diversity journal | celebrating asian-pacific american heritage month - may/june 2010

8/7/2019 Diversity Journal | Celebrating Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month - May/June 2010

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Profiles in Diversity Journal M a Y / J u n e 2 0 1 0 47

Celebrating asian-PaCifiC ameriCan Heritage

Education: J.D., Seto Hall

Uversty Law School; Legslatve

Law Joural, Edtor--Chef;

B.S., Treto State College,

cum laude

What I’m reading: The Help,

by Kathry Stockett

My philosophy: “A lfe s ot

mportat except the mpact t

has o other lves.” -Jacke Robso

Interests: Famly, chartable

orgazatos, sports.

Hedqe: Newark, New Jersey

Web e: www.gibbonslaw.com

P Be: Law firm

Epee: 426

GiBBons P.C.

Who is/was your most influential leadership mentor and why?

John “Chuck” T. Dolan, (one of the founding partners of Gibbons P.C.) showed me, through

experience and by example, how to practice law with the utmost professionalism, the highest

ethical standards, and the greatest sense of humor.

Who in your family has had the most impact on your success?

My parents have had the most impact on my success. You learn by example. My parents came to the

United States in 1975 from Vietnam with absolutely nothing. They put themselves through college and

have worked hard since, sending all three of their children to college. My success as an attorney, and asan individual, is a direct result of their hard work and determination.

What advice can you provide for young leaders?

My advice to young leaders:

1. Work hard—it does pay off;

2. Remember your heritage and your history—whether you are diverse or not, there is always

something in your upbringing and experiences that makes you stronger; and

3. Always be professional and ethical—your reputation always precedes you.

May* is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, a celebration of Asians and Pacific

Islanders in the United States.

We wondered what unique challenges and experiences diversity leaders of

Asian-Pacific Islander descent may have experienced in their careers, and asked for

their thoughts and opinions about leadership, diversity, and mentoring. Many are

first-generation immigrants, and not surprisingly, their unique cultural experiencesgives them a personal insight into the importance of having a diverse and inclusive

workforce.

Celebrting asin-Pcific aericn

Heritge month

* The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the

completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. (The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants).

LAN HOANG Drector



48 Profiles in Diversity Journal M a Y / J u n e 2 0 1 0


Profiles in Diversity Journal M a Y / J u n e 2 0 1 0

Education: Atteded commuty

college

What I’m reading: The Fifth

Discipline, by Peter Sege

My philosophy: Have a dscpled

approach to your work.

Interests: Famly ad readg.

Hedqe: Dallas, Texas

Web e: www.comerica.com

P Be: Banking

Epee: 9,500

ComEriCa Bank


My most influential mentor was my credit manager, with whom I worked in my first year in banking. I

admired his “lead-by-example” leadership style and his great sense of humor. He was highly respected for

his excellent character, fairness, and the ability to lead and motivate others. He provided an inviting and

comfortable working environment where employees felt welcome to share ideas and challenges.


Leadership is not an entitlement, but something one earns through trust and respect. To earn trust and

respect, one must demonstrate knowledge, common sense, honesty, and fairness. Good communication

skills are necessary to achieve these tasks. A good leader also needs to listen to, and act upon suggestions

and recommendations. My advice to young leaders is to invest heavily in your character. It takes years to

build trust and respect, but a moment to destroy it.

Given the chance, would you do anything differently?

Given a chance, I would not do anything differently. I believe the accomplishments I’ve achieved so far

were done through hard work and perseverance. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with great

people at Comerica, and enjoy the endless support from my family.

Education: B.A., Face, graduated

Maga Cum Laude

What I’m reading: Leadership and

Self Deception: Getting Out of the

Box, by The Arbger isttute

My philosophy: You oly lve oce,

so lve lfe to the fullest.

Interests: Musc, travel, ad food.

