A Candid Conversation
Husband Dan and I at a Detroit Lions Game
If you could describe your leadership style as a movie title, what would it be- why?“ The Intern” because everyone brings something unique to the table.
What’ s the most unusual job you’ ve ever had before becoming a leader? I worked in the mailroom for an electronics parts distributor.
If your leadership had a theme song, what would it be? " I Won’ t Back Down " – Tom Petty
If you could have dinner with any historical leader— real or fictional— who would it be and what would you ask them? Jacinda Ardern. She led through one of the most challenging global periods in recent history, with incredible composure and empathy. I’ d want to ask her how she balanced making tough decisions during COVID while still leading with humanity and connection. It’ s something I think about often, how to be both strong and compassionate at the same time. Her leadership really shows that you don’ t have to sacrifice one to achieve the other.
If our company was a sports team, what position would you play and why? If our company were a basketball team, I’ d play point guard( according to my husband because I know exactly ZERO things about basketball). Apparently, this role is about bringing people together, setting direction, and making sure everyone is in the right position to succeed. A big part of what we do is connecting, supporting, and advocating for our members. It requires both strategy and awareness of the bigger picture. When the team is aligned and moving together, that’ s when we’ re most successful.
Can you share a story that represents a defining moment for your personal values? I once ran a red light, and it bothered me enough that I actually called the police afterward to report it. At the time, it probably seemed excessive, but it says a lot about how how I’ m wired. I’ ve always believed that doing the right thing matters. That moment stuck with me, and it’ s something I carry into how I lead today. Accountability and integrity aren’ t situational, they’ re constant.
What motivates you to get up every morning and lead your team? I’ m motivated by the idea that no one succeeds alone. Just like I rely on the people around me, our team and our members rely on us for support and direction. That shared responsibility drives me to show up every day and lead with intention. I want to make sure we’ re creating an environment where people feel supported, capable, and set up to succeed. When they succeed, we all do.
Luna Petunia
From your perspective, how does the company culture influence our success, and what can we do to strengthen it? It’ s common sense: nobody performs of their best in a miserable environment, and if people aren’ t happy, they will eventually change their situation and look for an exit. We strengthen culture by maintaining an open and positive approach.
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Koda Handsome