The keys to success
Advice on leadership and growth from some of TU's women in leadership
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.
head coach, field hockey
Katie Gerzabek Salem
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.
Dean, the College of Fine Arts and Communication
Regina Carlow
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.
Associate Provost, Academic Affairs
Clare Muhoro
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.
Communicate effectively.
dean, the College of Health Professions
Lisa Plowfield
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.
Dean, the College of Fine Arts and Communication
Regina Carlow
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?’
head coach, field hockey
Katie Gerzabek Salem
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.
Cultivate two-way relationships.
Chief information Officer
Susan Miltenberger
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.
director of Student Success Programs
Tammie King-Kelly
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.
executive director, Office of Partnerships and Outreach
Kathleen Crostic
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.
Work strategically.
dean, the College of Health Professions
Lisa Plowfield
Always know what’s being asked, examine information through multiple lenses, get clarification when needed and look at the standards and expectations required.
Dean, the College of Fine Arts and Communication
Regina Carlow
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.
Chief information Officer
Susan Miltenberger
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.
Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
executive director, Office of Partnerships and Outreach
Kathleen Crostic
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.
Chief information Officer
Susan Miltenberger
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.
director of Student Success Programs
Tammie King-Kelly
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.
And finally, put in the effort.
dean, the College of Education
Laurie Mullen
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