THAO NGuyEN Vce Presdet/ Char of the Asa Pacfc islader itatve

ComEriCa Bank

Hedqe: Dallas, Texas

Web e: www.comerica.com

P Be: Banking

Epee: 9,500


One of my most influential leaders, if not the most influential mentor, is the one I currently have—

my boss, Betty Tucker. She’s taught me the importance of wearing multiple hats in order to achieve

the aims of any project. It starts with the importance of accepting and understanding that changes

will always take place. Although the paths may change, provided we’re on the same team, the essential

objective is the same. Betty has shown me different ways to inspire my team and has reminded me that

we are only winning when the entire team is winning. Betty has demonstrated to me how to be a servant

leader. We can’t lead if we don’t know how to follow.

What’s the worst fault a leader can have?

The worst fault a leader can have is lack of compassion towards others. If they are not listening to their

employees and only dictating orders, then their leadership role will soon vanish. There are those ‘leaders’

who don’t create the necessary environment of “wanting to win” from others. They don’t bring out the

best in people. Their only objective is themselves, and having such a self-absorbed attitude will only get

them so far.

SAGRARIO (SAGRA) W.C. CABRERA Seor Vce Presdet/Regoal Maager





My parents, because they encouraged me to believe in myself. Looking back, I never once thought

that being a girl, first generation immigrant, or coming from a family of moderate means, was ever a

deterrent to my achieving my goals.

My siblings and I were taught that you could do anything if you put effort into it. For a very long time,

I thought everyone had the same abilities, and that differing results (e.g., grades, tests) were only due

to varying degrees of effort. While I do now appreciate that some are more gifted than others, I greatly

admire people who work extra hard to take full advantage of every opportunity.


For me, this quote from Jim Rohn rings true: “The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude;

be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be

proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.”


Not at all. I feel very fortunate to have a job where I get to practice law, lead a team, and also be a part of

the business senior management. While I had the opportunity to join the company much earlier in my

career, I do appreciate the 12 years I spent at a law firm. I had a great mentor who guided me and taught

me the importance of having mentors.

Education: J.D., Uversty of

Marylad, wth hoors; B.A.,

Poltcal Scece, Wester Marylad

College, maga cum laude,

ph beta kappa

What I’m reading: What is

the What, by Dave Eggers,

Unaccustomed Earth, by Jhumpa

Lahr, ad The New Yorker

My philosophy: Trust your stct.

Look for the best people.

Interests: Bkram yoga, golfg,

ad cookg wth my husbad.

Hedqe: Baltimore, Maryland

Web e: www.citifinancial.com

P Be: Consumer finance

Epee: 9,500

CitiFinanCial, Part oF CitiGrouP inC


What is your most rewarding career accomplishment?Landing a job at Abercrombie. Come on, I get to wear distressed jeans and flip-flops to work!


Build trusting relationships with a few peers who will have the green light to be honest with you. I

was lucky enough to have someone early in my career tell me, “Tony, you are failing…” It was a

wake-up call.

What are the personal and professional risks a leader should take?

Being confident in their ideas. Many of us have sat in that conference room, overly concerned about hav-

ing our thoughts/ideas criticized or dissected. We need to speak up and be willing to put our ideas out

there. A second risk is having the courage to be authentic. People respond to being real and genuine.

What was the defining moment in your life in which you understood your leadership?Understanding that I will never be that perfect leader, no matter how many books I read, or mentors I

speak to. I just need to be conscious of it and work at it every day.

Education: Poltcal Scece, B.A.;

Jurs Doctorate

What I’m reading: The Big Short,

by Mchael Lews

My philosophy: “Tur the

page”—lear from your mstakes,

but do’t dwell o them.

Interests: Tes, golf, bkg,

theatre ad eatg at restaurats.

TONy PARk Drector of Huma Resources, iteratoal Buses

Hedqe: New Albany, Ohio Web e: www.abercrombie.com

P Be: Retail—Apparel

Epee: 100,000

aBErCromBiE & FitCH

APRIL OH PARk Geeral Cousel ad Maagg Drecto





Education: B.S., Butler Uversty,

Ecoomcs; Dalhouse Uversty,

MBA (expected completo 2012)

What I’m reading: Aythg

pertag to my MBA currculum;

The Economist; ad The Downhill

Lie, by Carl Haase

My philosophy: never be compla-

cet; strve to be cotet.

Interests: Golf, travellg.

Hedqe: Chicago, Illinois Web e: www.harrisbank.com

P Be: Financial services

Epee: About 7,000

Harris n.a.

