Nancy Spivey: Vice President, Workforce and Education Solutions for the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

Nancy A. Spivey
Bio: Nancy A. Spivey serves as liaison between the education and business community and is dedicated to ensuring the continued success of the economy and the workers in Northern Kentucky and the Cincinnati region. The American Council of Chamber Executives (ACCE) designated Nancy as Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) in 2006. Less than 500 chamber executives have earned this designation the past 38 years. She has also earned the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management (IOM) designation. Her leadership roles include appointment to the Kentucky Workforce Investment Board and chair of its Access Committee, member, Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board, and member, Junior Achievement of Greater Cincinnati/OKI Partners. She is a native of Bright, Indiana, a resident of Erlanger, Kentucky, wife to husband Rob and mother to two young adults, Malachi and Morgan.

FCL: How would you define a leader?
Nancy: A leader is someone that others desire to emulate. A leader causes positive change and often takes steps that others might find impossible or unimaginable.

FCL: Who are your biggest influences as a leader?
Nancy: Doris Wedge, a woman who was a true leader when I worked for an Oklahoma Career Technical School. She was humble, giving, patient, and self-sacrificing, working for the betterment of the organization and for the people being served.

FCL: What gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Nancy: Knowing that a bit of what I’m accomplishing will leave a lasting impact on this community.

FCL: What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Nancy: I have 3--individuals whose work is self-centered, those who carry a negative vibe and those who can’t see that what they do and don’t do impacts others.

FCL: What is your biggest challenge as a leader?
Nancy: The feeling that sometimes I am treading through swampy, moss-filled waters and no one is following behind.

FCL: Who has impacted you the most in your life as a leader?
Nancy: My children. Parenting is the ultimate test for a leader—the example you set is so critical.

FCL: What are your favorite books and what are you currently reading?
Nancy: Favorite books include Alex Haley’s The Autobiography of Malcolm X and Gilda Radner’s book It’s Always Something. I’m currently reading Strengths Finder.

FCL: What is your vision for business and community leadership in Cincinnati?
Nancy: I believe the “can do” leaders should be given the luxury of time and resources to gather together and develop a positive roadmap for taking this city where we know it can be. The “can’t or won’t do” leaders should allow positive change to happen.

FCL: Where do you see yourself five years from today?
Nancy: I will continue to play a part in leaving a positive mark on my community and on the public that I serve.

Closing remarks (from Herman): I was nodding my head and saying "Aha" as I thought about your biggest challenge being "the feeling that sometimes you are treading through swampy, moss-filled waters and no one is following behind". All leaders experience this feeling, particularly when they are trying to establish momentum, initiate change or create buy-in for an organization or group's vision. Someone once said that it's lonely at the top. I think the main challenge of a leader during seasons of loneliness is to avoid disengaging from the organization. In a 2002 survey by Starwood Hotels and Resorts of 401 executives who play golf, it was discovered that 10% had called in sick to play a round. The reason? They had arrived at that place of "treading through swampy, moss-filled waters and no one was following behind". Read the full article here - Bummed Execs. Well Nancy, thanks for taking time for the interview. We look forward to seeing you continue making a positive impact in our community and beyond it.

Dr. Terri Maue: Director of Academics Cincinnati Campus Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Bio: Dr. Terri Maue is Director of Academics at the Cincinnati campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She also serves the university as Discipline Chair for English and Humanities. Terri has been married to her high school sweetheart Eddie for 40 years and is the mother of 38-year-old Chuck and grandmother of 13-year-old Chuckie. She and Eddie live on five acres of beautiful, rolling, wooded land with their dogs, Max and George, and cats, Cindy and Tiger. Terri has been a practicing meditator for almost 50 years. (You’d think she’d have it right by now J.) She is the author of short stories, poems, essays, and a novel-in-progress. Most recently, her essay titled ‘Dad’s Legacy’ was featured in WVXU’s series This I Believe.

