Voices of Vision: The Collective Wisdom of Women in Leadership

Tonda Edwards

Chief Administrative Officer at REMEDI8??

Early Inspirations:?

The work ethic of my parents set a great foundation for me that was applicable regardless of the path I chose.? Early in my career, I had no aspirations for a specific job path.? I’ve worked under some amazing leaders, including Noralee Nelson at Ford Credit as well as Connie Hopkins, Jay Anderson, and Patty Beigel at Gap Inc., to name a few. They inspired me by their example, through encouragement, and even tough love.

Overcoming challenges:?

I didn’t choose to pursue a college education.? I understood this meant I would have to work harder than everyone else and would need people who believed in me to extend a hand to open doors.

Milestones and Achievements: ??

As I think back over the key promotions in my career, each one is a direct result of 3 things:?

1.????? Work much harder than expected for my current job.?

2.????? When a new business challenge arises or a new assignment needs an owner, I always try to volunteer without asking for anything in return.? The learning experience and opportunity to gain new skills was rewarding enough.? The money eventually follows, but I think volunteering without expectations sets one apart from others.??

3.????? Having leaders and mentors who took a gamble and gave me opportunities to do things I didn’t have the background for, simply because they believed in me.? This is listed last, but it is the most crucial to my achievements.? I’ve had so many amazing leaders in my career but most notably at Gap Inc and at REMEDI8?.

Leadership Philosophy:?

I strive to be a good leader and I fail routinely.? I own it and apologize when I realize I’ve fallen short.? It is in this area that I just try to do better each day.?

Advice for Future Generations:? ???

Be humble and hungry. ??Work hard, volunteer for opportunities, seek advice from leaders (not just your own) and then put the advice to work.? Career success takes time; be patient.

Stefanie Harris

Operations Support Manager at REMEDI8?

Early Inspirations:?

The motivation behind my career trajectory stems from the exemplary leadership exhibited by the team at REMEDI8?. Their unwavering commitment to success serves as a profound source of inspiration, demonstrating that one's background or origins does not limit their potential. Their dedication fuels my own aspirations, propelling me to strive towards ambitious objectives and pursue my BHAGs (big hairy audacious goal).

Overcoming Challenges:

One significant obstacle I encountered was the tendency to micromanage. Initially influenced by observing other managers adopt this approach, I believed it to be effective. However, upon receiving feedback, I recognized its detrimental impact on the team's development. Overcoming this challenge required a conscious decision to relinquish control and trust in the capabilities of my team members. While it remains an ongoing endeavor, I am committed to fostering an environment of trust and empowerment.

Another obstacle that I have faced is being a mother of two and a full-time, goal-oriented, career woman. As a woman, I have placed a lot of pressure on myself to be the best in all aspects. I have grown to recognize that it is always a balancing act. I do believe that every woman can have the career of her dreams and be a great mother. Take one day at a time and make it count.

Milestones and Achievements:

One pivotal moment of achievement in my career was successfully implementing and enforcing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) within our team. Prior to their establishment, there was a lack of such metrics. However, by introducing and adhering to KPIs, we've experienced notable improvements in our performance and productivity. They also allow me to make data driven decisions allowing the team to continue to achieve success.

Leadership Philosophy:?

My approach to leadership is rooted in inclusivity, where every team member is empowered to contribute meaningfully. By fostering an environment of open dialogue and encouraging proactive participation, I aim to inspire my team to take ownership of their roles and initiatives. I advocate for decision-making autonomy and experimentation, instilling confidence and motivation among team members to explore innovative solutions and drive positive change.

Advice for Future Generations:

Never stop learning. Adopting a mindset of perpetual growth ensures that no goal is beyond reach and no limit is insurmountable. Embrace learning as an ongoing process, and let it guide you towards greater success in your leadership journey.

Vicky Snipes Sorrells

Director of Regulatory Compliance at Facilities Management Solutions (FMS)

Early Inspirations:?

My motivation was the idea that I could make a difference in employees’ lives by teaching them the “why” behind safety and hospital policies.

Overcoming Challenges:?

The obstacles that I have faced have been telling myself to stop working and relax. I enjoy my career so much that I tend to want to look for opportunities to improve and expand constantly.

Milestones and Achievements:

The excitement of employees stepping up to become “safety champs” for the organization. Plus, the achievement of a very successful regulatory survey!

