Student News
Women Leaders Discuss Role of Influence in Their Careers
The Moore Association of Graduate Women hosted a panel discussion of "The Role of Influence in Women’s Careers" November 19, featuring women who have achieved notable success in business and in community service.
Featured speakers were: Susan Billiot, Vice President of Human Resources, Patriot Coal Corporation, and a 2008 Distinguished Young Alumna of the Moore School; Susan Kenney Cotter, Vice President of Marketing, Colonial Life; Rachel Hodges, 2008 Governor’s Award in the Humanities Recipient and former First Lady of South Carolina; Patricia Moore-Pastides, former Director of the Pregnant and Parenting and Teen Provider Network of the S.C. Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and First Lady of the University of South Carolina; Valerie Skinner, physician at Lexington Women’s Care and a double alum of USC – MBA and M.D.; Marcy Thompson, Division Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Sonoco; and Shelley Dempsey, Senior Director for University Programs at the (University of South Carolina) Carolina Alumni Association.
Dean Hildy Teegen and Andrea Miceli, association president, gave opening remarks. JoAnn Turnquist, Chief of Staff at the Moore School, served as panel moderator.
The panelists responded to questions posed by the graduate women’s group. Some common themes emerged, including the importance of building relationships and going beyond your job duties to be helpful to the organization.
"I encourage you to first stop and listen to people when you come into an organization," said Susan Billiot. "Make connections personally… people are more likely to listen to you."
Avoid the temptation to "talk the most" to gain attention, said Shelley Dempsey. "Sometimes if you’re quiet and pay attention…you learn a lot more."
Dr. Valerie Skinner said relationships with her patients are "built on trust – trust that I have skill and compassion… and I attach relevance to health issues I discuss."
Patricia Moore-Pastides, First Lady of the University and a veteran of the public health field, spoke of advice she had given her daughter, who took a job as a gallery teacher at the newly reopened Getty Museum two years ago. "I advised her to think about 'What else? What else can I do for this organization?'" In two years, her daughter has received two promotions.
Former First Lady of South Carolina Rachel Hodges suggested young women be open to opportunities that "sometimes present when you least expect." Her path to her current role as Vice Chair of the American Red Cross of Central South Carolina began with a "passion" for philanthropy and an introduction at a wedding reception.
Responding to a question about the role of gender, Susan Kenney Cotter, who formerly worked on Capitol Hill, said "You never want to open the door for someone to view you sexually rather than for your talents." On the other hand, it is important to not seem too distant. Early in her career, she said she never brought her personal life into the workplace – not even photos. Gradually she learned "people wanted me to be more humanized," and she began to share more about herself with co-workers.
And, discussing the relative importance of corporate responsibility versus the bottom line, Marcy Thompson said a company must focus on both. "At Sonoco, we call it the 'triple bottom line.' It’s not just about the numbers; the focus is also on social responsibility – giving back to the community, and environmental responsibility."
Gail Crouch
November 2008