Company and Executive Women Worth Watching® 2014 Award Winner
Sheri
Stoltenberg
Stoltenberg Consulting, Inc.
I
N ALL HONESTY, I DON’T LOOK AT BUSINESS SUCCESS IN TERMS OF MEN VERSUS WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY. It’s not that I haven’t experienced the many obstacles that other women have, but in my mind, that’s old news. Instead, I focus on how to be the best for my clients and employees in an often-brutal industry. After I started Stoltenberg Consulting, an executive at Westinghouse gave me business advice. That day, he said, “Congratulations, you’ve entered into a blood sport. You will be amazed at what you find in consulting. People will try to slice and dice you.” I still use that as motivation to be different. When I gave birth to my son, a surgical error caused me months of medical issues, and I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be back to normal again. Experiencing this as a working woman forced me to learn how to conduct my own business. The thought rose, How are you going to be competitive but create a work/life balance for the company? HEADQUARTERS: Since those many years ago, I’m proud to see how Stoltenberg has grown to serve Bethel Park, Pennsylvania over two hundred preeminent healthcare clients, while making sure to think of our employees. Our consultants enjoy a four-day work week, which allows them to stay WEBSITE: www.stoltenberg.com passionate about our clients while having time to take care of their families. Happy employees lead to happy clients. BUSINESS: Healthcare IT Consulting Through the business, I’ve also grown to see the true quality in people. In my opinREVENUES: $21 million ion, 95 percent of people do a good job and want to feel like they are accepted and are making a difference. However, there is still that remaining 5 percent. Don’t put EMPLOYEES: 120 rules in place for all in order to address the issues of the rest. Address those problem areas individually, so those who are thriving can continue to do so. Overall, make TITLE: CEO and Founder your employees feel valued. Give them opportunities to learn and grow, so they don’t EDUCATION: go elsewhere. BS, Ohio Northern University; Finally, know yourself and your business, and never lose passion. Look at your core University of Pittsburgh offerings and be careful not to grow too quickly. Instead, look to balanced, consisEntrepreneurial Excellence tent growth. Be consistent with customers. Provide honest service. By hiring good Program employees to start with who are willing to be part of a team, you have a combination towards commitment. FIRST JOB: Cleaning my father’s pharmacy shelves growing up
MY PHILOSOPHY: When you think you can’t go any further, just go one extra step. What I’m Reading: Obamacare 411; The Decision Maker: Unlock the Potential of Everyone in Your Organization, One Decision at a Time, by Dennis Bakke Twitter Handle: @StoltenbergCon
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How has education affected your career? My education has allowed me to understand the difference I can make in the world and how to interact with others. It’s helped me to see that everyone does not learn the same way, which enables learning better collaboration methods. What does it take to succeed and stay competitive in your position/field? You have to have good people with great work ethic—it all starts there. With that, create a business practice of honesty, integrity, and being able to admit when you’re wrong and fix it. Stay grounded, remain focused, and be able to reinvent your company and self. Finally, education is key. Continue to educate your people. It will reinvigorate them, make them more invested in the company, and directly impact your clients and services.
PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL
September/October 2013