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ISBN 9781119768715 (Hardcover)
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Dedicated toMike, Aaron & Lauren
For Women, high performers and true leaders everywhere
Foreword
When I was asked to take the helm at Nutrisystem as CEO, the first two things I tackled, in what would eventually be described as a remarkable corporate turnaround, were improving the culture and ensuring that the right people were in the right seats. Diverse perspectives and voices were critical to me as we set forth a vision and strategy and rolled up our sleeves for the hard work necessary to transform the company.
Without a doubt, my biggest success factor as CEO was assembling my executive team and the deliberate way in which we worked together. The team consisted of several superstars I inherited, newcomers I brought in from my network, a diverse mix of accomplished men and women, and several individuals who had left the company years before and whom I was able to entice back. We were a team that was aligned in both mission and passion, plus we valued the uniqueness of thought and debate that each of us brought to the conversation. We encouraged our teams to challenge underlying assumptions and the status quo. We asked people to step out of their comfort zone, we stayed open to a new way of doing things, and we empowered everyone throughout the organization to share his or her voice.
We operated with candor, avoided politics, set high standards for integrity and performance, and held people accountable. Alignment with our cultural values was something we talked about extensively, both internally and with candidates, as we morphed from looking for those who would be a good cultural fit to those who could culturally enhance us.
In short, selecting the right people for your leadership roles and embracing diversity is critical for every organization. I found it equally important to establish accountability in upholding a culture that promotes the right behavior and doesn't turn a blind eye to cultural erosion. As a board member and as an executive, these are the things that we have to get right, as we've seen way too many companies become Wall Street Journal headlines for failing to do so.
That is why this book is so important and worth a read. There are barriers in today's workplace and this book candidly illuminates them. As executives, we cannot ignore that they happen. It's our role to create environments in which our people can succeed – for themselves, for our companies, and for our shareholders. It's time for a shift. …
Dawn Zier
August 2020
Acknowledgments
It's funny how life sets you on one path and you end up somewhere else. In looking back, this book came to fruition because of the generosity, encouragement, and investment of time of family, friends, and acquaintances.
I originally set out to fulfill a dream of writing a book for our daughter, Lauren, to give to her upon her college graduation. She was attending college to pursue a marketing degree and I, as a mom and as someone who had a lifelong career in business, wanted to give her the gift that no one else could – my workplace and life wisdom. Even more, I wanted to pass along to her the collective wisdom of not only my own experiences, but those of the thousands I had mentored, taught, or helped along their journey.
Through a series of events, it became clear that the contents of the book could help more people, and Winning the Talent Shift was born. I am a true believer that no one can go through this life alone and it takes people who are willing to help and encourage others to bring your vision, passion, and purpose to life.
To my family: Mike, Aaron, and Lauren. Mike, my best friend and partner in life, the one who makes me laugh and challenges me intellectually: this would not have happened without supporting my extra time outside the formal workplace. Thank you for trusting in me, for your undying support, and for going on this crazy journey together. Aaron, for your unapologetic approach to doing what you were meant to do in life and pursuing it; for your integrity, brilliance, and sense of duty to others, including this great country. You exhibit all that is right, ethically, morally, and in faith, and you stand by your core beliefs with passion. You inspire me each and every day. And to Lauren, thank you for agreeing to share your very personal gift with the goal of wanting anyone who is talented, smart, and driven to be able to achieve their dream, as you will also achieve yours. You are my inspiration and drive to make the workplace a better place for incredible talent like you. May you always carry the confidence, grace, and grit you exhibit today forward into the workplace and life.
To my mom, for being the best, first great leader I experienced in my life. Seven children, a full-time job, countless volunteer activities, and president of a nonprofit to help special ability people, you did it all and with the grace and determination of a warrior. You allowed each one of us to be the best of who we were, leveraging our innate talents to find what truly made us happy in life and to pursue it. You are amazing and have set the bar so high that I can only strive to achieve. Your undying support, resilience, belief in all good with one eye open to those who are not, your strong faith, and your strength and wisdom have carried me through life and encouraged me to achieve everything I was meant to be – and do. I thank God for you every day.
To Vanessa, for your relentless support, positivity, and encouragement and believing that this book would come to fruition and help others. To Val, who inspires me through faith every minute of every day (I love you more), and to Chuck, Dan, and Pat, for being those good guys in life. To Bill and Sandy, for your support and for giving me one of the