FCL: How would you define a leader?
Terri: A leader is someone other people want to follow; that’s the simplest definition. But a good leader is someone worthy of being followed. A good leader is that rare combination of integrity, true concern for the well being of others, and skill in producing desired results. Integrity because without it, a person is a charlatan or worse, rudderless, swayed by opinion or circumstances, unable to guide herself, much less others. True concern for the well being of others because it is a great responsibility to exert an influence on another person and such responsibility should never be taken lightly. Skill in producing desired results because without skill, even the most beneficial goals remain unmanifest. All three are necessary. Integrity without concern can lead to narcissism. Concern without integrity can lead to the end justifying the means. Integrity and concern without skill can lead to frustration and burnout. And skill without integrity and concern can lead to selling one’s soul.

FCL: Who are your biggest influences as a leader?
Terri: Jesus, the Buddha, the African Goddess Oya, and the Bodhisattva Tara, also known as Kwan Yin. Jesus because he was the first to teach me about living according to one’s values. The Buddha because he taught me how to see the human condition with compassion and clarity. Oya because she taught me that shaking things up is sometimes a good thing. Tara/Kwan Yin because she hears the cries of the world and pours healing compassion on suffering human beings.

FCL: What gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Terri: My greatest joy is when I accomplish an objective by getting people to work together. I strongly believe that ‘we are all in this together’ and a ‘victory’ that comes at the price of a ‘loser’ is no victory at all, only a future problem festering.

FCL: What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Terri: People who use their rhetorical skill to mislead. I’m a writer and an English professor, and I deeply love and respect the power of words. I abhor the way language is so often used to mislead people. It is a violation of integrity to write or speak in a way that maintains adherence to the letter of truth but not to the spirit. We are responsible for the perceptions we create.

FCL: What is your biggest challenge as a leader?
Terri: I’m not comfortable dealing with confrontation, and it can knock me off balance. Thankfully, I am learning some skillful ways to handle aggressive, confrontational people.

FCL: Who has impacted you the most in your life as a leader?
Terri: Personally, my dad has had a profound impact on me. He was an engineer with many professional accomplishments, but first and foremost, he was a great father to me and my nine brothers and sisters. He taught me the value of family and the preciousness of sharing our lives. As my older brother said when we celebrated Mom and Dad’s 60th wedding anniversary, he showed us ‘the Face of Love.’

Professionally, I’ve had managers who have taught me by their example what not to do. They have had a great impact on me. I am extremely fortunate to work right now for a person who is teaching me what to do. He is an outstanding manager, a person who is so mild mannered that it is easy to underestimate him. Yet he achieves his goals, and he has provided me with guidance and opportunities to grow in my professional life. When I grow up, I want to be just like him!

FCL: What are your favorite books and what are you currently reading?
Terri: I have two kinds of favorite books. I love books that awaken in me the awe of living on this incredible planet among all these beautiful beings. I’m not talking about airy-fairy stuff; I’m talking about science, physics and nature. ‘The Tao of Physics’ by Fritjof Capra is still one of my favorites. The Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said the miracle is not that we walk on water, but that we walk. He’s right.

The other kind of book I love is the one that reminds me of my potential as a human being. I just read ‘The Success Principles’ by Jack Canfield, the author of ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul.’ ‘The Success Principles’ is a blueprint for achieving one’s vision and goals, and it relies not so much on techniques as on aligning oneself with one’s truest desire. How do I wish, in my heart of hearts, to spend this one precious life I have? What gives me the deepest joy? The most profound satisfaction? The answers to these questions provide the touchstone for living an authentic life. It’s so easy in our modern world to get caught up in all that we feel we should do or must do. I am grateful to find a book that reminds me that life is about more than that, that the desires of my heart are my direct connection to the best contribution I can make to the quality of my life and the life of all beings. I also love reading Ken Wilber’s work. I’m listening to an audio course right now called ‘Kosmic Consciousness.’ It lays out an extraordinary map of the evolution of human consciousness. (Kosmic with a ‘k’ includes consciousness and spirit as well as the physical universe.)

And for fun, I love to read a good mystery novel, like ‘Playing for the Ashes’ by Elizabeth George.

