An Opportunity of a Lifetime

Once in great while, an opportunity presents itself that can take your entire career to an exciting new level. These opportunities are priceless; the information invaluable.

For the Emerging Leaders of the Women's Leadership Initiative, such an opportunity came last evening as the group sat down with Mark Schwab, president and CEO of Crayola, to discuss leadership, personal development, and the many different paths available in career advancement.

The setting: A comfortable living room full of young women filled with eager, smiling faces. Their attention was focused on an amazingly down-to-earth, well-respected leader of a company and a community...

The evening began with group introductions and Mark's candid recollection of the events that have shaped his career. Beginning with his family and his mother's strong influence in his life, Mark touched on his time spent with the Navy where he began to develop his management skills and realized his passion for leading others, his educational background, and his first career at Hallmark.

The upfront advice and direction Mark shared with the Emerging Leaders group was personally and professionally fulfilling. The setting was relaxed and easy, and made for an ambiance that inspired question after question from the group. Each question was answered honestly and without reservation...

Some of the key points Mark emphasized with the group:

• Align yourself with a company that mirrors your personal and professional values.



• Do what you really want to do and follow your passions.



• Figure out what drives you... ask yourself, "if I didn't need the money, what would I do?"



• Do your job to the best of your ability and deliver results. Consistently.



• Be social and approachable.



• Success can change - be flexible, yet keep your eye on your goals.



• Be someone that others want to follow.



• Never, never burn a bridge.



• Do not make the mistake of feeling entitlement because of your work or seniority at a company.



• Dress the way you expect to be treated and respect yourself.



• Let people hear you... otherwise, why do you have a job??



• If additional education is required for your career, go for it. No one can ever take your education away from you.

As a "taste of what's to come," the Emerging Leaders plan to offer similar visits with Lehigh Valley's community leaders and local CEOs. Membership in the program begins with a $250 contribution to the Women's Leadership Initiative of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.