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Healthcare is changing rapidly—probably faster than at any other time since immediately post-World War II. The way we deliver healthcare is evolving so fast that it is hard to keep up with the next ‘trend.’ As a leader in healthcare in a major academic medical center, I think the greatest challenge I face is how to balance the tremendous value of the approach of academic medicine—that is to say the three part mission of clinical care, discovery and education---with the fast paced increased consumerism that is hitting healthcare.
In your mind, what has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
Raising my two daughters—balancing a professional career and still being engaged with them was not always easy. While I did not do this perfectly, my daughters have always known that they were and are my priority. They have chosen their own career paths with a sense of independence and strength that I feel I helped to shape throughout their lives.
Dr. Meg Rush — Executive Medical Director and Chief of Staff at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and Professor of Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your job today?Healthcare is changing rapidly—probably faster than at any other time since immediately post-World War II. The way we deliver healthcare is evolving so fast that it is hard to keep up with the next ‘trend.’ As a leader in healthcare in a major academic medical center, I think the greatest challenge I face is how to balance the tremendous value of the approach of academic medicine—that is to say the three part mission of clinical care, discovery and education---with the fast paced increased consumerism that is hitting healthcare.
Get your tickets for the Women in Business Luncheon — August 19, 2015!
In your mind, what has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
Raising my two daughters—balancing a professional career and still being engaged with them was not always easy. While I did not do this perfectly, my daughters have always known that they were and are my priority. They have chosen their own career paths with a sense of independence and strength that I feel I helped to shape throughout their lives.
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The skills gap is real. Writing skills, especially grammar, are becoming a lost art in the age of social media, texting and twitter. Employers are not amused when formal reports contain multiple errors and slang. IT skills and healthcare professional shortages are real issues cited by workforce and HR leaders.
We also live in an age of evolving and multigenerational workplaces. Boss as dictator just doesn’t work. In 2015, millennials became the largest percentage of the workforce for the very first time. The significance of that milestone should not go unnoticed.
What do you love about your job?
The intersection of passion and skill is truly magical; it impacts virtually aspect of life. I love the power of work! After a successful career in corporate America, having leadership positions with Xerox and Western Union, I followed my entrepreneurial spirit to form a human resource training and consulting company. Metro Government was one of many clients. It’s a fabulous job that has experienced the economic roller coaster in the past 13 years. Working in partnership with the Nashville Chamber, the State of Tennessee and other public and private partner, it has been rewarding to contribute the economic and workforce development accomplishments of the 'IT' city.
Jacky Akbari — Director of Employer Services, Nashville Career Advancement Center, Mayors Office; Founder/President of the Council on Workforce Innovation and the National Organization for Workforce Diversity
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your job today?The skills gap is real. Writing skills, especially grammar, are becoming a lost art in the age of social media, texting and twitter. Employers are not amused when formal reports contain multiple errors and slang. IT skills and healthcare professional shortages are real issues cited by workforce and HR leaders.
We also live in an age of evolving and multigenerational workplaces. Boss as dictator just doesn’t work. In 2015, millennials became the largest percentage of the workforce for the very first time. The significance of that milestone should not go unnoticed.
Get your tickets for the Women in Business Luncheon — August 19, 2015!
What do you love about your job?
The intersection of passion and skill is truly magical; it impacts virtually aspect of life. I love the power of work! After a successful career in corporate America, having leadership positions with Xerox and Western Union, I followed my entrepreneurial spirit to form a human resource training and consulting company. Metro Government was one of many clients. It’s a fabulous job that has experienced the economic roller coaster in the past 13 years. Working in partnership with the Nashville Chamber, the State of Tennessee and other public and private partner, it has been rewarding to contribute the economic and workforce development accomplishments of the 'IT' city.
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I’m a mom now, so balance is more important than it’s ever been. Every day I have to consciously make a decision to put down the phone, shut the computer, and engage with my family when I’m with them. After bedtime, it’s back to work. My father was a great example of how to pour into your kids growing up. He worked 80 hours a week or more getting Puckett’s off the ground and still managed to be our assistant soccer coach at school. I’m still trying to figure out how he did it.
What advice would you give to yourself at the early part of your career or someone else who might be starting out in your field?
You don’t have to be a b*tch to be the boss. Early in my career, I sometimes felt like I had to be mean to prove that I was tough and in charge. It wasn’t comfortable, and it wasn’t me. I do believe in being assertive and speaking clearly and directly, but good manners go a long way. Polite but firm is a much more effective way to get things done.
