On March 28th in DC, US Treasurer Jovita Carranza had a “fireside chat” with Department of Labor Women’s Bureau Director Patricia Greene. Yesterday, April 4, we learned that Jovita Carranza will serve as Administrator of the Small Business Administration. Wisdom. Inspiration. Amazing stories.
Here is a quick rundown of tweets:
While working as a bank teller, Carranza was took notice of successful man depositing big checks. She dropped hints and asked questions about his job for six months. Finally, he told her about orientation happening at his company: UPS.
She was hired by UPS and worked the night shift from 10 to 2 am loading trucks. She saw places where she could excel and stand out. For instance, she was one of two women in her division. She quickly became a supervisor, ultimately becoming President of Latin America and then an executive position at UPS headquarters. Her leadership and management style was about teaching people to grow.
During this time she had to make some tough decisions about childcare, as her major support system was in Chicago. It was not easy.
Carranza says that confidence comes with experience, and learning from others, over time. It also comes from need. She had a need, and a goal, and had to step into it.
Wisdom is learning through other people’s mistakes. Throughout her career she observed people’s reactions, tone, and things to avoid.
Leadership is about asking the right questions.
Carranza has worked with executive coaches throughout her career, including two Harvard Professors. Her experience in working with a coach, and refining her resume, lead to sending it to a connection in government. She wound up in leadership at the Small Business Administration, then US Treasurer, now SBA Administrator.
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