Who is Your Best Boss Ever?
A few weeks ago, a former team member named me as her best boss ever which immediately made me ponder who was mine. It took seconds for me to name Lisa Nash as that person.
I first met Lisa as she descended the stairs at Visa’s headquarters, then in San Mateo, California. I was interviewing for the Visa Gold Product Manager position for Visa USA. Other than my interview attire (see this post), I was totally comfortable and quite excited as we greeted one another in the lobby. I wasn’t feeling well physically but I didn’t let that keep me down… I really wanted this job!
A Chinese proverb says, “A good boss is better than a good company.” While I enjoyed my time at Visa, I was overjoyed in having Lisa as my boss. Vibrant, spirited and energetic was my first impression. Her smile was genuine and her voice communicated enthusiasm in meeting me and in filling this important role on her team. After a day of interviews, and lunch with Lisa, I returned to Philadelphia with the notion that working on Lisa’s team would be a fabulous opportunity to contribute and to learn. Lisa’s experience at American Express in NYC and Hong Kong, combined with her keen marketing acumen, easygoing nature along with an invitation to help Visa USA become more competitive in the personal card category all led me to anxiously await a phone call offering me the role.
Unfortunately, that phone call didn’t come as fast as I’d hoped. Through a colleague, I learned that the role had been offered to someone else (face frown). Fortunately for me, he turned it down and I was next on Lisa’s call sheet! I recall answering the phone and Lisa asking if I’d like to join her team. Within 2 weeks I had relocated to northern California and started working for her.
What I love most about Lisa is the ease in which she supports her team. We were all young in our careers, including Lisa, and capable of delivering at the highest levels. Lisa encouraged that in us and knew that our success, was her success. She led with clear direction, sharing how our work would benefit our members and make them more competitive in the market. She let me analyze data and create new processes, programs and ways of communicating with members that elevated our role within the product team. Her enthusiasm for the work we did made getting it done kind of fun and I was learning along the way.
“Leadership is not about being in charge, it’s about taking care of those in your charge.”
I had direct responsibility for all of the “bells and whistles” supporting the card experience of all Visa USA cardholders. From major national issuers to smaller ones in regional markets, my role was to understand their needs and the needs of their cardholders and helping to make our product the one most preferred and used, while also making sure the “bells and whistles” didn’t cost too much! I negotiated large vendor and insurance contracts and managed those vendors in delivering seamless service within the US and across the globe. And, Lisa let me lead the way. She didn’t sit over my shoulder. She didn’t micro-manage. Instead, she asked important questions, made sure I had the answers and supported my recommendations up the line.
I had such success in this role that I was able to recommend and assume a new position as Director, Visa Enhancement Programs. This was the first time that I was able to hire and lead a team and I owe this opportunity to Lisa’s support and advocacy. Not only did I lead the enhancement team, I also took on the responsibility of managing the budget for the entire Visa USA credit card portfolio. Simultaneous to my promotion, Lisa was promoted into the Vice President, Marketing role. We reported to the same person and her support continued as we adjusted to new leadership. Her advice and counsel on navigating the organization never wavered.
I left Visa and our work relationship became a friendship. We kept in touch and when I returned to the Bay Area a few years later, I started my first consulting business. Never short on ways to help, Lisa recommended the first 3 companies that became my clients. One of them was Visa USA!
Lisa’s corporate marketing career continued on an upward trajectory until she made the decision to move into the nonprofit sector. Having held a few nonprofit board seats, and having a handful of nonprofit clients, it was my turn to help Lisa. Over the years, and over many meals and walks, we discussed ways to build brands, grow awareness, attract donors and make an impact. And as my consultancy grew, and the operating model shifted, I called upon Lisa to serve on our Advisory Board. She said yes and we added yet another dimension to our relationship.
A dynamic leader everywhere she goes, today Lisa is a member of the City Council in San Mateo, California working to ensure that citywide strategies and policies represent the ever-changing needs of the richly diverse community. I am certain that the city of San Mateo is better for having Lisa’s vision, leadership, passion and commitment. Her willingness to listen, find innovative solutions, and genuine interest in the lives of San Mateo residents is on display every single day.
“A truly great boss is hard to find, difficult to leave and impossible to forget.”
Lisa Nash was, and will likely forever be, my favorite boss. Our friendship has strengthened over the years as we met myriad life changing challenges head on. We truly have that “head on” thing in common! Easy laughter fills the space between rich and deep conversations. I’ve become an honorary aunt to her 2 adult daughters and consider the day she descended those stairs at Visa as one of my best days ever.
Thank you, Lisa. You are the best!
Tell me about your best boss below…