This is part of our "Meet Our Team" series. We will post these interviews periodically. Learn more about Dede on our Meet the Team page. |
Q: Before working at HLG, what was the most unusual or interesting or weirdest job you've ever had:
A: I was a photo-mate at a small Photo-mat kiosk in Enumclaw, WA. It was a tiny, coffee-drive-through-sized building that sat in the parking lot at Jayhawk's. People dropped off their rolls of film, I sent them for processing and then handed them their pictures a day later. It was lightning fast photo developing. And a super weird job.
Q: What is your role at Henley Leadership Group?
A: My title says I am the CEO, but what I really am is a thought partner for my leadership team and my clients. I love to write articles and blogs. I love to create remarkable experiences to enable people to become better leaders. I enjoy growing a business and learning all along the way.
Q: What's your favorite thing about working at Henley Leadership Group ?
A: Working alongside the amazing people we call our team. I love them. I am challenged by them. I feel seen and heard by them. I am proud of what we make available to the world.
Q: What have you learned ?
A: I feel like I have grown myself up in this company. I remember Carol Zizzo once said to me, "Well Dede, it's not just about you anymore." I have learned to take good care of people and myself. I have learned how to stay even when it was hard and I didn't want to. I have learned how to lead from the best of who I am.
What are you reading right now?
Q: What are you reading right now?
A: "The Second Mountain," by David Brooks. It's about moving from being self-centered to other-centered. It's about wanting the things that are truly worth wanting. It's about surrendering to a life of commitment.
Q: What’s making you happy this week?
A: I am in Lyon, France as I write this, working with graduate students from Pepperdine University. Their eagerness to learn and their willingness to work hard is inspiring. They are curious, open, eager and willing.
You can learn more about Dede here
Photo Credit: Ingrid Pape-Sheldo