CITO MAMARIL Vce Presdet, idaa Busess Market Maager


Early in my career, one of my first managers was Dave Schmitz. He was, by far, my most influential

leadership mentor. Dave gave me insight to the “street” knowledge and experience necessary to become a

successful banker. He also taught me how to laugh at adversity and see humor in life. These are invaluable

skills that I still use today—and I hope I continue to use them for years to come.

What is your definition of leadership?

To me, leadership is about being a role model, as well as an advocate, for a cause greater than oneself in

order to motivate people and achieve the best possible outcome for that cause.

What is your most rewarding career accomplishment?

My most rewarding professional accomplishment took place in 2009, when my team of Relationship

Bankers in Indiana became the top performing group within the Harris Small Business Banking segment.

As a leader, it was fulfilling to be able to help those I lead realize a common goal and achieve success.

Having said that, I think continuous improvement is critical to success.


If I could go back and do something differently, it would be great if I could make myself grow a foot taller

to fulfill my dream of being in the NBA!

Education: B.S., Computer Scece,

Pesylvaa State Uversty

What I’m reading: The Eragon

seres, by Chrstopher Paol

My philosophy: Make the most

of everythg you do ad strve

to do your best. The eergy ad

commtmet that you covey helps

motvate others to reach ther peakperformace.

Interests: Volleyball, scuba dvg,

jet skg, travelg.

Hedqe: Melbourne, Florida Web e: www.harris.com

P Be: International communications and information technology company serving government acommercial markets

Epee: 15,000+

Harris CorPoration

JENNIfER ADAMS Egeerg Drector


My mother always pushed me to be the best that I could be and told me that there wasn’t anything I

couldn’t do. Since both my parents were pharmacists, they made sure I was never afraid about getting

into a technical career.


Leadership is the ability to effectively bring people together to achieve a common goal/accomplishment.

Key traits include communication skills, integrity, being motivational, and a team player.


Inability to communicate and make decisions. Communication and listening are key to

successful leadership.

What advice can you provide for young leaders?Don’t be afraid to think out of the box and propose something different. Seek out leaders that you respect,

and learn from their experiences and actions to model your own leadership style.


A leader needs to be a self-starter and demonstrate courage in the decisions that he makes. It encourages

and inspires others on the team to step out of the box.






No doubt my wife has had a tremendous impact on my career and my success. In the last decade, my

family has lived in four countries on three different continents. We moved from Asia to Europe to North

America. The relocation means we have had to adjust to continuous and significant changes in culture

and lifestyle. My wife’s dedication and flexibility to supporting my growing family through change has

allowed me to focus on my career. My wife has played a pivotal role in my success and remains my key

and most valuable collaborator.

What are the personal and professional risks a leader should take?A leader needs to be prepared and willing to make hard and unpopular decisions. You will have to make

more and more difficult decisions as you progress in your career. Take the risk and make informed deci-

sions. Make sure you have all the information you need to make a sound decision. Keep in mind that

not all the decisions we make will bring success or please everyone. Sometimes, they may not be the right

decisions. When that happens, it’s important to take responsibility for those decisions and learn from

painful failures. These are what make you a better leader.

Education:

B.S., Chemstry, Badug isttute

of Techology, idoesa; M.B.A.,

northwood Uversty, U.S.A.

My philosophy:

The sky s the lmt—ever stop

learg ad mprovg.

Interests:

Golf, tes, basketball.

EDDy SETIAWAN Global Busess Drector, Chlorated Orgacs

tHE DoW CHEmiCal ComPany

Who in your family has had the most impact on your success?My mother, who sacrificed and encouraged us to do more. My father, who, with only a high school

education, taught me business fundamentals at his grocery store.


Allocate time every week to interact with customers. Get to know the individuals that sum up to the

reports or segments. Early in my career, I spent a lot of time listening in on sales or market research calls.

Now, I get similar information online.

What was the defining moment in your life in which you understood your leadership?

