In the Cut Leadership Conversation… 1-Year Later
In March of last year, I spoke with Lisha Bell and Greg Webb about leadership in my In the Cut Leadership Conversation series. One of the questions I ask of all the leaders I interview is, “It’s a year from now, what are you celebrating?”
I reached out to Lisha and Greg to check in on their celebration. Here’s what they shared with me!
Lisha
Moving through life as a living #goal of her ancestors, Lisha has a career best described as one that makes things happen and generates impact. A tech veteran, in recent years, Lisha dared funders to invest real money in real businesses created and run by Black and brown women. It is that life that brings her the most satisfaction, but not more than the one she lives as a Mother.
Lisha’s leadership superpower is her ability to build communities wherever she goes. She does that because she’s a communal person and because she knows that we work better when we are in relationships with people. It’s easier to create meaningful alliances when we know who they are, where they are from, how they think and what they care about.
“We work better when we are in relationships with people”
Last March, Lisha said that this year she would be celebrating that she made it “this” far, her daughter is happy and healthy, she’s able to care for herself and loved ones, and have safe places and spaces to thrive in.
I heard from Lisha this week that a lot has changed in the past year. She’s still here, still standing, and yes, still living in her purpose. That purpose? Supporting marginalized women and moving them into power. Specifically, women of color.
Lisha also shared that she still needs to define how she will continue shaping her legacy, and the door is wide open. As one who stands on both sides of Lisha’s door, I know that all she desires will be revealed at the most perfect time.
Greg
Greg is semi-retired and spends his work time as the Managing Director of Quantitative Business Solutions and an Advisory Board member of the National Black Brewers Association. He’s the father of 2 adult children and a grandfather of 1 adorable grandson.
Greg’s first “known to him” leadership moment was in high school. He was selected as the captain of the football team at a private boarding school in Colorado, Coming from a low income, single parent household in St. Louis, Greg was leading a team of very wealthy, privileged teammates. His role encouraged him to figure out how to thrive not only on the football field, but also in the classroom where he made the Dean’s list and honor roll. I know first-hand that this “lesson” served him incredibly well in his career, too.
“Leadership for me is about helping people help themselves.”
A year ago, Greg was looking forward to another successful year with his clients and the stock market, more international travel and the healthy growth of his kids and grandson.
His 1-year update? He’s happy to report that he is pleasantly meeting expectations! He’s still supporting and mentoring people who strive to help themselves and others. He’s selectively reducing his client work so he can focus more time on his family, especially his grandson. He’s proud to see both his adult offspring making positive and impactful contributions to their communities.
Greg also offered up a celebration for 2027 – the turnaround in the current geopolitical issues that are impacting many of the people he cares about. Yes, Greg, I’m here for all of that!