Claire Marshall Crowell — Director of Operations at A. Marshall Family Foods
Tell us in what ways you maintain balance as a successful businesswoman.I’m a mom now, so balance is more important than it’s ever been. Every day I have to consciously make a decision to put down the phone, shut the computer, and engage with my family when I’m with them. After bedtime, it’s back to work. My father was a great example of how to pour into your kids growing up. He worked 80 hours a week or more getting Puckett’s off the ground and still managed to be our assistant soccer coach at school. I’m still trying to figure out how he did it.
Get your tickets for the Women in Business Luncheon — August 19, 2015!
What advice would you give to yourself at the early part of your career or someone else who might be starting out in your field?
You don’t have to be a b*tch to be the boss. Early in my career, I sometimes felt like I had to be mean to prove that I was tough and in charge. It wasn’t comfortable, and it wasn’t me. I do believe in being assertive and speaking clearly and directly, but good manners go a long way. Polite but firm is a much more effective way to get things done.
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I actually don’t have a job. I have a career and a start-up, and there are unique challenges with both. The biggest challenge I face today though, is maintaining my work-life balance. I’m historically a chronic “over-functioner, x93 and I have to force myself to unplug, decompress and make time for my life as it exists outside the operating room and the start-up brand. This is a familiar challenge for many professional women, and I find that I work just as hard to maintain that balance as I do in my work. I’m improving every day, though!
What advice would you give to yourself at the early part of your career or someone else who might be starting out in your field?
Invest in people and relationships. Relationships are the global currency; NOT money. Do that, and success will be inevitable.
Dr. Cary Gannon — Founder of AILA Cosmetics and Podiatric Surgeon
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your job today?I actually don’t have a job. I have a career and a start-up, and there are unique challenges with both. The biggest challenge I face today though, is maintaining my work-life balance. I’m historically a chronic “over-functioner, x93 and I have to force myself to unplug, decompress and make time for my life as it exists outside the operating room and the start-up brand. This is a familiar challenge for many professional women, and I find that I work just as hard to maintain that balance as I do in my work. I’m improving every day, though!
Get your tickets for the Women in Business Luncheon — August 19, 2015!
What advice would you give to yourself at the early part of your career or someone else who might be starting out in your field?
Invest in people and relationships. Relationships are the global currency; NOT money. Do that, and success will be inevitable.
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What I have always loved—from being a college professor to an arts executive to my current role as gallery owner and curator —is to discover and nurture artists, personally and professionally, and to take equal care of the needs and interests of clients and customers. Of course, as a woman, what I also love most is owning my own business and the independence my choice of career gives me.
In your mind, what has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
What I’m most proud of is taking advantage of the opportunities that I’ve given myself — creating a distinctive arts business, expanding the visual arts marketplace in Downtown Nashville; and my consistent hope to change the arts business and gallery culture by enhancing professional and personal environments and keeping my focus on the customer as well as on the work itself.
One of my clients once told me after we’d worked together for several years that he had learned that he didn’t have to be an art collector to understand the value and results of making art an integral part of his business environment. Another client told me that she could show tangibly the business impact of adding art to their business. Plus, artists have gained financially and appreciate being included in various collections. That means double accomplishment for my business mission.
Anne Brown — Owner of The Arts Company
What do you love about your job?What I have always loved—from being a college professor to an arts executive to my current role as gallery owner and curator —is to discover and nurture artists, personally and professionally, and to take equal care of the needs and interests of clients and customers. Of course, as a woman, what I also love most is owning my own business and the independence my choice of career gives me.
Get your tickets for the Women in Business Luncheon — August 19, 2015!
In your mind, what has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
What I’m most proud of is taking advantage of the opportunities that I’ve given myself — creating a distinctive arts business, expanding the visual arts marketplace in Downtown Nashville; and my consistent hope to change the arts business and gallery culture by enhancing professional and personal environments and keeping my focus on the customer as well as on the work itself.
One of my clients once told me after we’d worked together for several years that he had learned that he didn’t have to be an art collector to understand the value and results of making art an integral part of his business environment. Another client told me that she could show tangibly the business impact of adding art to their business. Plus, artists have gained financially and appreciate being included in various collections. That means double accomplishment for my business mission.
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I love the ability to shape my environment. We stick closely to our core values, which are mostly about doing what we say we will do. In order to do that, you have to have the right people on both sides of the transaction. That means we need the right team at Paramore and we need the right clients. I love putting that together and watching the magic happen. My team is much smarter than I am.