I took time off from the corporate world to live and work in different regions of the U.S. The goal was

to learn about multiple walks of life and how those differences can be harnessed for success. I worked

as a Montana ranch-hand, inner-city teacher, and health researcher for older-adults studies. The one

consistent theme I learned about leadership is that passionate people who work together as a team on asingular mission achieve extraordinary results. For example, for a short time, I worked in a disadvantaged

school in Birmingham, Alabama, where the graduation rates and test scores were near the top for the

state. From janitors to teachers to principals, everybody excelled at their jobs, but they also stepped out

of their roles to help each other.

Education: Harvard College

What I’m reading: Common

Wealth: Economics for a Crowded

Planet, by Jeffrey Sachs

My philosophy: Passoate

people workg together ca

acheve aythg.

Interests: Pao, tes.

JASON JuE Drector, Marketg

Hedqe: Midland, Michigan

Web e: www.dow.com

P Be: Manufacturer of technology-based products includingspecialty chemicals, advanced materials, agricultural products and plastics.

Epee: 52,000

Hedqe: Round Rock, Texas

Web e: www.dell.com

P Be: Information Technology

Epee: 95,000

DEll CorPoration





My parents have had the most impact on my success. As refugees in their mid-thirties, they came to the

U.S. with four young children. I learned a strong work ethic from their struggles. My

father is a tremendous inspiration to me and has instilled in me the necessary courage to take risks, while

at the same time teaching me to welcome setbacks and to learn from them, using them

as opportunities.


My most rewarding career accomplishment is not one experience; it is that I have chosen a career formyself that has given me the opportunity to mature and evolve in a very competitive and challenging

industry. And my career for the past 21 years has, at the same time, been very personally rewarding be-

cause, just as my family is most important to me, I am able to help other families and businesses in my

community protect their loved ones.


The advice I would give to young leaders comes from the Dalai Lama: You can’t change the past because

it is gone. You do not worry about the future because it is not yet here. However, you can learn from the

past to make wise choices in the present for a better future.


Education: B.S., Face,

George Maso Uversty

What I’m reading: Blink, ad

The Tipping Point, both by

Malcolm Gladwell

My philosophy: if t s to be, t s

up to me.

Interests: Martal Arts, moves,

spedg tme wth my lades

(wfe, Clauda; daughters,

Mela ad Holly).

PASCAL NGuyEN, CRPC, CLTC Specalzg Retremet Plag for Orage Couty

Hedqe: New York City Web e: www.newyorklife.com; www.nylpascal.com

P Be: Insurance

Epee: More than 8,600 (Domestic)

neW yorK life insurAnce coMPAny

itt corPorAtion

MuNISH NANDA Vce Presdet, itegrated Supply Cha—Flud & Moto Cotrol


My late father. He had an innate ability to identify opportunity and to simplify the complex; he was

fabulous with people and a super coach.


A few times in my career I have enabled underperforming organizations to realize so much more of their

potential. Having the privilege of leading teams that, from a position of disadvantage, went on to create

extraordinary value for their constituents (customers, the organization, and employees) has been most

rewarding.


Lack of mental flexibility, and the inability to recognize the fine line that separates self-confidence from

arrogance.


Engage. Lead with confidence, especially in tough times. Learn every day. Anticipate. Shoot for the stars,

but keep your feet well grounded.

Education: Bachelor’s

Egeerg & Master’s Busess

What I’m reading: Three Cups

of Tea, by Greg Morteso &

Davd Olver Rel; Outliers,by

Malcolm Gladwell

My philosophy: Lve lke there

s o tomorrow. Pla lke you’ll

lve forever.

Interests: My famly, sem-classcal

Hd musc, walkg.

Hedqe: White Plains, New York Web e: www.itt.com

P Be: Multi-Industry Engineering and Manufacturing

Epee: 40,000






Leadership is consistently using actions, words, and behaviors to help others, while being guided

by a strong moral compass and supported by strength of character. Strong leadership is exemplified by

unbiased behaviors, principled approaches to decision making, clear communication, and an ability to

genuinely connect with people.


Develop the leader within you—starting now! You’ll likely need to continue developing your

technical and soft skills, but first understand what gives you a sense of fulfillment or purpose in yourlife. If you can align your career, employer, and job responsibilities with what you enjoy doing, you will

experience a sense of purpose, and your work will enable you to build a more fulfilling life.

