Kristen Horneff’s Post

Some of my thoughts on #ownership and #accountability "Own the problem, even though you didn't cause it. You need to get over your ego for that." "My successes are yours and your failures are mine." "Most people do not rise the occasion in crisis, they sink to the level of their training and preparation." Of all the leadership-of-self competencies, I rank Accountability as the first amongst equals. If someone is accountable then they will strive for others: self-awareness (cognitive and emotional), learning, sense and decision making, and resilience.

Mythical or Material? Does the unicorn exist?? I've often referred to myself as a "recovering sales person." This wasn't intended as a slight to sales professionals, rather the way I'd been trained to sell. I've attended or led most every sales training program that exists throughout my career. Many of the programs taught how to manipulate, strong-arm and "sell" your way to sales closes, quotas and goals. We even learned to "modify the narrative" to "place the product." Please, don't get it twisted, there are some solid programs out there, I just never found success with those models. I simply felt frustration and embarrassment around my profession. I longed for sales training that led with integrity, recognized there can be more than one winner, and taught that different personality types can find consensus when you meet each other where you are. 57% of companies have the word "integrity" in their mission statement, so meaningful training has to exist, right? But I felt like I was seeking the Loch Ness Monster or hunting Big Foot. 🤔 Perhaps, I thought, I'll build a different type of sales training one day. I won't be building it...I joined the dream team instead. You may not have heard of Integrity Solutions before, but our clients sure have. Integrity Solutions works with F-500 companies (yes, you'd definitely know their logos) and more mid-market companies than I could name. Many of our clients have been with us for decades (again, yes, literally decades). Integrity Solutions has been changing the sales mindset of countless companies and millions of sales professionals since 1968. 🚀 I assure you, you'll see more of Integrity Solutions in the coming weeks, months and years. 🚀 I've appreciated the kind, congratulatory messages this week. Based upon my experience with Integrity Solutions thus far, I can say with confidence; "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!"

On the fifth day of leadership principles, Clark Associates is focusing on FRUGALITY. We pride ourselves on being good stewards of our resources, and with our business services department at the core of the company, we’re confident we’re doing just that. Watch the video to hear more from Valerie Rube, The Restaurant Store's VP of Business Strategy!

It's day 5 of our 12 Days of Leadership Principles, and today we're focusing on Frugality. See how Valerie Rube, VP of Business Strategy, defines it ⤵️

I was privileged to join the The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's distinguished speaker series as a part of their #BlackHistoryMonth gathering hosted by the Goodyear Black Network. The discussion was moderated by my former colleague and friend, senior vice president and chief communications officer, Laura Duda. Though we’re not related, it was also wonderful getting to meet and hear from RaJohn Butler.   Throughout the dynamic conversation we discussed how individuals can, regardless of their roles, work to advance a more diverse and inclusive workplace. I shared that one of the simplest but most effective ways we can do to advance DEI in the workplace is to take the time to get to know our coworkers. When we welcome the opportunity to connect, not only can our outlooks change but so can our outputs. At all levels of business, having a mindset of inclusivity and being able to embrace diverse voices and perspectives is critical. Advancing the DEI work we do here at Exelon through every level of our business plays a critical role in our ability to deliver safe, reliable, and equitable energy to our communities.   Although Black History Month provides a chance to delve into subjects that benefit the Black community through meaningful discussions, DEI remains significant to our business year-round. For us, it’s a core value and not just a business strategy. We need to reflect the communities that we serve, not only in our entry-level teams but at the executive-level as well. We’re clear that anyone who works for Exelon is required to demonstrate these values, and it’s my job to be a model of that behavior. That means standing up for the values we represent and staying true to them despite ever shifting climate around us.   Thank you again to the Goodyear Black Network for inviting me to join this discussion. I’m honored to have been a part of this series.

On July 22, Kimberly Cheatle, director of the United States Secret Service, faced a reputational crisis. Testifying before Congress about the assassination attempt on former President Trump, her opaque answers raised doubts about her leadership capacity. By July 23, her 30-year career with the agency was over. As I work with many business owners and senior executives I thought the insights provided by Michelle M. Johnson in her article: Crisis of Communications: The Secret Services Leadership Failure, and analysis of pain points reveal lessons from Cheatle's (and the Secret Service's) crisis that we might all learn from. #leadership #crisis #crisismanagement #reputation #reputationalrisk

It's inspiring to witness the leadership of Kevin Kane, Chase Kostichka, Matt Krutza, Kim Preston, and Bryan Swanson, five exceptional senior leaders highlighted in this feature story. Their passion and decades of expertise in guiding our clients' growth is a testament to their commitment. Embodying our core values of integrity, service, and community involvement, they are leaders who set benchmarks for inspiring guidance and proactive client service. Their dedication plays a pivotal role in our continuous journey towards excellence and client success. https://ow.ly/7Jpb30sAzNY

Every few months, I run a female leadership event for those in senior positions at Good Companies - you know, the decent ones, with values and heart. The theme of this session was personal branding, or better described (thanks Katy Howell) as professional branding. Some key takeaways: - Identify your set of values. We're comfortable doing it for our businesses, but less comfortable reflecting on our own set of values. This shapes how we show up in the professional world. - Hone in on the THREE things you passionately care about. Be disciplined - no more than this. - Be consistent, be authentic and be kind. Especially be kind, in this crazy time we are living through. - Build your network, your tribe, who can support you & champion you, and give you confidence when perhaps you don't always feel it yourself. The energy in these sessions is always infectious. Thank you so much to all attendees. And especially to our guest speaker Katy Howell. Until the next one.. Katy Howell Zsuzsanna Recsey Julia Cove-Smith Victoria Sylvester Tanya Stevens Jamaica Lancee Anja Jones Cynthia V Davis CBE Hannah O'Donnell Rachel Murray Jennifer Lang Ying Wang Cass T. and we missed you Danielle Matthews and Anna Dixon (definitely next time!)

Well yesterday's discussion on personal branding was as brilliant as I thought it would be. Reflecting on the conversation and how to avoid the 'ick' around self-promotion, the answer is reframing.... 1. Reframe as professional branding rather than personal. Being personal and sharing everything is not everyone's cup of tea. That is ok, think about your profile as one you wear to work 2. Reframe your "what should I talk about" and instead start with your core values and the areas you are passionate about. As I said yesterday, you haven't got where you are today without being smart, clever and just brilliant at what you do 3. Reframe the self promotion idea which can feel vain or ego driven. instead it is about sharing your knowledge helping others and building a legacy of your passion, career and insight for those coming up the ranks behind you. Oh and after the very big discussion about "over thinking it all", the very clear answer is just to bloomin' do it! And for anyone who wants to talk about raising their game and getting out there with thought leadership - happy to help in whatever way I can. As I said at the lunch, paying it forward with kindness is my core value!

Navigating corporate leadership as a woman of color is not a walk in the park. What do you do when you are the only one that look like you in the room? In this crucial conversation, Rebecca and I discuss topics, such as: 🎙Navigating the corporate leadership landscape to become an Associate Director, especially as a woman of color. 🎙Obstacles you encountered on your path, and how you overcame them to reach your current role. 🎙The role of women of color in leadership, and advice for those aspiring to climb the corporate ladder. 🎙Key skills essential for success in today's corporate environment for women of color. Rebecca is a Leadership and Certified Mindset Coach who helps black corporate career women secure leadership positions and confidently get seen, promoted, and paid as the leaders they deserve to be. 📺 Watch full episode: https://lnkd.in/gT7T2_EB You can't afford to miss this.