Three Booth of Business School alums joined Linda E. Ginzel, clinical professor of managerial psychology, to discuss the topic of Women in Leadership. The session was held as a part of the 2014 Management Conference.
Leandrea Knes, ’84, president and CEO of PPM America Inc., challenged the “stereotype of a selfish or greedy CEO” explaining that the strongest leaders are quite the opposite. According to Knes, leaders should be subservient and give credit as well as take responsibility
“I’m the bus driver for PPM,” she said, “I need the right people on board the bus for a comfortable journey. I direct the bus and keep the temperature right as well.” Her reason for continuing to develop her leadership capital and that of junior colleagues: “I want to create and leave legacy for a framework of success.” “I want to make it a ‘fun’ bus.
Rachel Kohler, ’89, is the president of the Interiors Group at Kohler Co. Kohler answered the question, “Is it important to identify leaders at an early state and how is this accomplished?”
Her response: “Yes. Young talent is important.” Kohler, she explained, is more interested in transformational leaders than transactional leaders, as businesses move fast and have many challenges. At Kohler, she said, there was a 50 percent survival rate for outsiders brought into top ranks, which meant that outsiders tended to leave more frequently than young talent. As a result, young talent became more valuable.
Lastly, Janet Pucino, ’94, CIO of Prolacta Bioscience Inc., was asked what men and women can do to cultivate their leadership capital. Pucino said that feedback is essential, and while the cultures of various workplaces might not encourage feedback she urges women to ask for it even when it was not offered.