Celebrating Asian-Pacific American Heritage
Pritha Mehra
Vice President, Business Mail Entry and Payment Technology
United States Postal Service Headquarters: Washington, D.C. Web site: www.usps.com Primary Business: Postal Service Employees: 600,000 Career Employees
Who is/was your most influential leadership mentor and why?
Winston Churchill, who once said: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” No doubt some of his spirit was the result of his keen interest in spirits; but nonetheless, he never fails to amuse and inspire. What advice can you provide for young leaders?
Be fearless in presenting your ideas and vision for solving problems; and be equally willing to work hard for these. Seek mentorship and build relationships across all stakeholders to effect enduring change. Build diversity of thought, background, and outlook into all your teams. What are the personal and professional risks a leader should take?
Be willing to speak your beliefs with conviction, to anyone, regardless of their position. Openness is the best course of action, both professionally and personally. Given the chance, would you do anything differently?
Like anyone, I would wish I could have learned the lessons of team-building and leadership even earlier.
Education: B.S., Computer Science, University of Maryland; M.B.A., Georgetown University What I’m reading: Founding Brothers, by Joseph J. Ellis; Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?, by Michael J. Sandel My philosophy: Happiness is here and now. Be the change you want to see. Interests: Indian cuisine and promoting healthy whole foods, reading, writing, community service, adventure travel.
Quintin Lew
Senior Vice President
Verizon Headquarters: New York City Web site: www.verizon.com Primary Business: Communications Employees: 200,000+
Who in your family has had the most impact on your success?
My parents were a tremendous influence on me, and have had a great impact on me. First, they taught me, by example, the importance of hard work and focus. They emigrated from China and worked in Chinese laundries and restaurants for most of their adult lives striving to create a better life for our family. I believe that this focus and strong work ethic has been central to my character. Another valuable perspective was the belief that education is a central ingredient for success. They actively supported my academic growth, gave me self-confidence, and provided me the means to pursue my educational ambitions. What advice can you provide for young leaders?
You should always strive to continuously learn. The moment you lose that desire, you’ll stop your potential to grow. Everyone should explore new opportunities, experiences, and try to learn new functions. You should also look to network with colleagues, peers, and executives. Finally, you need to manage your own career—and don’t expect anything to be handed to you. Good things will only happen if you create the opportunities.
Education: M.B.A., New York University, Stern School of Business; B.S., SUNY Albany What I’m reading: The Psychology of Winning, by Denis Waitley My philosophy: Think big. Act with integrity and responsibility. Interests: Reading, golf, and travel.
What are the personal and professional risks a leader should take?
You need to be willing to step at least slightly outside of your comfort zone. Show that you have the selfconfidence to take on new assignments, create new relationships, and promote your successes. You can gain this through cross-functional experience and learning new skills. Prof iles in Div er s it y Jou r na l
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