Leadership Philosophy:?

My approach is to walk alongside the employees and learn from them as I try to teach them. Being there to support and listen to them is crucial. If an employee sees that you lead by example, they will support you in their everyday responsibilities.

Advice for Future Generations:?

My advice to the younger generations is to work hard; it doesn’t come easy. Stay focused. The best is yet to come if you have the right attitude and the right team. Give more than you expect from others, and they will follow your lead.

Kendra Unruh

Manager; Talent Acquisition & Development at REMEDI8?

Early Inspirations:?

One of my first full time positions was an HR Coordinator at Villa St. Francis in Olathe. That position was a great introduction?to Human Resources and where I realized that I love being the first impression a candidate has on a company. That is what sparked my interest in recruiting. Nothing compares to the thrill I get when I'm making an offer, and I can feel the candidate's excitement. That is how I know I'm in the right field.?

Overcoming Challenges:?

My current position at REMEDI8? is my first management position. When I first started, I thought that all my employees would be motivated the same way that I am. I quickly realized that every employee is driven by different factors. Understanding what motivates each of my recruiters has helped me lead the team.?

Milestones and Achievements:?

I was nominated by my peers at Villa St. Francis as the Outstanding Leader of 2020. It was an honor to be recognized by my peers.?

Leadership Philosophy:?

Seeing my recruiters grow fills my tank. I encourage them to come to me with ideas and understand that there is more than one way to accomplish something. I don't interfere with their approach if it will have the same desired outcome. Scheduling one on one time with each recruiter allows us to focus on their goals.?I get to know each recruiter on a personal?level and that makes them comfortable talking to me when they are struggling. ?If I'm not approachable, then I'm not an effective leader.?

Advice for Future Generations:?

There is a village of people that molded me into the person I am today. Showing gratitude to those who mentor and guide you along the way is a huge component of being a leader. When someone gives me free advice, I listen and show gratitude.?

Megan Hartley

Director of Accounting at REMEDI8?

Early Inspirations:?

When I was little, my Mom was an Accountant. I loved going to work with her and helping with little projects during the summer. I loved playing on her 10-key and watching her fill out her old paper ledgers. She instilled in me the drive to be a strong, independent woman.?

Overcoming Challenges:?

I have faced a lot of challenges in my career. ?Early on, I worked for a business that sold a large portion of their company. That was very hard, especially because many of the employees that left during the sale, I had grown to cherish. Then they went through a bankruptcy reorganization a few years later, and that was tough, especially working in the purchasing department!

When I began my career at Barrier, I encountered the opposite challenge - explosive growth! ?We buckled in tight, and we didn't slow down. We came together and worked hard to grow the company. Going from a small business with a handful of employees to a large business with hundreds of employees in less than 10 years has been a roller coaster! You just need to know that there's a solution to every problem and sometimes you have to make hard decisions and if you truly work together, you can achieve anything!!?

Milestones and Achievements:?

I was 18 when I started my first real office job. It gave me the drive to make sure I was working hard to prove that age was just a number, and I could do anything and learn anything I set my mind to. I worked with many people there that really inspired and taught me. ?I've started as an Executive Assistant and moved to running the whole Purchasing Department. The skills and drive I learned there helped me get to where I am today at REMEDI8?. ?I told them in my interview back when we were Barrier Technologies, that I didn’t know much about Construction, but I was willing to start at the bottom and work my way back up again! I honestly think it has given me an enormous sense of accomplishment knowing that I’ve been here through this journey growing the company to what it is today! I could never be where I am today without the amazing people in this company who believe in me and have given me the chance to grow and continue to prove myself.?

Leadership Philosophy:?

My approach to leadership is fairness and honesty. I try to make sure that everyone is treated equally and that I give them all honest feedback to ensure they know areas of improvement as well as give them opportunities to learn so they have the same opportunities for growth and development that I was given. ?Most people are very interested in honest, respectful feedback.?

Advice for Future Generations:?

If you have the drive and the willingness to stop and listen so you can learn from your supervisors as well as your peers, I think that's one of the first steps. The next would be to take time to think about how your work may affect other departments/people. If you can help to integrate processes and work together towards a common goal of improving processes company-wide and not just staying focused on what may affect your day-to-day that will go far. Never stop learning new things and growing, and you'll always feel accomplished. Don't ever let anyone discourage your growth.