Take charge of your career; don’t wait for it to happen. Create a vision statement, share it with

your teams, and be accountable to it. If you don’t want to be the best at whatever it is you’re doing,

then you should probably try doing something a little different if you want to be successful. Don’t

define yourself by a title or metric; work hard doing what fulfills you and you’ll enjoy success.

Have a global perspective and learn from those who have different cultural or socio-economic

backgrounds. Give back generously, and lead with integrity.

Education: B.S., Busess

Admstrato, Accoutg; Master

of Accoutacy, Uversty of

South Carola

What I’m reading:

SuperFreakonomics, by Steve D.

Levtt ad Stephe J. Duber

My philosophy: i am thakful to

have the opportuty to work wth

those aroud me. As a leader, i am

a better posto to serve ad

uplft others.

Interests: Actvtes wth my three

chldre, travellg (i’ve bee to more

tha 40 coutres to date), readg,

metorg, ad college football.

MATTHEW PRAJNA DENNIS JOHNSON Maagg Drecto

Hedqe: New York City Web e: www.us.kpmg.com

P Be: Big Four Accounting firm providing audit, tax, and advisory services

Epee: 21,000

kPmG llP

What is your most rewarding career accomplishment?As a more senior lawyer, I am being asked to speak to junior lawyers in a mentoring capacity. I never really

thought of myself as a role model, but as I look at some of the younger lawyers, I can’t help but remember

the times when I was navigating work- and life-related issues and wished I could turn to a mentor for

advice. Having someone ask for my help, and understanding that I may actually be in a position to help,

has been very rewarding—I consider that to be a very important career accomplishment.


Losing touch with the people who you are suppose to lead, and failing to learn from earlier mistakes.


You can’t be paralyzed by fear of the unknown and you should have confidence in your own ability to

navigate beyond your comfort zone. Developing a broad database of experience, while solidifying your

core expertise, can only benefit you in the long run.


No. I would not do anything differently. I have a rewarding and intellectually stimulating job in a profes-

sion that performs a critical function within society.

Education: J.D., Bosto Uversty

School of Law; B.A., Uversty of

Calfora, Davs

What I’m reading: i am a hstory

buff, partcularly World War ii

hstory. i am curretly readg

Stalingrad, by Atoy Beevor

My philosophy: i am a frm belever

of the sayg, “Keepg my sde ofthe street clea.” Makg sure that i

have acted properly, whether profes-

soally or persoally, has always

esured that i ca hold my head hgh

all stuatos.

Interests: Famly actvtes, travel, ad

martal arts.

Hedqe: Greenville, South Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia

Web e: www.ogletreedeakins.com

P Be: Law firm

Epee: 900

oGletree, deAKins, nAsh, sMoAK & steWArt, P.c.

VINCE VERDE Co-Maagg Shareholde





Education: B.A., Busess

Ecoomcs, UCLA

What I’m reading: Tuned In, by

Crag Stull, Phl Myers, ad Davd

Meerma Scotty

My philosophy: Chersh what’s

mportat lfe—famly, freds,

commuty—whle cotug to

grow ad develop professoally.

Interests: Spedg tme wth my

famly, readg, voluteerg for

o-profts.

TRACEy DOI Group Vce Presdet, Chef Facal Offcer

toyotA Motor sAles, usA, inc.

Hedqe: Torrance, California Web e: www.toyota.com

P Be: Automotive

Epee: 40,000 employees in North America


My mom has been a tremendous inspiration throughout my life, demonstrating that it is possible to have

a challenging career and a healthy, happy family at the same time. I am very lucky to benefit from her

wisdom and advice, and to have her participate so actively in our children’s lives.


A leader paints a vivid picture of the future, and provides the strategy, resources, and motivation to

achieve inspiring goals together.


If a leader doesn’t listen, derailment could be near. When I get pushback, I try to listen more closely, ask

more questions, and dig deeper. The additional insight can be critical to the success of the team.


Build your own Board of Directors. Rather than seek out one mentor, look for multiple advisors

that can provide input for different facets of your life. It often helps to have a sounding board to

double check that you’re staying true to your core values and to provide advice when you stumble.

