The Timeless Stories of Influential Women Pt. II

Even though International Women's Day was March 8th, every day should be considered an opportunity to promote the cause of advancing the role of women in business and society. Following up on Part I, which was posted earlier this week, a number of Team Schein Members (TSMs) recently shared the influence of women who have impacted their lives.

Their stories speak for themselves:

David Brous, President, Strategic Business Units Group and Asia Pacific & Brazil Dental

“…what made me think of Cathy is that she challenges me.”

A few weeks ago, I received a warm note asking if I would write something to offer thoughts from my perspective on the Women’s Leadership Network. When I received the email, I was both honored – and a bit intimidated. I wasn’t entirely sure what direction I would take this. Maybe a bit of a discussion about women I’ve worked with – or perhaps a bit about women who have helped shape my life (both professionally and personally). I knew that I wanted to make this personal. I just wasn’t sure how.

I’ve spent a fair bit of time thinking about this. Where I landed was writing about my wife, Cathy. Of course, she is my best friend. She’s also the mother of our twin, 17 year old girls. But when putting together this note – what made me think of Cathy is that she challenges me.

We met a few years after we each graduated college. She was already a lawyer. Had been practicing for several years. I had recently finished business school and was working with my father and sisters in our family business. When we first started dating, we talked about our futures. Where we wanted to be. What goals we had – personally and professionally. Cathy encouraged me to think about what I wanted to become. And if it wasn’t clear – then to take the time and think it through.

Early in our marriage, I worked in a few start-ups. It was fun, hard and, to be honest, a bit scary. This was definitely not a natural direction for either me or for Cathy. No income. Only a bit of a dream. But she encouraged me to do it – and we did it together.

Through the years, we’ve been partners in every way. Our kids. Our career changes. Relocating (a few times). She’s been part of my journey at Henry Schein.

So after thinking about what to write for WLN on women who have shaped who I am – it became easy. I was lucky to meet Cathy all those years ago. Yes, because of the family and life we’ve built together. But as importantly, for the support, ambition, and challenges she’s brought to both of our lives.

Jon Koch, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Dental Group 

“One learning from Deb in particular that has remained with me throughout my career was how to build high-performing teams of people with very diverse backgrounds.”

Earlier in my career, I worked for an executive named Deb in a number of roles over the course of 11 years. I learned so much from Deb during that time and still benefit from her advice long after we took separate career paths. She was an exceptional colleague and continues to be a savvy business person, model leader and valued friend.

One learning from Deb in particular that has remained with me throughout my career was how to build high-performing teams of people with very diverse backgrounds. Diversity in this sense could mean functionally, culturally, or even socially or politically. Because we were a unique team, outsiders often questioned how we were able to connect and perform so well. People often asked what the secret was to blending these unique personalities and characteristics. 

Deb’s strength in building a team is that she approached the endeavor the way someone might create a quilt. Taken apart, you may look at dozens of different fabrics and patterns and think, “You can’t put those together.” However, a quilter can see that certain fabrics were always meant to be together. Deb was the same way with how she carefully chose people whose operating styles or approaches to work differed, but whose skills were highly complementary. For example, we had somebody who was very quantitative and analytical. We had a visionary on the team. We had a person who was very practical in execution. We had somebody who was exceptionally attuned to people and emotions. Deb leveraged our unique abilities and brought us together, and as a result we were able to accomplish things that other teams could not.

Another area of learning which came from Deb was her ability to be a tough leader when needed – tough on negotiations, on business results, on quality matters – while at the same time, she was always a compassionate and caring colleague. When the market changed back in 2008/9, Deb put all of her skills to use in helping to lead a very substantial reorganization of the businesses she managed. She never shied away from the business realities, but always took actions that were considerate of our people, customers and other key stakeholders. It reminds me of the quote we often reference from Jay Schein, Henry Schein’s son and the Company’s former CEO, “This is what we are all about: a concern for people and a concern for results.”

I learned so much from Deb, more than a single article could ever capture. I would be remiss, though, if I didn’t also share that I appreciated the fact that she was always careful to ensure she was a reflection of the company she led – mission, vision, values and culture. As a result, when people followed and emulated her, they understood how perfectly aligned they were with the company’s expectations – she led (and continues to lead) by example.

Looking back … at every step of the way, she was quilting. Stitching us all together, piece by piece.

Christopher Pendergast, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer; Executive Management Committee Sponsor of WLN

“But, even when setbacks occur, I’ve learned to not let them define me and to find ways to grow from the experience.”

I’d like to highlight two women who have inspired me – my mother and my sister. Their strength, courage and integrity are the reasons.

After her divorce, my mother Carol instantly became a single mother of four children (3 boys ages 9, 7, and 4; and 1 infant girl). She had a high school degree with experience as an office secretary. Determined to hold on to the house and provide for her children, she worked 2 or 3 jobs at a time, and went to night school where she graduated with a certificate in computer programming. Later in life, she studied real estate and became a successful real estate agent. She was ready to move into real estate full-time when she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Even with this grim diagnosis, my mother powered on. In addition to fighting her biggest fight, she never stopped giving her time to others. Mom passed at the young age of 55, but her memory lives on in the many people whose lives she touched. I know her style, passion, sense of humor, and commitment are a big part of me.  

My sister Darlene became a single mom herself when her husband died suddenly from a massive heart attack. Their son was only 18 months old. She is a remarkably strong and independent person. Before losing John, they moved to North Carolina to start a new life. She was a very successful corporate trainer for Pepsico/Taco Bell and created/led dozens of training programs. After John passed away, she moved back to NY, built a successful cleaning business, bought a house, and focused on raising her son. Several years ago, she decided to make a career move and put herself through Pharmacy Tech School and now works for CVS. No question she is her mother’s daughter.

We all know life presents us with challenges. Some seemingly insurmountable. I’ve learned from these two incredible women to face challenges head on and that most can be overcome. But, even when setbacks occur, I’ve learned to not let them define me and to find ways to grow from the experience. This was a crucial lesson during my personal leadership journey. I’ve translated it into an everyday reminder to be strong, speak my truth, keep the passion, maintain a sense of humor, and be empathetic and kind – even when making hard decisions. To always lay out goals, and stick to them; but be flexible, adaptive, creative and resourceful when plans do change (as they usually do).