The keys to success

By Pamela Gorsuch on March 8, 2024

Female leadership is woven into the fabric of TU’s history, with principals like Sara Richmond guiding our institution’s strategic and physical expansion before women even had the right to vote. That legacy of leadership continues today with women helming academic, administrative and athletic departments across our institution. In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we asked some of them to share their insights on leadership and success. Read on for their advice, including why it’s better to be authentic than perfect and a pro tip for communicating effectively.

Define your purpose.

It is extremely important to reflect on your why. No matter what you do and how passionate you are about it, there will be hard days. Knowing why you do what you do is what gets you through those challenges. – Katie Gerzabek Salem, head coach, field hockey

Check in with yourself. Pause and consider what you’re doing and how you’re feeling because it’s so easy to get lost in the speed of our world. Remember you’re the only one who knows what’s working for you. – Regina Carlow, dean of the College of Fine Arts & Communication

Stay connected to your north star, whether it’s a goal you set, a vision you have or an impact you want to make. It puts problems into perspective and brings clarity to decision-making. – Clare Muhoro, associate provost for academic affairs

Communicate effectively.

Learning to listen and actually listening to multiple perspectives that are different than my own (has made a meaningful impact on my career). It helps extend my thinking and provides nuanced and contextual perspectives that are needed to serve others well. – Lisa Plowfield, dean of the College of Health Professions

The overriding thing (for effective communication) is kindness. We’re often told we must be loud or forceful to be effective, but in my experience that never goes well. It’s much better to look at your colleagues or your students and say, ‘I see you. How can I help?’ – Dean Carlow

The toughest conversations can be the most crucial ones for moving things forward. The key is building relationships so that when tough conversations happen, people know it is coming from the right place. – Katie Gerzabek Salem

Cultivate two-way relationships.

When I think of the most ambitious things I’ve achieved, they were all possible because I found other people interested in doing the same thing. Building allies gives you people to bounce ideas off of and people to stand with you—literally and metaphorically—when you’re at the front of the room. – Susan Miltenberger, chief information officer

Nobody is successful by themselves. Realize that it’s okay to ask for help and be willing to get in the trenches and help others too. Being respectful of others’ experiences even when they’re not your own can go a long way in building relationships. – Tammie King-Kelly, director of Student Success Programs

Work is both what you know and who you know. Build a strong network of people who know your work ethic, your skills and your goals. They will speak up for you and put your name forward when opportunities arise. – Kathleen Crostic, executive director, Office of Partnerships and Outreach

Work strategically.

 Always know what’s being asked, examine information through multiple lenses, get clarification when needed and look at the standards and expectations required. – Dean Plowfield

Find out who your stakeholders are and why they’re the stakeholders. Sit quietly, listen carefully. Take notes. Ask questions…do your own independent research. – Dean Carlow

Don’t be too critical when things don’t go the way you want them to. It just isn’t helpful. Think about it in terms of what would make things better in the future. – Susan Miltenberger

Get comfortable being uncomfortable.

Regardless of what success looks like for you, you will have to step outside of your comfort zone. It’s the only way to grow. Don’t let the fear of the unknown be a driving force in your career decisions. – Kathleen Crostic

For my entire career I’ve gotten outside of my comfort zone in different ways, often through side hustles and extracurriculars. I was a beer vendor at Camden Yards. I served on volunteer committees. I tried out things I was not very good at. I learned so much through those experiences, and I’m convinced I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t had them. Always be open to things that bring you outside your comfort zone. Never discount that it will bring something to your trajectory. – Susan Miltenberger

Being authentic is important regardless of the space you’re in. Showing up as one person in one situation and another for a different situation is too much to keep track of. If you’re showing up as your authentic self while remaining professional, your integrity will show. That garners respect even when you’re not necessarily someone’s cup of tea. – Tammie King-Kelly

And finally, put in the effort. 

There is no getting around working hard and being trustworthy. I have come to learn that leadership is a skill set that can be developed, not necessarily an attribute one is born with. Good leaders are self-reflective, empathic and life-long learners. – Laurie Mullen, dean of the College of Education