RVA’s Outstanding Women offer some advice

Some of region’s leading women will be honored for their work and achievements. We asked them to share some of their thoughts on life, business, and Richmond.

April 21, 2014; 7:05 AM • by Nathan Cushing

The YWCA of Richmond will hold its annual Outstanding Women Awards later this month to recognize exceptional women across the Richmond region who have benefited the community as well for their achievements in their respected careers.

Nine women will be honored at the Outstanding Women Awards luncheon on Friday, April 25th at 12:00 PM at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

The honorees answered our questions about the important lessons they’ve learned, advice they give, and how they want Richmond change.

— ∮∮∮ —

Jennifer McClellan

Delegate of Virginia’s 71st District

What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career?

The most important lesson I have learned in my career is that sometimes life is what happens when you are busy making other plans. Throughout my professional and political life, I have had opportunities present themselves that took me on a path I did not anticipate taking. You have to be aware enough of yourself, your circumstances, and your surroundings to recognize opportunities and be prepared to take them.

What is a piece of advice you would give to women wanting to make a name for themselves in a business environment?

My biggest piece of advice is to not be afraid to fail. Throughout history, great people have accomplished great things because they were willing to take a risk. If they failed, they learned from that failure and still moved on to success.

What is a change you’d like to see happen in the Richmond area in the next 10 years?

The continued revitalization of downtown into a thriving residential, business, entertainment, cultural, retail, and social center for the region.

— ∮∮∮ —

Pam Kiecker Royall

Head of Research at Royall & Company.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career?

I learned the importance of honoring your commitments. And, taking it a step further, if you agree to do something, the importance of doing it well. Being known as someone your colleagues can count on is a valuable asset.

What is a piece of advice you would give to women wanting to make a name for themselves in a business environment?

Pay attention to the details. They often are the difference between getting the job done and truly excelling in the work you do.

Take great care in how you present your ideas. There is no room for poor grammar or spelling errors, even if they are “typos.” Errors of this type will lead most often to one of two conclusions: (1) you don’t know better, or (2) you don’t care enough to do it correctly. Both can be disastrous when building your career.

What is a change you’d like to see happen in the Richmond area in the next 10 years?

I’d like to see a greater number of people from around the country and across the globe experiencing the art and creativity of Richmond. As more art is presented to the world–by our VCUarts graduates, our Richmond Ballet, our ICA programming (just a few examples)–I believe Richmond will grow in stature as a destination for the arts.

— ∮∮∮ —

Judy Pahren

Senior Vice President at Capital One.

What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career?

Be authentic. Be comfortable with who you are and be guided by your personal values. This allows you to build strong, deep relationships, which will help you connect with people on a personal level.

Surround yourself with the best people. I think you have to acknowledge that you are not going to have all the answers so surrounding yourself with the best people will help you grow as a leader and help drive towards the right business results.

What is a piece of advice you would give to women wanting to make a name for themselves in a business environment?

Be part of the solution. It allows you to move forward to solve issues and engage others in a positive manner. Value and elevate others. Know your values both professionally and personally and be authentic to your values–don’t try to be someone else. Finally, surround yourself with the best talent and leverage their greatness. You cannot be a great leader alone. Know when to empower, know when to ask for help, and know how to take down barriers so your team can achieve the right outcomes.

What is a change you’d like to see happen in the Richmond area in the next 10 years?

I have to say Richmond is an awesome place to live and work already. Richmond really has it all–great location, home to several Fortune 500 companies, history. You name it, Richmond has pretty much got it. But I’d love to see more diverse and robust employment opportunities.

— ∮∮∮ —

Lori Ross

Publisher at Ross Publishing.

What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career?

It’s a competitive world, and you have to think about your craft way beyond surface level, have consummate dedication, and a smattering of luck to succeed.

What is a piece of advice you would give to women wanting to make a name for themselves in a business environment?

First, to answer that question exactly as asked, any advice I’d give a daughter would be exactly the same as what I’d give a son… I believe success is equally available to either sex.

But I’d change the premise a bit. A younger woman may view things differently, yet many women view a complete life as being known by many names… the professional name, plus so-and-so’s mom or wife or friend, etc. Balance of work and family, done well, requires time and energy in lots of areas. It’s hard to do it all at once without wearing yourself out. Pace yourself, focus on who or what needs you most at the moment, and enjoy the completeness of being the whole woman.

What is a change you’d like to see happen in the Richmond area in the next 10 years?

Greater synergy between Richmond and it’s surrounding counties. Growth, new employers, and new fun things to do.

— ∮∮∮ —

Jamelle Wilson

Superintendent at Hanover County Public Schools.

What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career?

