I asked Leann how she sees her businesses – a professional development organization – over the next quarter?
… good! We understand our market. We’ve grown our credibility. We have been working with our ‘tool kit’, like lessons learned from the flood response last year.
And over the next five years?
… I want to push the envelope, work with our board to overcome resistance to change to better deliver what our members want.
What qualities distinguish your preferred colleagues, collaborators and suppliers?
… price drives a lot of choices. Convenience. Integrity. Someone I know or a referral. I like to support local businesses. I like to hire people with skills I don’t have. I like high achievers. Fast paced ‘get it done’ people, and I try to be patient – but often don’t have the luxury of time to get things done …
What distinguishes you that causes people to choose Leann Hackman-Carty, why do they choose you, why do they business with you?
… passion for what I believe in. I’m good at synthesizing information. I have a great network. I don’t believe you can do anything well ‘all alone’.
How would you describe your leadership or management style?
… I give people flexibility, a lot of leeway. I’m not a micro-manager. We try to work without a job description. I figure things out. I work with people who support me.
What do you lose sleep over, what do you worry about?
… family stuff, kids, hoping they don’t get into trouble …
Who or what influenced you most – that has made a difference in your life, or that was a major turning point?
… parents. They gave me confidence – I feel I can do something. My dad taught me ‘be yourself’. Travels with my sister. Church. Volunteering. Raising kids has taught me about black and white – things are always gray!
Work life balance, do you have it?
… sort of. Working from a home office is a blessing and curse. Saves commuting – time to ‘be there’ for kids.
For fun?
… travel – one big trip every year. Cabin at Gull Lake. Time with family and friends. Soccer, basketball, drums, piano, euphonium.
What do you read?
… newspapers. I’m not a fiction person. I like life stories. Biographies. I like Malcolm Gladwell.
Her ride?
… 2010 Honda Pilot. Reliable, dependable.