Having spent nearly 25 years with the San Francisco program, On Lok Senior Health Service. The

program started in our Chinese, Filipino, and Italian communities, and was designed to help elders stay

in their own homes and community with culturally appropriate services. I am so proud that this locally

designed health program that originated from an ethnic community became a mainstream Medicare

program which today operates in 31 states. We were able to change and create policy, from the ground

up, that has meaning, value, quality, and accountability that continues to grow.


A leader is at risk when she feels that she has THE answer without always understanding the context of

the situation and recognizing that others have important points of view that matter. I subscribe to the

school of servant leadership, wherein one is constantly aware that it isn’t about me but about the us and

the mission at stake. We will all have opportunities to be the team leader and the team member. One isnot “better” than the other, but is simply what is needed at the time based on the work at hand to be

done.

Education: Bosto College;

Uversty of Calfora,

Sa Fracsco; Hoorary Doctorate,

Bosto College

What I’m reading: John Adams,

by Davd McCullough

My philosophy: Work hard,

wth tegrty ad respect for

others, o what you care about adwhch helps to make a dfferece

to socety.

Interests: Readg, orchds, m

get-aways, teratoal travel wth

husbad.

JENNIE CHIN HANSEN Presdet (The hghest rakg voluteer at AARP)

Hedqe: Washington, D.C. Web e: www.aarp.org

P Be: Founded in 1958, AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps p50+ improve the quality of their lives.

Epee: 2,154

aarP






Who in your family had the most impact on your success?

My grandmother. She was a “giver.” Her parents (my great-grandparents) emigrated from

Japan to work in the sugar plantations in Hawaii. Together they successfully raised four college-educated

children. Her door was always open to anyone and everyone who needed a helping hand. Her saying was,

“We are truly blessed—we may not have much, but we can share. So give—and truly give—don’t expect

to get anything in return. If so, don’t—that’s not true giving—give from the heart.”


Never stop learning. Try new things, volunteer for new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to fail. If you fail,

learn from your mistakes—don’t dwell on them. Get up and move on. Seek out success and successful

people. Sign up for Toast Masters!

What are the personal and/or professional sacrifices to being leader?

By putting clients, customers, and employees first, it’s been tough to balance my personal life.

I have to work harder at scheduling family events and school activities than at executing a new business

partnership! I could not do what I do without the love and support of my wife and my two daughters. I

am truly blessed to have their support, and have them at my side.

Education: B.A., Busess

Admstrato, Seattle Uversty

What I’m reading: The Necessary

Revolution, by Peter M. Sege

Interests: Coachg Lttle League

softball, physcal ftess, ad golf.

sodexo

kERWIN M. HIGASHI Vce Presdet, Busess Developmet, Educato Servces

Hedqe: Gaithersburg, Maryland (North America) Web e: www.sodexo.com

P Be: Global provider of integrated food and facilities management services

Epee: 125,000 (North America)


To me, leadership is about creating a way for people to contribute toward a common vision, achieve

common goals, and to share the rewards of success.


The most rewarding career accomplishment was when I was leading a team in an operation and I was

able to develop and eventually promote a couple of people, helping them move their career forward and

mentoring them along the way. It felt good to have made a difference in people’s lives.


Respect is earned. Greatness can be developed. Keep learning. Find a mentor or two. Be generous with

your time and energy. Deliver your promises.


Personal sacrifices are mostly related to losing time for yourself or for your family. Professional sacrifices

could involve not getting what you want, but what the team wants.

Education: B.S., Detetcs ad Food

Admstrato, Calfora State

Uversty, Log Beach

What I’m reading: Golden Leaf, A

Khmer Rouge Genocide Survivor, by

Klog Ug

My philosophy: Do what i say i wll

do. Gvg s a greater blessg tha

recevg. Lfe s too short to ot

make tme for people.

Interests: Travelg ad

learg about dverse cultures,

tes, gardeg.

LIz kINNIBuRGH Drector, Busess Developmet, Corporate Servces

sodexo

Hedqe: Gaithersburg, Maryland (North America) Web e: www.sodexo.com

P Be: Global provider of integrated food and facilities management services

Epee: 125,000 (North America)






A great leader is able to harness the power and wisdom of a diverse team. You need a vision and a strong

imagination that enables you to transfer innovation from outside the box into the box. A leader needs to

listen, observe, and question.