Perspective is a valuable skill to have and hone; remember that yours is not the only perspective that is important. When I take time to consider situations from varying points of view, I make better decisions.

What is a piece of advice you would give to women wanting to make a name for themselves in a business environment?

Be present: We must focus 100% on the job we have at any particular moment in time. While we are always preparing for the next step professionally, we have to honor the role we’re in and be present where we are.

— ∮∮∮ —

Jill Kennedy

Chief Nurse Executive and Vice President of Patient Care at Bon Secours Richmond Health System.

What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career?

The most important lesson I have learned is to give back. I have been very blessed in my career to have great mentors who not only helped me in my professional role, but who also taught me meaningful life lessons I carry with me today. I try to share these learnings with others, such as do not judge someone if you have not walked in their shoes, remember to always look for the good in people and situations, never be afraid to make a mistake or a hard decision but always treat people with respect, and most importantly give back to those around you. We are here to serve and help make life a little bit easier for our patients and community.

What is a piece of advice you would give to women wanting to make a name for themselves in a business environment?

Always be professional whether in a business meeting or in a business social setting; eyes are always upon you. Lead by example. Get yourself a great coach/mentor and then listen and follow their advice because they have been there before you.

What is a change you’d like to see happen in the Richmond area in the next 10 years?

Having been part of the East End Development and Revitalization Initiative I would like to see the children in that area feel safe enough to play outdoors and have access to education, health, and wellness programs. I would like for our city to have the resources needed to make a difference in those individuals less fortunate, and I would like to see us continue to grow in a responsible manner that maintains our hometown atmosphere.

— ∮∮∮ —

Cassie Matthew

Founder of Hands Up Ministries.

What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career?

The most important lesson I have learned in my career is that every one wants to belong, everyone is worthy, and everyone wants to be loved. Different is different, not inferior.

What is a piece of advice you would give to women wanting to make a name for themselves in a business environment?

Surround yourself with a powerful group of women friends who support your vision, and when you are low ask for help. Never give up, and lead by example.

What is a change you’d like to see happen in the Richmond area in the next 10 years?

I would like to see affordable housing for all working people, elderly, and disabled who want the stability a home can bring. I’d like to see partnerships between title one schools and support from suburban schools with greater opportunities.

I’d like to see a clean, healthy grocery store thriving in Highland Park and surrounding neighborhoods with affordable fresh fruits and vegetables. I’d like to see the bus line reach to the ends of each corner of all surrounding counties to improve the possibility for better job opportunities.

— ∮∮∮ —

Babs Jackson

President and CEO at Hospital Hospitality House.

What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career?

Most important thing I’ve learned is to hire competent people, then be their support, sounding board, cheerleader, and/or coach–but not their micromanager. Give them the freedom to take risks and find solutions. Remember that everyone is equally important to the success of any venture, the whole always being greater than the sum of the parts. And always let people know how much you appreciate their efforts.

What is a piece of advice you would give to women wanting to make a name for themselves in a business environment?

My advice to women is to find a work environment that fits your style. Not everyone is suited to the same governing process. All businesses–whether non-profit, corporate or government–range from large, militaristic organizations where the focus is on the “bottom line” to small, family-style management where everyone takes care of one another. If you know what works best for you and can find a good match with a business, you’re more likely to thrive and grow successfully.

What is a change you’d like to see happen in the Richmond area in the next 10 years?

When I moved here in 1987, Richmond was a very closed community. Things have changed a great deal in 26 years, and I’ve seen the Richmond area become much more welcoming and open to newcomers. However, there are still many unresolved issues of poverty, race, sexual orientation, and inter-government cooperation that stand in the way of the well-being of all Greater Richmond residents and communities. I hope in the coming years, we will see less rigidity and more openness to accepting people as people, regardless of their individual backgrounds and beliefs.

— ∮∮∮ —

Cherry Peters

Retired Executive Director at FRIENDS Association for Children.

What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career?

To trust my instincts! There are times when you can’t articulate exactly why you should (or shouldn’t) make a particular choice, but when “that gut feeling” weighs in, I’m always better off when I listen to it.

What is a piece of advice you would give to women wanting to make a name for themselves in a business environment?

Grab any opportunity to do things beyond your particular area of expertise–volunteer on the company United Way campaign, the holiday party, the Habitat project, the 5K fundraising race/walk. If there aren’t any of those things, see about organizing one. It’s good for the company, and you get to know people from all over the organization. They often become helpful sources of information and guidance for your work!

What is a change you’d like to see happen in the Richmond area in the next 10 years?

I’d love to see the whole Richmond region make significant progress in affordable housing. It’s one of the keystones to a healthier community on so many levels.

April 21, 2014 7:05 AM 1