RHONDA ALLISON Founder and CEO, Rhonda Allison Cosmeceuticals and RAW Skin Care for Men Southlake, Texas
What is the best leadership lesson you’ ve learned? The most important leadership lesson I’ ve learned and now employ is to allow each person a forum for creativity and work as a team, not a hierarchy. I hold the philosophy that no one is better than or less than, and every position is important. I also find that letting people know what to do and then letting them do it without micromanaging brings about more self-confidence, and performance is at a much higher level.
If you can read only one book about leadership, what would it be? Whereever You Go There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn. He talked about how to look at ones’ self and operate from a state of mindful awareness. Through meditation and being present, one develops a greater sense of who they are. By becoming more of who you are, you model what you want to see in your team: Integrity, passion, compassion, focus, determination, patience, and tolerance.
If you can ask one great leader a question, who would it be and what would you ask? So many leaders have inspired me over the years at different points in my life. It’ s difficult to pinpoint just one. I think one of our greatest luxuries, in this day of abundant, instantly accessible information, is the ability to learn from so many dynamic leaders and take from each one what works best for us and in our individual practice or industry.
How do you spot a natural leader? There are many qualities that exemplify a leader. I watch for someone who has a great passion for what they are doing. They have to love it! Then I observe how they interact with other people. One cannot be a leader if they have a tendency to operate as the Lone Ranger. I watch for someone who is willing to allow others around them to shine to their full potential too.
“ A leader whom I admire in the spa industry is Kasia Mays, director of spa development, at the Resort at Pelican Hill. I admire her for her ability to create a one-of-a-kind spa and wellness experience for guests. She focuses on the details, full of creativity, all of this, while creating a spa team culture of gratitude. She challenges those around her and pulls out their greatness.”
NATALIE HAMPSHIRE RED DOOR SPA- CHEVY CHASE HYATTSVILLE, MARYLAND
“ When I began my career in the spa industry more than 12 years ago, Michael Tompkins became the most influential leader to me. Throughout our years working together, he has always led with honor, integrity, and the ability to work hard. He knows when to give staff independence, yet is always there if help is needed. His background as a massage therapist, nurse and manager allows him to be a valuable resource of knowledge in so many areas. There is no doubt that without his leadership, I would not be where I am today in this industry.”
KAREN WATSON THE ESSEX RESORT AND SPA ESSEX, VERMONT
“ Jocelyna Dubuc, president and founder of Spa Eastman. She is an innovator in the concept of health-vacations in Québec. She not only motivates but inspires people, especially all the 150 employees who work with her.”
NATALIE ROY SPA EASTMAN QUEBEC, CANADA
“ A leader I admire in the spa industry is Cord Coen, president and owner of Zents Body Care. Cord has a passion for life and he effortlessly spreads his passion through the way he lives. I also admire Bob and Suzanne Fanch, owners of Devil’ s Thumb Ranch Creek Spa. They approach business the way they approach life, with passion, compassion and sincerity.”
CHARITY GREENE DEVIL’ S THUMB RANCH CREEK SPA TABERNASH, COLORADO
May 2012 ■ PULSE 37