I tell young people to be the best at what you do right now, but always think like an owner or CEO. You

need to anticipate the needs of your colleagues, and it’s very important to invest in yourself with further

education, seeking help from mentors, and reading books.


I was in college when my mother died in a car accident, and that was when it really sunk in to me that

I had a promise to fulfill. That moment of realization still influences how I act every day, reminding me

of my obligation to further better myself.


Life is funny when you think back upon what could have been if you had made different

choices. But I have no regrets, I feel privileged to be where I am, and I just wish my mother were still

alive.

Education: B.A., northwester

Uversty; M.B.A., northwester,

Kellogg School of Busess

What I’m reading: The Tipping

Point, ad Outliers, both by Malcolm

Gladwell; The Innovator’s Dilemma,

by Clayto M. Chrstese

My philosophy: Leaders come

all dfferet styles, but what they allhave commo s people who are

followg support of ther vso.

Interests: Coachg my two boys

baseball, woodworkg, water

actvtes wth my famly.

SAM kIM Vce Presdet, U.S. E-Commerce Group

W.W. GrAinGer, inc.

Hedqe: Lake Forest, Illinois Web e: www.grainger.com

P Be: Distributor, Maintenance, Repair, and Operating Supplies

Epee: 18,000


What I value most is seeing people I mentored or worked with succeed. Personally, it has been very re-

warding to work with Grainger in understanding the value of our name and what our brand stands for.

This is a very humble organization, but we are changing our culture because, leveraging who we are will

help us grow in the future.


Time is the major sacrifice. You have to change your mindset about the value of time and give up one

thing to get another. In choosing a working career, I have learned to be very deliberate about the quality of the time I spend with my family; not just the quantity.


I was a member of a literary society in college, when I first realized I had a natural ability to influence

people. I discovered that the direction of a group of people could be shaped without being the formal

leader of the group. I had never thought that of myself until I saw it materialize.


My advice early in your career is to be deliberate, to take the time to decide where it is you want to go,

and to map out how to get there. If you don’t have an end game, you will find you lack direction when

you are making some of your early career decisions.

Education: B.S., Ketterg

Uversty; M.B.A.,

Uversty of illos

What I’m reading: The Exceptional

Presenter, by Tmothy J. Koegel

My philosophy: Every challege

s a learg opportuty. Lke

water, you eed to adapt to

ay evromet.

Interests: My famly (tw four-year-

old grls), readg, travel.

MEETA kRATz Drector, Strategy—Govermet & Healthcare Busess Ut

W.W. GrAinGer, inc.

Hedqe: Lake Forest, Illinois Web e: www.grainger.com

P Be: Distributor, Maintenance, Repair, and Operating Supplies

Epee: 18,000






My parents were a tremendous influence on me, and have had a great impact on me. First, they taught

me, by example, the importance of hard work and focus. They emigrated from China and worked in

Chinese laundries and restaurants for most of their adult lives striving to create a better life for our family.

I believe that this focus and strong work ethic has been central to my character. Another valuable perspec-

tive was the belief that education is a central ingredient for success. They actively supported my academic

growth, gave me self-confidence, and provided me the means to pursue my educational ambitions.

What advice can you provide for young leaders?You should always strive to continuously learn. The moment you lose that desire, you’ll stop your po-

tential to grow. Everyone should explore new opportunities, experiences, and try to learn new functions.

You should also look to network with colleagues, peers, and executives. Finally, you need to manage your

own career—and don’t expect anything to be handed to you. Good things will only happen if you create

the opportunities.


You need to be willing to step at least slightly outside of your comfort zone. Show that you have the self-

confidence to take on new assignments, create new relationships, and promote your successes. You can

gain this through cross-functional experience and learning new skills.

QuINTIN LEW Sr. Vce Presde

Hedqe: New York City

Web e: www.verizon.com

P Be: Communications

Epee: 200,000+

Who is/was your most influential leadership mentor and why?Winston Churchill, who once said: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue

that counts.” No doubt some of his spirit was the result of his keen interest in spirits; but nonetheless, he

never fails to amuse and inspire.


