Ah, the lazy, hazy days of summer! Unfortunately, they’re quickly passing, and soon it will be time for the new beginnings (and a new quarter) that fall brings each year. In the spirit of summer, Inner Circle asked its board members to tell us about any transformative experiences they had during the summer vacations of their youth that prepared them for being the great leaders they are today. Were there any summer jobs, family trips, volunteer opportunities, camp experiences, etc., that molded them and taught them the life lessons that they carry with them today? We got some great responses, and here they are (in alphabetical order):

Kecia Hielscher, Vice President of Brands, Home, HauteLook | Nordstrom Rackkecia--1
“I was lucky enough to spend every other summer with my grandma in Germany as a teen. This really shaped me on many levels, including to have confidence, not be afraid, learn and communicate in German, meet new people, and learn a country’s customs. My ‘omi’ is a strong lady who lived through the war and helped me to see that women who are strong do not always take the easy path but persevere — a trait that’s highly valued and respected when done with integrity and class. That’s what she embodies, and hopefully I’ve made her proud.”

Cindy Marshall, President, SHINE Strategy; Immediate Past President, NEMOA.org

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“My family was very active in the Presbyterian Church Mariners Fellowship Group, which hosted an annual conference every summer for kids and adults. I traveled to 35 of the 50 states by the time I was 16, and was exposed to the beauty of the U.S. and many different lifestyles. These conference events where held on different university campuses across the U.S. The children were segregated from parents in different parts of the campus (like camp for us) with our own activities, while the parents did their bible studies and activities. We came together to sing as a large group for dinners and evening events. This is what I learned:

  • Independence and confidence: I was taught that I could do anything I wanted (climb rocks, sing, hike, swim, archery, etc.)
  • Friendship: I had pen pals across the country who I wrote to all year long and then reunited with in the summer!
  • Gratitude: I learned to be grateful for how I was brought up and what I was exposed to.
  • Team building: We did group activities all the time and I learned how to collaborate (e.g., rafting down rivers).
  • Appreciation for the beauty of the U.S. and the variety of people and lifestyles.

I also went to horseback riding camp each summer for one week. The camp would assign me a horse that was mine for the week, so essentially I owned my own horse for one week. This taught me how to be responsible and dependable, and it also taught me how important it is to be independent and able to lead.

We also always had a family camping trip with two to four other families near Camp David Maryland where I grew up. We learned how to live in the outdoors and survive with nature, as well as to appreciate what we owned when we came back home and how little one needs to survive. We sang around the campfire every night (my favorite!). This taught me the beauty of community and respect for one another.”

Bonnie Orofino, Chief Merchandising Officer, Restoration Hardware

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“I started working in retail the summer of my sophomore year of high school at Ross Department Stores (before they became a discount chain). This is what gave me the retail bug. I was a department manager by the time I graduated high school and during my first two years of college. This is the experience that helped form my leadership style and love for leading and inspiring teams.”

 

Kathy Doyle Thomas, Chief Strategy Officer, Half Price Books

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“In high school, I worked in my dad’s medical office as a receptionist. He was a surgeon. Back then, doctors were thought of as gods by many patients. Many of his peers had big egos, and intimated their patients. He treated his patients in a friendly, easygoing and respectful manner that made them very much at ease. He had a great ‘bedside manner.’ His patients were scared and needed reassurance before and after surgery and he gave it to them. At work, I’m very much all business and focused. Early in my career, I had to be tough to be heard. I expect the best from my team, but often come off as overly critical and intimidating. It’s a struggle for me to present criticism in a positive and effective way. The work issues I deal with are not life threatening. One of my personal goals is to improve my ‘bedside manner.’ I often think about my dad and how he was able to give horrible news to his patients, but still make them laugh and give them hope.”