l k n w feat u re
leading
the way As we rise into leadership roles, it’s not always easy to navigate the leadership path. After all, there are as many leadership traits as there are leaders. Lake Norman Woman talks to area leaders in the hope that we can learn from each other’s successes and failures in confronting leadership challenges. kathy mcleod, Owner, RES Interiors
Every year, millions of people make the decision to leave their job in corporate America to try their hand at entrepreneurship. It’s a huge step, one fraught with mystery, excitement, liberation, and a bit of fear. But big thinking and big action aren’t the only monumental requirements of the transition—the shift demands big leadership skills from the entrepreneur as well. Kathy McLeod understands the nuances of such a move very well. After 20 years working in a corporate environment, Kathy decided to re-engineer her career path and follow her passion for design and renovation by starting RES Interiors. With her experience leading projects and teams, Kathy was able to bring a disciplined approach in budgeting, planning, and time management to her interior design business, making the adjustment from corporate executive to small business owner quite a natural one. “Great leaders have both traits and skills that make them effective regardless of their actual position,” she explains. “Personal traits such as authenticity, confidence, trustworthiness, and insightfulness not only speak to who a person is at his or her core, they are also important to being a respected leader.”
h e r de f i n i t ion of leadership:
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But excelling in an office doesn’t necessarily mean you’re bound for entrepreneurial success. According to Kathy, you also have to be able to establish a clear vision, communicate it effectively, and then lead by example to its fruition. Kathy accomplishes these objectives by first laying out a precise plan to clients. “I want to make sure they know what’s going to happen when, how long it’s going to take, and what it’s going to cost,” she notes. She also makes operational and financial plans each year based on the successes and setbacks of the previous year. “Moving forward is really important,” Kathy says. “Whenever I make a mistake, I develop a plan for how to avoid the same mistake in the future. You can’t dwell on mistakes or they’ll hold you back from learning and growing.” w
Leadership is inspiring others to act toward a common goal."
life as a leader 14
MARCH 2020
First Job: Movie
theatre concession stand
First Leadership Position: Project
manager at Accenture Career Highlight: Starting RES Interiors
w oman.com
l ak enorman
Favorite Down Time Activity: Running and
I wish I had more time for: Spontaneity
spending time with my family
Biggest Work Pet Peeve: When people
Describe Yourself Using Three Words: Optimistic,
don’t do what they said they will do
caring and adventurous
writer Dana JORDAN
How Would Your High School Teachers Describe the Younger You: Well rounded—
good student involved in a lot of different activities
photographer Deborah Young Studio
