am continuing to invest myself in new things like the school board. It is a new knowledge base for me with a huge learning curve about learning my role and how to fulfill my part. I take this seriously.
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