FCL: What is your vision for business and community leadership in Cincinnati?
Terri: Although I live 40 miles north of Cincinnati, just outside of Morrow, proximity to the city still means that the quality of life there impacts me. I am so saddened to hear of all the violence and economic struggle. Call me naïve but I think what’s missing is trust, trust that people from different social, economic, and educational strata will work together for the greatest good for everyone. Imagine how different our lives would be if we started from the standpoint that no matter what the other person does, he or she is doing it because he or she wants the best for everyone, including me. It seems all too often that we start from the adversarial position, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Imagine what life could be like if we agreed from the outset to give each other the benefit of the doubt

FCL: Where do you see yourself five years from today?
Terri: Five years from today, I see myself more engaged than ever in fulfilling my purpose as I presently understand it: to use my creativity and imagination to write and teach so that we all take care of each other and every person flowers.

Closing remarks (from Herman): I like how you closed the interview by talking of your continued engagement in using your creativity and imagination to write and teach, "... so that we all take care of each other and every person flowers." I normally contribute at 100bloggers.com and my last post there was on how we can flower in life. Here's the link: The Secret to Blossoming in Life. I agree with you regarding confrontation. Our lives are in constant motion. Motion causes friction. What I've learnt is that self-confrontation should precede the confrontation of others. I have to make sure that my spirit is right before I confront another human being. It's important to start on a positive note, clearly outline the problem then encourage a response. I have to demonstrate that I understand the other person's position by repeating what they said (this does not necessarily mean that I agree with them). The next step would be to explain what was wrong and indicate the desired action to be taken. A lot of people get emotional and this never helps in fixing the problem. Through the confrontation, I try to reiterate the positive aspects of the person. At the end of it all, I lay the issue to rest and put it in the past. True confrontation, I've learnt, leads to growth. Thanks for such a wonderful interview. This is truly first class!

Andre Harper: Cincinnati City Council Candidate

Andre Harper
Bio: Andre Harper is the youngest endorsed candidate for Cincinnati City Council. He is a decorated army veteran and graduate of Florida A&M University. He has received numerous awards for his service to Cincinnati, including the Cincinnati Business Courier’s “40 Under 40” for 2005 and “Emerging Leader” by Applause magazine in 2004. He is looking forward to bringing strong as well as visionary leadership to Cincinnati while leading the Queen City into its next golden era. Andre has served as a trustee at Smart Money Community Services and Oaktree Elementary. He holds leadership positions in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc, New School Cincinnati (Young Professionals), and The Lincoln Douglass Republican Club. He is active in the Hamilton County Republican Party and was appointed a precinct supervisor. He’s the Sigma Beta Club Advisor (Fraternity youth auxiliary). He spends time explaining the importance of black male leadership development while providing an example. He coordinated the Sigma Bazaar clothing drive that collected over 11,000 garments given away to Cincinnati residents. It was covered by local radio, television, and print media.

FCL: How would you define a leader?
Andre: I would define a leader as someone who understands that leadership and service are inseparable. This person understands the plight of those that they lead. A leader should inspire others to reach beyond their potential.

FCL: Who are your biggest influences as a leader?
Andre: I have had many influences as a leader including Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Vince McMahon, and scores of others.

FCL: What gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Andre: The greatest joy I get from leadership is watching someone that I have led become a leader. While in college I started an organization called Men of Impact which was designed to help young black men develop leadership by getting them involved in campus activities. I am proud to say that every one of them has graduated and they still call me to tell me how much of an “impact” I had on their lives.

FCL: What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Andre: My biggest pet peeve as a leader is unrealistic expectations. Some people believe that a leader should be perfect and free of human error. Once an error is made, people love to watch the mighty fall.

FCL: What is your biggest challenge as a leader?
Andre: My biggest challenge as a leader is the time commitment. I am always working when others are not. My days are longer because I have to balance life, career and leadership responsibilities.

FCL: Who has impacted you the most in your life as a leader?
Andre: The person who impacted my life the most as a leader was my mother. It’s not because she is the world’s greatest leader, but because she allowed me to see her strengths and weaknesses so that I can learn from her life.

