Interview with Carol Washington (Part 2)

On today’s episode we are back with Carol Washington, the Chief Operating Officer of Life’s Work of Western PA, to dive deeper into her position at her nonprofit, her mission when it comes to the organization, and how she has worked with students and employees as a mentor and leader throughout her career.

Carol began her career out of college starting in the business world with Thrift Drug. What was at the time a close knit “mom and pop” atmosphere, Thrift Drug’s merger with Eckerd launched Carol into the corporate world and a different experience dealing in Human Resources. It was here that Carol begun to take on the role of a leader for others and help them along a path to success. Carol also discusses with me her experience in working with INROADS Pittsburgh as a recruiter to help students land internships throughout their collegiate career. For many of these students, it was their first foray into business environments, so Carol acted as an advisor and liaison to these students, coaching them on how to behave in business environments. We talk through tips for behaving at corporate events, and the importance of learning proper business etiquette.

At its core, Life’s Work’s mission is to serve those with disabilities. However, the word takes on a broader meaning than anticipated, serving those not only with intellectual or physical disabilities, but also individuals and families that may have fallen on hard times, such as single parenthood or low income. Many who come to Carol’s organization have found them through referrals or direct knowledge. It is clear to see Carol’s devotion to her employees and the community, and her passion in working for this nonprofit. For those that may be considering a career in nonprofit, be sure to tune in to my discussion with Carol on the show today.

About Carol Washington

Carol Washington the Chief Operating Officer of Life’s Work Pittsburgh.

Key Takeaways

[9:01] Career with Eckerd Drug

Job at Thrift Drug was mom and pop shop and non-union

First dip into Human Resources and defend for and against unions

[11:07] Teaching corporate etiquette

5 Top tips for behaving at corporate events

Proper speaking business etiquette

[17:16] What to Know about Life’s Work

Serve persons with disabilities

Intellectual, mental health, single parenthood, low income, etc.

Some disabilities you see, but most you cannot

90 years ago, when Life’s Work founded, women founders were viewed as “disabled”

Women would get together and sew and sell garments

Appreciative of company’s legacy

[21:24] Life’s Work mission

Help persons with disabilities that cannot get work in community work setting

Provide work for those in internal facilities

Determine their capabilities and place them in appropriate jobs

[24:41] Carol’s Big Idea

Always think about the client

Nonprofits can’t live without donations OR without boards to demand standards

Client resonates in every message

[28:49] Tool Carol cannot live without

Inspired by those that have lived through struggles – John O’Leary

 Resources Mentioned:

“On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life” – John O’Leary

Connect With Carol Washington:

LinkedIn

Learn More About Carol Washington:

Life’s Work Executive Team

The No BS Show is brought to you by audible.com. Get a FREE audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.audibletrial.com/NoBS. Try a book like the Creator’s Code: The Six Essential Skills of...