What advice would you give to yourself at the early part of your career or someone else who might be starting out in your field?
First, just work. Get started. You can’t know the path your life is taking until you get started. Then it’s one step after another. Eventually you’ll find your groove, and when you do don’t waste your time. Find people to walk that path with you. There is an African proverb that I like a lot. It says “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. x93
Companionship is the most important thing in the world.
Hannah Paramore — President of Paramore Digital Agency
What do you love about your job?I love the ability to shape my environment. We stick closely to our core values, which are mostly about doing what we say we will do. In order to do that, you have to have the right people on both sides of the transaction. That means we need the right team at Paramore and we need the right clients. I love putting that together and watching the magic happen. My team is much smarter than I am.
Get your tickets for the Women in Business Luncheon — August 19, 2015!
What advice would you give to yourself at the early part of your career or someone else who might be starting out in your field?
First, just work. Get started. You can’t know the path your life is taking until you get started. Then it’s one step after another. Eventually you’ll find your groove, and when you do don’t waste your time. Find people to walk that path with you. There is an African proverb that I like a lot. It says “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. x93
Companionship is the most important thing in the world.
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Dreaming of a community center, a nonprofit collaborative on the Nolensville Pike Corridor that would serve and bring together immigrants and immigrant-serving organizations under one roof and, after five years, seeing Casa Azafrán open its doors and become the gateway to Nashville’s international district. The shared sense of pride among all Nashvillians who made it possible (donors, staff, volunteers, board members, nonprofit partners, program participants, architect and construction teams, and neighbors) is certainly one of my most cherished highlights.
In what ways do you work to help other women succeed in your field? Women make up 90% of our staff team. Conexión Américas and many high-impact nonprofit organizations are where they are today thanks, in large part, to the individual and collective contributions of bright, hard-working women who have chosen a public interest career.
Renata Soto — Co-founder and Executive Director of Conexión Américas
Walk us through highlights of your career.Dreaming of a community center, a nonprofit collaborative on the Nolensville Pike Corridor that would serve and bring together immigrants and immigrant-serving organizations under one roof and, after five years, seeing Casa Azafrán open its doors and become the gateway to Nashville’s international district. The shared sense of pride among all Nashvillians who made it possible (donors, staff, volunteers, board members, nonprofit partners, program participants, architect and construction teams, and neighbors) is certainly one of my most cherished highlights.
Get your tickets for the Women in Business Luncheon — August 19, 2015!
In what ways do you work to help other women succeed in your field? Women make up 90% of our staff team. Conexión Américas and many high-impact nonprofit organizations are where they are today thanks, in large part, to the individual and collective contributions of bright, hard-working women who have chosen a public interest career.
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Unlike many baby boomers, I have had multiple careers over the last 50 years. First as a Metro school teacher, followed by publishing, involvement in a continuing education seminar business for school teachers, advertising, artist management and the last 29 years, as a travel executive. My time in the publishing business was a turning point because of a mentor who believed I could do anything and gave me many projects outside the scope of my job. That taught me many things I have used in every job since! He gave me confidence in the work place that my parents had tried to give me growing up since they always told me that if I set my mind to it, I could do anything.
Another major turning point was when my husband and I launched the International Church Music Festival in England in 1984 out of our mutual passions for travel and classical music. This venture allowed me to weave all of my previous work experiences together to build something from a simple dream. It ultimately got me into the travel business and led me to purchase an American Express travel agency (which I sold to Travelink in 2000). The music festival was a uniquely rewarding experience in that it proved music is truly a universal language.
In what ways do you help other women in your field?
Hopefully by example as I am passionate about travel and by giving them opportunities to see the world and experience other cultures. As a former school teacher, I am always looking for training that will help them see how they can become successful and capitalize on their own unique strengths.
Linda Raymer — President of the Vacation Division of Travelink American Express Travel
Share turning points of your career.Unlike many baby boomers, I have had multiple careers over the last 50 years. First as a Metro school teacher, followed by publishing, involvement in a continuing education seminar business for school teachers, advertising, artist management and the last 29 years, as a travel executive. My time in the publishing business was a turning point because of a mentor who believed I could do anything and gave me many projects outside the scope of my job. That taught me many things I have used in every job since! He gave me confidence in the work place that my parents had tried to give me growing up since they always told me that if I set my mind to it, I could do anything.