FCL: What are your favorite books and what are you currently reading?
Andre: I love reference books and social commentary. I like to consult them in times of need. I am currently reading Enough by Juan Williams.

FCL: What is your vision for business and community leadership in Cincinnati?
Andre: My vision for business and community leadership for Cincinnati is collaboration. Cincinnati has some of the brightest corporate and civic minds in the country. The public and private sector should not compete. Each has its place. Government should create the atmosphere for business to thrive. When businesses are thriving, then government will be happy because of healthy revenue.

FCL: Where do you see yourself five years from today?
Andre: In five years, I see myself in Cincinnati working in the community and enjoying my family. I love helping others and helping people to maximize their lives.

Closing remarks (from Herman): What a marvelous interview, Andre! You are right on! Leaders are 'always working when others are not' yet, as you say, most people have 'unrealistic expectations' of their leaders, expecting them to be 'perfect and free of human error'. Leaders work more than non-leaders because they are committed to improving the lives of those they interact with. More importantly, the leader has to set aside time for his or her own personal growth because this is the key to influencing others and impacting society positively. Followers, therefore, need to have realistic expectations because leaders are not super-human. Thanks for sharing your marvelous insight. Good luck as you continue to lead the Queen City into its next golden era.

Scott Kadish: Partner-In-Charge, Ulmer & Berne, LLP

Scott P. Kadish

Bio: Scott Kadish is an attorney with Ulmer & Berne. He is the partner-in-charge of the company's Cincinnati office. As a result of his leadership in the representation of landlords and tenants in the development and lease up of shopping centers, he chairs the Shopping Center Group. Scott has earned numerous distinctions including being named a “Leading Lawyer” in Real Estate in a survey of lawyers by Cincy Business magazine and an "Ohio Super Lawyer" in a survey of Ohio lawyers by Law & Politics and Cincinnati magazines. He has authored numerous publications and is an Adjunct Professor of Real Estate Law at the University of Cincinnati.


FCL: How would you define a leader?
Scott: A leader is anyone who works hard, treats others the way they would want to be treated and lives with integrity.

FCL: Who are your biggest influences as a leader?
Scott: Casey Stengel. Casey was a famous baseball player and manager with a great sense of humor. It’s always important to keep a sense of humor about your own importance. Almost no one is irreplaceable.

FCL: What gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Scott: Seeing others assume leadership positions so that we can work as equals.

FCL: What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Scott: Group meetings that go on way longer than necessary.

FCL: What is your biggest challenge as a leader?
Scott: To act the way I would want others to act.

FCL: Who has impacted you the most in your life as a leader?
Scott: My wife – she keeps me grounded and has much better common sense and judgment than I.

FCL: What are your favorite books and what are you currently reading?
Scott: I like sports books. Sports is a great diversion and there are so many great lessons to be learned and analogies to be made to business. I am currently reading Moneyball.

FCL: What is your vision for business and community leadership in Cincinnati?
Scott: We should obviously be working to raise the economic tide for all so that everyone can experience economic security.

FCL: Where do you see yourself five years from today?
Scott: At my desk working. I have a five year old son and so I’ll be right here 15 years from now.

Closing remarks (from Herman): Scott, thanks for being a difference maker. Our appreciation to your wife for influencing your leadership through her common sense and good judgement. I agree with you regarding your biggest pet peeve. Unless properly executed, meetings can be a terrible waste of resources. John Kenneth Galbraith once said, "Meetings are indispensable when you don't want to do anything". In July 2004, I was invited to train the Direct Professionals Association of Tennessee on how to have effective meetings. I mentioned six key things that we need to recognize in order to have effective meetings: 1. recognize what undermines good meetings, 2. recognize meeting killers and how to handle them, 3. recognize the need for an agenda, 4. recognize every member's role, 5. recognize the value of time, and 6. recognize the need for evaluation and follow-up. Let's continue to work towards better meetings. Thanks again for being a first class leader!