Interview with Carol Washington (Part 2)On today’s episode we are back with Carol Washington, the Chief Operating Officer of Life’s Work of Western PA, to dive deeper into her position at her nonprofit, her mission when it comes to the organization, and how she has worked with students and employees as a mentor and leader throughout her career.Carol began her career out of college starting in the business world with Thrift Drug. What was at the time a close knit “mom and pop” atmosphere, Thrift Drug’s merger with Eckerd launched Carol into the corporate world and a different experience dealing in Human Resources. It was here that Carol begun to take on the role of a leader for others and help them along a path to success. Carol also discusses with me her experience in working with INROADS Pittsburgh as a recruiter to help students land internships throughout their collegiate career. For many of these students, it was their first foray into business environments, so Carol acted as an advisor and liaison to these students, coaching them on how to behave in business environments. We talk through tips for behaving at corporate events, and the importance of learning proper business etiquette.At its core, Life’s Work’s mission is to serve those with disabilities. However, the word takes on a broader meaning than anticipated, serving those not only with intellectual or physical disabilities, but also individuals and families that may have fallen on hard times, such as single parenthood or low income. Many who come to Carol’s organization have found them through referrals or direct knowledge. It is clear to see Carol’s devotion to her employees and the community, and her passion in working for this nonprofit. For those that may be considering a career in nonprofit, be sure to tune in to my discussion with Carol on the show today.About Carol WashingtonCarol Washington the Chief Operating Officer of Life’s Work Pittsburgh.Key Takeaways[9:01] Career with Eckerd Drug Job at Thrift Drug was mom and pop shop and non-union First dip into Human Resources and defend for and against unions[11:07] Teaching corporate etiquette 5 Top tips for behaving at corporate events Proper speaking business etiquette[17:16] What to Know about Life’s Work Serve persons with disabilities Intellectual, mental health, single parenthood, low income, etc. Some disabilities you see, but most you cannot 90 years ago, when Life’s Work founded, women founders were viewed as “disabled” Women would get together and sew and sell garments Appreciative of company’s legacy[21:24] Life’s Work mission Help persons with disabilities that cannot get work in community work setting Provide work for those in internal facilities Determine their capabilities and place them in appropriate jobs[24:41] Carol’s Big Idea Always think about the client Nonprofits can’t live without donations OR without boards to demand standards Client resonates in every message[28:49] Tool Carol cannot live without Inspired by those that have lived through struggles – John O’Leary Resources Mentioned:“On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life” – John O’LearyConnect With Carol Washington:LinkedInLearn More About Carol Washington:Life’s Work Executive TeamThe No BS Show is brought to you by audible.com. Get a FREE audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.audibletrial.com/NoBS. Try a book like the Creator’s Code: The Six Essential Skills of Extraordinary Entrepreneurs by Amy Wilkinson.  You can download it for free today. Go to Audibletrial.com/NoBS. Again that’s audibletrial.com/NoBS for your FREE audiobook.Over 180,000 titles to choose from for your iPhone, Android, Kindle or mp3 player.

Interview with Carol Washington (Part 2)

On today’s episode we are back with Carol Washington, the Chief Operating Officer of Life’s Work of Western PA, to dive deeper into her position at her nonprofit, her mission when it comes to the organization, and how she has worked with students and employees as a mentor and leader throughout her career.

Carol began her career out of college starting in the business world with Thrift Drug. What was at the time a close knit “mom and pop” atmosphere, Thrift Drug’s merger with Eckerd launched Carol into the corporate world and a different experience dealing in Human Resources. It was here that Carol begun to take on the role of a leader for others and help them along a path to success. Carol also discusses with me her experience in working with INROADS Pittsburgh as a recruiter to help students land internships throughout their collegiate career. For many of these students, it was their first foray into business environments, so Carol acted as an advisor and liaison to these students, coaching them on how to behave in business environments. We talk through tips for behaving at corporate events, and the importance of learning proper business etiquette.

At its core, Life’s Work’s mission is to serve those with disabilities. However, the word takes on a broader meaning than anticipated, serving those not only with intellectual or physical disabilities, but also individuals and families that may have fallen on hard times, such as single parenthood or low income. Many who come to Carol’s organization have found them through referrals or direct knowledge. It is clear to see Carol’s devotion to her employees and the community, and her passion in working for this nonprofit. For those that may be considering a career in nonprofit, be sure to tune in to my discussion with Carol on the show today.

About Carol Washington

Carol Washington the Chief Operating Officer of Life’s Work Pittsburgh.

Key Takeaways

Career with Eckerd Drug

Job at Thrift Drug was mom and pop shop and non-union

First dip into Human Resources and defend for and against unions

Teaching corporate etiquette

5 Top tips for behaving at corporate events

Proper speaking business etiquette

What to Know about Life’s Work

Serve persons with disabilities

Intellectual, mental health, single parenthood, low income, etc.

Some disabilities you see, but most you cannot

90 years ago, when Life’s Work founded, women founders were viewed as “disabled”

Women would get together and sew and sell garments

Appreciative of company’s legacy

Life’s Work mission

Help persons with disabilities that cannot get work in community work setting

Provide work for those in internal facilities

Determine their capabilities and place them in appropriate jobs

Carol’s Big Idea

Always think about the client

Nonprofits can’t live without donations OR without boards to demand standards

Client resonates in every message

Tool Carol cannot live without

Inspired by those that have lived through struggles – John O’Leary

 Resources Mentioned:

“On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life” – John O’Leary

Connect With Carol Washington:

LinkedIn

Learn More About Carol Washington:

Life’s Work Executive Team

The No BS Show is brought to you by audible.com. Get a FREE audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.audibletrial.com/NoBS. Try a book like the Creator’s Code: The Six Essential Skills of Extraordinary Entrepreneurs by Amy Wilkinson.  You can download it for free today. Go to Audibletrial.com/NoBS. Again that’s audibletrial.com/NoBS for your FREE audiobook.

Over 180,000 titles to choose from for your iPhone, Android, Kindle or mp3 player.

Interview with Carol WashingtonOn today’s episode I sit down with Carol Washington, the Chief Operating Officer of Life’s Work Pittsburgh, and a woman who has dedicated her own life’s work to helping those in need. As a graduate of IUP’s Eberly College, Carol started her career down the accounting/finance path, ultimately determining it was not the right fit. Through a corporate merger, she found her way into human resources, that paved the right path into a career in nonprofit work.Working in the nonprofit industry with Northshore Community Alliance is a whole new game for Carol, but one where she truly found her passion. Through helping families in-home through times of crisis, Carol truly feels the positive impact she is making on her community. However, such industry is not without its corporate-like issues. Through the Northshore Community Alliance’s decision to merge with Life’s Work, Carol discusses the bittersweet decision to merge these two organizations, and the effect it had on the future of the non-profit. She also speaks to several of the mentors she has had over the course of her career, and how they have shaped her to be the strong leader she is today.Through her various mentors and sponsors, Carol has also learned what it takes to be a successful leader and mentor to others. Her career has enabled her to experience various management styles, honing in on the techniques she admires and eliminating those she has disagreed with. We discuss a learning experience that really molded Carol’s outlook on how to be a positive leader to others. As COO of Life’s Work, Carol prides herself in knowing her employees closely and the lives they lead, from significant others, to children or caregivers. It is through this detailed level of care and understanding that Carol has risen to become the successful leader she is today.About Carol WashingtonCarol Washington the Chief Operating Officer of Life’s Work Pittsburgh.Key Takeaways[9:23] Educational background and career history IUP grad, joined ROTC First job as accountant for Mellon Bank, knew that wasn’t end goal Worked with Thrift Drug aka Rite Aid in finance department Spent 8+ years in human resources Good segue to becoming leader in nonprofit Joined Northshore Community Alliance[15:03] Northshore Community Alliance mission Focused on servicing families in home that were in crisis Constantly engage with the family along the way towards repair[16:21] Decision to merge with Life’s Work Bittersweet to merge Rigorous business decisions she has been involved in[18:43] Carol’s mentors and their impact Derek Wilson owner of Wilson Group that provides business solutions from technology perspective Gave Carol tough love and feedback as a young leader Deborah Valentine Gray, IUP Director of Regional Advancement, exposed Carol to difference between mentor and sponsor[22:35] A learning experience for Carol Only female VP Jan Meikle for Thrift Drug was very tough and had a lot of respect VP marked up a report with a red pen and ripped apart report 3-4 times Carol resubmitted the report in its original form Experience took chip off shoulder, was learning experience[27:04] How Carol mentors others Doesn’t like those that bark orders or is too disconnected from mission Takes pride in knowing all employees and their personal details Connect With Carol Washington: LinkedInLearn More About Carol Washington:Life’s Work Executive TeamThe No BS Marketing Show is brought to you by audible.com. Get a FREE audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.audibletrial.com/NoBS. Try a book like Modern Romance: An Investigation from the hilarious Aziz Ansari. You can download it for free today. Go to Audibletrial.com/NoBS. Again that’s audibletrial.com/NoBS for your FREE audiobook.Over 180,000 titles to choose from for your iPhone, Android, Kindle or mp3 player.

Interview with Carol Washington

On today’s episode I sit down with Carol Washington, the Chief Operating Officer of Life’s Work Pittsburgh, and a woman who has dedicated her own life’s work to helping those in need. As a graduate of IUP’s Eberly College, Carol started her career down the accounting/finance path, ultimately determining it was not the right fit. Through a corporate merger, she found her way into human resources, that paved the right path into a career in nonprofit work.

Working in the nonprofit industry with Northshore Community Alliance is a whole new game for Carol, but one where she truly found her passion. Through helping families in-home through times of crisis, Carol truly feels the positive impact she is making on her community. However, such industry is not without its corporate-like issues. Through the Northshore Community Alliance’s decision to merge with Life’s Work, Carol discusses the bittersweet decision to merge these two organizations, and the effect it had on the future of the non-profit. She also speaks to several of the mentors she has had over the course of her career, and how they have shaped her to be the strong leader she is today.

Through her various mentors and sponsors, Carol has also learned what it takes to be a successful leader and mentor to others. Her career has enabled her to experience various management styles, honing in on the techniques she admires and eliminating those she has disagreed with. We discuss a learning experience that really molded Carol’s outlook on how to be a positive leader to others. As COO of Life’s Work, Carol prides herself in knowing her employees closely and the lives they lead, from significant others, to children or caregivers. It is through this detailed level of care and understanding that Carol has risen to become the successful leader she is today.

About Carol Washington

Carol Washington the Chief Operating Officer of Life’s Work Pittsburgh.

Key Takeaways

Educational background and career history

IUP grad, joined ROTC

First job as accountant for Mellon Bank, knew that wasn’t end goal

Worked with Thrift Drug aka Rite Aid in finance department

Spent 8+ years in human resources

Good segue to becoming leader in nonprofit

Joined Northshore Community Alliance

Northshore Community Alliance mission

Focused on servicing families in home that were in crisis

Constantly engage with the family along the way towards repair

Decision to merge with Life’s Work

Bittersweet to merge

Rigorous business decisions she has been involved in

Carol’s mentors and their impact

Derek Wilson owner of Wilson Group that provides business solutions from technology perspective

Gave Carol tough love and feedback as a young leader

Deborah Valentine Gray, IUP Director of Regional Advancement, exposed Carol to difference between mentor and sponsor

A learning experience for Carol

Only female VP Jan Meikle for Thrift Drug was very tough and had a lot of respect

VP marked up a report with a red pen and ripped apart report 3-4 times

Carol resubmitted the report in its original form

Experience took chip off shoulder, was learning experience

How Carol mentors others

Doesn’t like those that bark orders or is too disconnected from mission

Takes pride in knowing all employees and their personal details

 Connect With Carol Washington:

LinkedIn

Learn More About Carol Washington:

Life’s Work Executive Team

The No BS Marketing Show is brought to you by audible.com. Get a FREE audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.audibletrial.com/NoBS. Try a book like Modern Romance: An Investigation from the hilarious Aziz Ansari. You can download it for free today. Go to Audibletrial.com/NoBS. Again that’s audibletrial.com/NoBS for your FREE audiobook.

Over 180,000 titles to choose from for your iPhone, Android, Kindle or mp3 player.

Hit The Bullseye - Persuasion and 'Pre-suasion': Robert Cialdini is back. Well he never went away…but one of the foremost thinkers on human behavior and author of the 2006 best seller Influence: the Psychology of Persuasion, has a new book updating his thoughts on the 6 principles of influence. Cialdini revisits those concepts and adds even more insights in his new book Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade.

Cialdini points out that the peak performing communicators capitalize on privileged moments for change during which people become receptive to a message before they experience it. “Optimal persuasion is achieved through optimal pre-suasion writes Cialdini. To change minds, first change ‘states of minds.’

He goes on in the book to update his 6 principles of influence:

Reciprocation

Liking

Social Proof

Authority

Scarcity

Consistency

Leverage Cialdini’s Principles and Hit the Bullseye with your messaging.

 

Interview with Audrey Russo (Part 2)

On today’s episode I am back with Audrey Russo as we dive deeper into her career history, the different ways she has learned while on the job, and how those learning experiences have helped shape her current work as President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. Audrey’s passion is helping to grow the Pittsburgh tech community and contribute to something larger than herself. She does this by continuous learning and growth.

By starting out in her career as just a “young punk,” Audrey took on large influential roles, many times with criticism and skepticism over her qualifications as a young woman in the position. She confides in me that during her career, she hasn’t had many role models and mentors, and has learned more from bad bosses than good ones. Audrey shares with me her big idea for the present and future of the Pittsburgh Tech Council and the role she plays in driving growth for the city. In today’s uber-connected world, we can no longer operate in silos. Audrey stresses the fact that we must focus on building meaningful relationships and collaborating with each other to truly make progress. Through humility and learning, Audrey has transformed her outlook on business and how to help others as a result.

About Audrey Russo

Audrey Russo is president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. Since joining the council in 2007, Audrey has built and led a team that’s grown the organization to 1,400 member companies with 270,000 member employees from just about every industry.

Audrey also serves as  a board member of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, Regional Industrial Development Center, and more.

Key Takeaways

[4:47] Audrey’s mentors and how they have impacted her

Learned more from bad bosses than good ones

Got inspiration from characters in books

Found a lot of passion in her work – wants to make a difference

[12:31] Learning Experience in being a bad boss or BS employee

Had one employee killed on the job and handled it poorly as a boss

Had narrow view and was disrespectful to boss

[19:59] Audrey’s “Big Idea” at Pittsburgh Tech Council

Personally – Leading something larger than myself

Drive the region so the tech and innovation business community is thriving

Customer’s reason for buying is to make sure they have all the tools they need to grow their businesses

[25:14] Recent success story

Trip to Bay Area for entrepreneurs and founders of tech companies to understand world of journalism

How does the world get to know about the innovations of companies

[28:25] Tool Audrey can’t live without

Hit The Bullseye - Persuasion and 'Pre-suasion': Robert Cialdini is back. Well he never went away…but one of the foremost thinkers on human behavior and author of the 2006 best seller Influence: the Psychology of Persuasion, has a new book updating his thoughts on the 6 principles of influence. Cialdini revisits those concepts and adds even more insights in his new book Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade.Cialdini points out that the peak performing communicators capitalize on privileged moments for change during which people become receptive to a message before they experience it. “Optimal persuasion is achieved through optimal pre-suasion writes Cialdini. To change minds, first change ‘states of minds.’He goes on in the book to update his 6 principles of influence: Reciprocation Liking Social Proof Authority Scarcity ConsistencyLeverage Cialdini’s Principles and Hit the Bullseye with your messaging. Interview with Audrey Russo (Part 2)On today’s episode I am back with Audrey Russo as we dive deeper into her career history, the different ways she has learned while on the job, and how those learning experiences have helped shape her current work as President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. Audrey’s passion is helping to grow the Pittsburgh tech community and contribute to something larger than herself. She does this by continuous learning and growth.By starting out in her career as just a “young punk,” Audrey took on large influential roles, many times with criticism and skepticism over her qualifications as a young woman in the position. She confides in me that during her career, she hasn’t had many role models and mentors, and has learned more from bad bosses than good ones. Audrey shares with me her big idea for the present and future of the Pittsburgh Tech Council and the role she plays in driving growth for the city. In today’s uber-connected world, we can no longer operate in silos. Audrey stresses the fact that we must focus on building meaningful relationships and collaborating with each other to truly make progress. Through humility and learning, Audrey has transformed her outlook on business and how to help others as a result.About Audrey RussoAudrey Russo is president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. Since joining the council in 2007, Audrey has built and led a team that’s grown the organization to 1,400 member companies with 270,000 member employees from just about every industry.Audrey also serves as  a board member of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, Regional Industrial Development Center, and more.Key Takeaways[4:47] Audrey’s mentors and how they have impacted her Learned more from bad bosses than good ones Got inspiration from characters in books Found a lot of passion in her work – wants to make a difference[12:31] Learning Experience in being a bad boss or BS employee Had one employee killed on the job and handled it poorly as a boss Had narrow view and was disrespectful to boss[19:59] Audrey’s “Big Idea” at Pittsburgh Tech Council Personally – Leading something larger than myself Drive the region so the tech and innovation business community is thriving Customer’s reason for buying is to make sure they have all the tools they need to grow their businesses[25:14] Recent success story Trip to Bay Area for entrepreneurs and founders of tech companies to understand world of journalism How does the world get to know about the innovations of companies[28:25] Tool Audrey can’t live without Scrabble online to decompress Subscribe to medium and get alerts on topics to stay inform Tries to read “left and right” politicallyResources MentionedBook: “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” – Robert CialdiniBook: “Pre-suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade” – Robert Cialdini

Hit The Bullseye - Persuasion and 'Pre-suasion': Robert Cialdini is back. Well he never went away…but one of the foremost thinkers on human behavior and author of the 2006 best seller Influence: the Psychology of Persuasion, has a new book updating his thoughts on the 6 principles of influence. Cialdini revisits those concepts and adds even more insights in his new book Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade.

Cialdini points out that the peak performing communicators capitalize on privileged moments for change during which people become receptive to a message before they experience it. “Optimal persuasion is achieved through optimal pre-suasion writes Cialdini. To change minds, first change ‘states of minds.’

He goes on in the book to update his 6 principles of influence:

Reciprocation

Liking

Social Proof

Authority

Scarcity

Consistency

Leverage Cialdini’s Principles and Hit the Bullseye with your messaging.

 

Interview with Audrey Russo (Part 2)

On today’s episode I am back with Audrey Russo as we dive deeper into her career history, the different ways she has learned while on the job, and how those learning experiences have helped shape her current work as President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. Audrey’s passion is helping to grow the Pittsburgh tech community and contribute to something larger than herself. She does this by continuous learning and growth.

By starting out in her career as just a “young punk,” Audrey took on large influential roles, many times with criticism and skepticism over her qualifications as a young woman in the position. She confides in me that during her career, she hasn’t had many role models and mentors, and has learned more from bad bosses than good ones. Audrey shares with me her big idea for the present and future of the Pittsburgh Tech Council and the role she plays in driving growth for the city. In today’s uber-connected world, we can no longer operate in silos. Audrey stresses the fact that we must focus on building meaningful relationships and collaborating with each other to truly make progress. Through humility and learning, Audrey has transformed her outlook on business and how to help others as a result.

About Audrey Russo

Audrey Russo is president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. Since joining the council in 2007, Audrey has built and led a team that’s grown the organization to 1,400 member companies with 270,000 member employees from just about every industry.

Audrey also serves as  a board member of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, Regional Industrial Development Center, and more.

Key Takeaways

Audrey’s mentors and how they have impacted her

Learned more from bad bosses than good ones

Got inspiration from characters in books

Found a lot of passion in her work – wants to make a difference

Learning Experience in being a bad boss or BS employee

Had one employee killed on the job and handled it poorly as a boss

Had narrow view and was disrespectful to boss

Audrey’s “Big Idea” at Pittsburgh Tech Council

Personally – Leading something larger than myself

Drive the region so the tech and innovation business community is thriving

Customer’s reason for buying is to make sure they have all the tools they need to grow their businesses

Recent success story

Trip to Bay Area for entrepreneurs and founders of tech companies to understand world of journalism

How does the world get to know about the innovations of companies

Tool Audrey can’t live without

Scrabble online to decompress

Subscribe to medium and get alerts on topics to stay inform

Tries to read “left and right” politically

Resources Mentioned

Book: “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” – Robert Cialdini

Book: “Pre-suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade” – Robert Cialdini

 Connect With Audrey Russo:

LinkedIn

Cut the BS - Knowers vs. Learners:  Are you a “knower” or a “learner?”Unfortunately, as we gain expertise throughout our careers, we tend to become “knowers” as opposed to early in life—through our early 20’s-- when our main “job” is learning. It seems the more we know, the more it gets in the way of learning.Alvin Toffler’s book Future Shock includes a powerful quote: “The illiterate of the 21st Century will not be those who cannot read and write but who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.”We benefit from life long learning in so many ways:*Economically—you’ll earn more the more you learn.*As a leader—you’ll change and adapt to the market and your team.*The Dos Equis Effect—Like the most interesting man in the world, learning makes you more interesting.*You’ll be healthier—learning is great for the brain.Fight the natural fear of change and the unknown. Personal and professional growth improves your life and the lives of those around you. Carve out dedicated time to learning and Cut the Bullshit.About Audrey RussoAudrey Russo is president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. Since joining the council in 2007, Audrey has built and led a team that’s grown the organization to 1,400 member companies with 270,000 member employees from just about every industry.Audrey also serves as  a board member of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, Regional Industrial Development Center, and more.Interview with Audrey RussoOn today’s episode I sit down with Audrey Russo, the President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, and a woman who has become an agent for change in each of her career milestones leading up to her current position. After graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in social work, Audrey began on her path of continuous learning by working in various internships and diving deep into each ones’ respective cultures.Audrey has dealt with many hurdles in her career, from managing a large team of 100+ individuals at a young age, to transitioning companies and cultures when her job at Reynolds Metals was acquired by Alcoa. Audrey speaks with me about the process of merging two deeply rooted company cultures, and how that can have an effect on employees, as well as the relationships between the two IT departments during the acquisition process.Now leading Pittsburgh’s technology community, Audrey took many steps as President to revamp the council into what it is today. She comments on her first 100 days with the council, from an unknown player in the Pittsburgh community to becoming a key contributor in helping the city innovate and provide value to tech companies in the area. We also discuss the metrics she has established for her team in order to help the companies in Pittsburgh thrive.Key Takeaways[2:39] Educational Background and career history Bachelor's degree in social work from The Ohio State University Opportunities for applied learning – 6-7 internships during college career Masters degree in public policy from Syracuse University Was interested in operations, systems, and technology Ran IT department at Reynolds Metals before acquired by Alcoa Invited to run Pittsburgh Tech Council for past nine years[9:46] Transition when Alcoa was acquired Companies have deep rooted cultures Alcoa and Reynolds were combined at one point back in the 20s but had to be divested due to monopoly laws IT teams could talk and establish relationship over nine months Alcoa had incredible standards around safety which were ingrained in their culture[15:45] Maya Design job in Pittsburgh Went from 140 thousand people to 115 people At Maya was talking to the customers and what their business problems were Was learning every day, and enjoyed the nimbleness of the company[18:35] First 100 days at Pitts Technology Council Had Tech 50 Event on 3rd day

Cut the BS - Knowers vs. Learners:  Are you a “knower” or a “learner?”

Unfortunately, as we gain expertise throughout our careers, we tend to become “knowers” as opposed to early in life—through our early 20’s-- when our main “job” is learning. It seems the more we know, the more it gets in the way of learning.

Alvin Toffler’s book Future Shock includes a powerful quote: “The illiterate of the 21st Century will not be those who cannot read and write but who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.”

We benefit from life long learning in so many ways:

*Economically—you’ll earn more the more you learn.

*As a leader—you’ll change and adapt to the market and your team.

*The Dos Equis Effect—Like the most interesting man in the world, learning makes you more interesting.

*You’ll be healthier—learning is great for the brain.

Fight the natural fear of change and the unknown. Personal and professional growth improves your life and the lives of those around you. Carve out dedicated time to learning and Cut the Bullshit.

About Audrey Russo

Audrey Russo is president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. Since joining the council in 2007, Audrey has built and led a team that’s grown the organization to 1,400 member companies with 270,000 member employees from just about every industry.

Audrey also serves as  a board member of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, Regional Industrial Development Center, and more.

Interview with Audrey Russo

On today’s episode I sit down with Audrey Russo, the President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, and a woman who has become an agent for change in each of her career milestones leading up to her current position. After graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in social work, Audrey began on her path of continuous learning by working in various internships and diving deep into each ones’ respective cultures.

Audrey has dealt with many hurdles in her career, from managing a large team of 100+ individuals at a young age, to transitioning companies and cultures when her job at Reynolds Metals was acquired by Alcoa. Audrey speaks with me about the process of merging two deeply rooted company cultures, and how that can have an effect on employees, as well as the relationships between the two IT departments during the acquisition process.

Now leading Pittsburgh’s technology community, Audrey took many steps as President to revamp the council into what it is today. She comments on her first 100 days with the council, from an unknown player in the Pittsburgh community to becoming a key contributor in helping the city innovate and provide value to tech companies in the area. We also discuss the metrics she has established for her team in order to help the companies in Pittsburgh thrive.

Key Takeaways

[2:39] Educational Background and career history

Bachelor's degree in social work from The Ohio State University

Opportunities for applied learning – 6-7 internships during college career

Masters degree in public policy from Syracuse University

Was interested in operations, systems, and technology

Ran IT department at Reynolds Metals before acquired by Alcoa

Invited to run Pittsburgh Tech Council for past nine years

[9:46] Transition when Alcoa was acquired

Companies have deep rooted cultures

Alcoa and Reynolds were combined at one point back in the 20s but had to be divested due to monopoly laws

IT teams could talk and establish relationship over nine months

Alcoa had incredible standards around safety which were ingrained in their culture

[15:45] Maya Design job in Pittsburgh