Be fearless in presenting your ideas and vision for solving problems; and be equally willing to work hard

for these. Seek mentorship and build relationships across all stakeholders to effect enduring change. Build

diversity of thought, background, and outlook into all your teams.

What e the personal and professional risks a leader should take?

Be willing to speak your beliefs with conviction, to anyone, regardless of their position. Openness is the

best course of action, both professionally and personally.


Like anyone, I would wish I could have learned the lessons of team-building and leadership

even earlier.

Education: M.B.A., new York

Uversty, Ster School of

Busess; B.S., SUnY Albay

What I’m reading: The Psychology

of Winning, by Des Watley

My philosophy: Thk bg. Act

wth tegrty ad resposblty.

Interests: Readg, golf, ad travel.

Education: B.S., Computer Scece,

Uversty of Marylad;

M.B.A., Georgetow Uversty

What I’m reading: Founding

Brothers, by Joseph J. Ells; Justice:

What’s the Right Thing to Do?, by

Mchael J. Sadel

My philosophy: Happess s here

ad ow. Be the chage you watto see.

Interests: ida cuse ad

promotg healthy whole foods,

readg, wrtg, commuty

servce, adveture travel.

Hedqe: Washington, D.C. Web e: www.usps.com

P Be: Postal Service

Epee: 600,000 Career Employees

united stAtes PostAl service

verizon

PRITHA MEHRA Vce Presdet, Busess Mal Etry ad Paymet Techology





Education: B.S., Psychology,

Upper iowa Uversty; M.A.,

Leadershp, Bellevue Uversty

What I’m reading: The Speed of

Trust, by Stephe Covey

My philosophy: Seek the

ukow, lear, apprecate.

Interests: Cultures, rug,

famly, dversty.

Hedqe: Des Moines, Iowa Web e: www.wellmark.com

P Be: Health Insurance

Epee: 2,000

RONA BERINOBIS Drector of Workforce icluso

WellMArK Blue cross Blue shield

Who in your family had the most impact on your success?

My parents. They taught me the value of hard work, the importance of a positive attitude, and how to

respect and treat others. Their own life experiences helped me to appreciate how embracing different

cultures enriches each of us. In the spirit of my culture, I try to leave those I interact with feeling a sense

of ‘the aloha spirit.’


Effective leadership involves having mutual respect and treating colleagues and team members as partners

and collaborators. Leadership is the ability to inspire and motivate people to give the best of themselves.It means never making judgments without facts, and requires having the capability to deliver the tough

messages in a respectful and meaningful way. Successful leaders are defined by their actions.


Respect, accept, and appreciate all generations. Technology is a wonderful tool and serves a

significant role in communicating, but be sure not to lose sight of the value and power of

face-to-face meetings.

Education: B.A., Yale College;

M.A., Yale Uversty; J.D.,

ZUversty of Mchga Law School

What I’m reading: Whatever looks

good the ‘ew fcto’ secto at

the lbrary.

My philosophy: Lve the

momet.

Interests: Paretg, rug,readg, ad beg outsde.

Hedqe: London, England Web e: www.nationalgrid.com

P Be: International energy delivery company

Epee: 27,000

COLIN OWyANG Seor Vce Presdet ad U.S. Geeral Cousel

nAtionAl Grid


Doing the right thing when no one’s looking.


Not knowing one’s self. If you don’t know who you are—what makes you who you are, and drives you

to who you want to be—I don’t think you can responsibly lead anybody else.


The first time I had to stand on my feet in front of a jury and say “objection” was when it hit home, in a

very real way, that I was responsible for making sure the right thing was done. It was a defining moment

of taking ownership for delivering an outcome. We are all measured by the results we deliver.


I was a Chinese literature major in college which was an intellectual interest and important formy own self identity, but it didn’t exactly give me a lot of different ways to earn a living. If I had

to do it all over again, I would have double majored in math too (no minors where I went to

school). Then again, if I did that, I might never have gone to law school and had the privilege

of being a federal prosecutor before coming in-house.

diversity journal | celebrating asian-pacific american heritage month - may/june 2010

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