The OWA would like to thank our generous Platinum Sponsors for all they do to support our organization and its mission to enhance and promote the leadership role of women in the optical industry. This OWA Spotlight series will feature one female leader from each Platinum Sponsor.
This issue, we chat with Mary Lanning, senior manager of Professional Business Development for Zyloware eyewear.
1. Thank you for taking the time to chat with the OWA. What areas do you cover / oversee at your company?
I am the senior manager of Professional Business Development for Zyloware Eyewear. I oversee all direct sales in Texas and work with several of Zyloware's key accounts. My goal is to develop lifelong relationships that will grow business and empower others to be successful.
2. What is your background + how did you grow into your current role?
In 2000, I answered a newspaper ad for a front desk position in a private optometric practice. I really admired our office manager. She was extremely knowledgeable and always seemed to have everything together. She also saw potential in me that I didn't understand. I now know that she encouraged much of my desire to learn new skills in the practice and become a valuable team member.
Once I started being a resource for others, I felt a bigger sense of self-worth and continued to learn as much as I could. I became a certified optician and have several key mentors who taught me great technical skills and how to grow on a personal level. They continue to challenge me and inspire new ideas.
After 18 years in optometry / ophthalmology, I was offered a position with Zyloware. Already a Zyloware customer, I knew the core values of the company were directly in line with my own. After meeting Zyloware's leadership team, I knew the company culture was a perfect fit and would offer new opportunity and skill development. Working with Zyloware has proven to be a great decision. I have been able to achieve many personal and business goals, but most important, I have met incredible people who are teaching me, challenging me, and encouraging me.
3. How would you describe your leadership style/focus?
I have always had the heart for teaching. I find fulfilment in being a resource to the people around me and feel it's my purpose to help them succeed. Sometimes that means asking others to be uncomfortable or do something that isn't easy, but I believe this is how we grow. I like clear intentions, positive encouragement, communication, and celebrating every win (no matter how big or small they may seem).
I also think it's important that, as leaders, we never stop learning from others or assume we are always the expert. A great leader can ask "leading" questions to deliver a purpose, allow / challenge others to bring expert results, give tools when needed, learn new skills, and celebrate the success of those around us.
4. How do you mentor other women to grow into leadership roles?
Optimism, encouragement, and push. I pride myself in seeing potential in others and challenge them to live up to it. I expect my mentors and leaders to do the same. I think it's important, as women, that we stop living the narrative that we are all in competition. I think it's crucial to never let your own ego get in the way of being a great leader. The greatest win for a leader is the success of those he / she is coaching.
I would encourage every woman to surround yourself with people, especially women, who are more skilled than you in new areas, and learn from them. I would also challenge us to speak positively and purposefully to each other and about one another. It is important that when another woman is succeeding, celebrate her. Your community will begin to evolve into powerful women who will share ways to grow your own success. Then you will be even more successful in your role when you lead.
5. What is your best tip for aspiring leaders to transition into this role in their careers?
I recently heard a podcast that talked about intention. I think the best tip that really resonates with me is to express your intention for EVERY task. When you have a project or a presentation, ask yourself, "What is my intention for this (project, presentation)?" When you lead a meeting or a call, ask "What is the intention of this meeting / call?" and be able to communicate that clearly. This will allow everyone to be informed, have direction and purpose, and have ownership in the success. As you aspire to new roles, asking that question will keep your actions focused on the reasons for fulfilling that dream. Purpose=fulfillment=success.
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