Another major turning point was when my husband and I launched the International Church Music Festival in England in 1984 out of our mutual passions for travel and classical music. This venture allowed me to weave all of my previous work experiences together to build something from a simple dream. It ultimately got me into the travel business and led me to purchase an American Express travel agency (which I sold to Travelink in 2000). The music festival was a uniquely rewarding experience in that it proved music is truly a universal language.
Get your tickets for the Women in Business Luncheon — August 19, 2015!
In what ways do you help other women in your field?
Hopefully by example as I am passionate about travel and by giving them opportunities to see the world and experience other cultures. As a former school teacher, I am always looking for training that will help them see how they can become successful and capitalize on their own unique strengths.
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I genuinely love the challenge of my job and the fact that every day is different for me-the meetings, the tasks, the complicated financial scenarios and projects always change and that is very rewarding to me. I also love the culture of Dollar General and its mission of serving others and that resonates throughout the organization whether it is serving our customers directly or serving fellow associates who ultimately impact our customers. I also love being on Dollar General’s Literacy Board which has granted in excess of $100 million to worthy organizations impacting the lives of thousands throughout the United States.
What advice would you give to yourself at the early part of your career or someone else who might be starting out in your field?
I recommend you identify your career passion early, if at all possible or keep looking until you do because I firmly believe a career you love will feel much less like work and will ultimately bring you more joy and success. Take advantage of setting yourself up for a steep learning curve by asking for varied assignments under many managers so you can learn motivating management styles and develop your style accordingly. Also try to develop your own mentors both within and outside your organization and be more of a listener and observant in this early stage of your career as this will shape you for a long time. Lastly, be willing to take some calculated risks and also be willing to admit your mistakes along the way.
Anita Elliott — Senior Vice President, Controller at Dollar General
What do you love about your job?I genuinely love the challenge of my job and the fact that every day is different for me-the meetings, the tasks, the complicated financial scenarios and projects always change and that is very rewarding to me. I also love the culture of Dollar General and its mission of serving others and that resonates throughout the organization whether it is serving our customers directly or serving fellow associates who ultimately impact our customers. I also love being on Dollar General’s Literacy Board which has granted in excess of $100 million to worthy organizations impacting the lives of thousands throughout the United States.
Get your tickets for the Women in Business Luncheon — August 19, 2015!
What advice would you give to yourself at the early part of your career or someone else who might be starting out in your field?
I recommend you identify your career passion early, if at all possible or keep looking until you do because I firmly believe a career you love will feel much less like work and will ultimately bring you more joy and success. Take advantage of setting yourself up for a steep learning curve by asking for varied assignments under many managers so you can learn motivating management styles and develop your style accordingly. Also try to develop your own mentors both within and outside your organization and be more of a listener and observant in this early stage of your career as this will shape you for a long time. Lastly, be willing to take some calculated risks and also be willing to admit your mistakes along the way.
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I spent the first part of my career as a CPA, establishing a consulting firm that guided clients through accounting and financial challenges facing start-ups. ForceX was one of my clients. Their mission was so compelling, it was easy to decide to join them full time when they grew large enough to require a dedicated CFO. That was a turning point in my career. Once at ForceX, I focused on strengthening the company’s infrastructure design, engineering process and financial structure.
In what ways do you work to help other women succeed in your field?
Since assuming the CEO position, I’ve been fortunate to gain powerful advice from other local female executives, such as Sherry Stewart Deutschmann and Nancy Peterson Hearn. Women are underrepresented in the technology industry, so I look for ways to mentor others through involvement with the Committee of 200, participating in Mentoring Monday, and by encouraging the women at ForceX to speak to young people about opportunities available in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers.
Tracy A. Guarino — Chief Executive Officer and President of ForceX
Walk us through some of the highlights / turning points of your careerI spent the first part of my career as a CPA, establishing a consulting firm that guided clients through accounting and financial challenges facing start-ups. ForceX was one of my clients. Their mission was so compelling, it was easy to decide to join them full time when they grew large enough to require a dedicated CFO. That was a turning point in my career. Once at ForceX, I focused on strengthening the company’s infrastructure design, engineering process and financial structure.
Get your tickets for the Women in Business Luncheon — August 19, 2015!
In what ways do you work to help other women succeed in your field?
Since assuming the CEO position, I’ve been fortunate to gain powerful advice from other local female executives, such as Sherry Stewart Deutschmann and Nancy Peterson Hearn. Women are underrepresented in the technology industry, so I look for ways to mentor others through involvement with the Committee of 200, participating in Mentoring Monday, and by encouraging the women at ForceX to speak to young people about opportunities available in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers.