Through The Leadership of Women

I was one of four boys and when my mother spoke, we listened. While we loved our father, it was her day-to-day life lessons, stories and advice we listened closely to and most shaped who we are today.

My mother was friend to all, had and shared her opinions, gave everyone space to be an individual and taught us to stand on our own two feet. This strong example of female leadership turned out to be a through line from my personal to professional life.

In my nearly thirty-five-year career, thirty of those years have been spent working for and under the leadership of a woman. Each of these women built on the lessons I learned as a child and to my benefit, created opportunities for me to learn, lead, grow and thrive.

My first job was as a case manager in social services, and I was determined to go against type and be the most extraverted and popular employee at the company. My boss at the time, Brenda, watched people gather around my desk planning the next happy hour, and saw how miserable I looked. She reminded me that fulfillment could only truly come if I could be my authentic self.

My next job at a public affairs agency, a job I had zero qualifications for, was ripe for disappointment and an early exit. But I was fortunate that my boss, Kassy, took the time at the end of each day for the first three months and walked me through the fundamentals of the job, allowing my skills to grow and catch up to the others in the office.

Since joining VSP Vision over 22 years ago, I have been lucky to report to female leaders for nearly the entire time. Each leader has encouraged, challenged, advocated and trusted me to build and lead teams for the benefit of the enterprise.

It is through the leadership of women that I learned to hire people not just by the accomplishments highlighted on a resume but on the content of their character. It is through the leadership of women, that I have done what I can to set others up for success. It is through the leadership of women that I have learned there is not one way to approach a job and allowing a person to bring their individuality to a role is a benefit to the company.

Today, the Global Corporate Communications leadership team is 75% brilliant women who are guiding teams and shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Many women once members of the department have flourished with promotions in other parts of the enterprise and outside of the company.

I am proud to see the impact all have on the businesses they lead and doing it in their own, unique ways.

Written by Pat McNeil