TERESA MARTIN | VICE PRESIDENT, PRODUCER
LOCKTON COMPANIES, INC.

For Teresa Martin, Vice President at Lockton Companies, success is closely tied to self confidence and determination. “My mother encouraged me to believe in myself and told me that I could do anything I chose,” explains Martin, whose responsibilities at Lockton involve co-chairing the Kansas City Construction Practice Group and serving as a member of the National Construction Practice Group.

“I believe leadership is about giving people the tools and empowerment to get done what you have asked them to do,” says Martin. “Surround yourself with talented people, create an engaging culture, offer a clear sense of direction, then step out of the way. And always share the credit.”

Putting that philosophy into place at Lockton, she explains, is a matter of knowing who you are and where you’re going, providing a framework for people, develop tools to help them be effective, and encourage everyone to believe in themselves and in the importance of solving clients’ problems.

“One of the most motivating things for me is when a client says thank you—and continues to partner with us for years—that’s motivating.”

GUDRUN NEUMANN | CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
AMERICAN CENTURY INVESTMENTS

When asked to address her leadership style, Gudrun Neumann, head of technology for American Century Investments, borrowed the words a coworker used to describe her: “Gudrun has a very collaborative style, but she is not afraid to make decisions. Gudrun is clear about her expectations and holds people accountable to them. As you work with her, you realize she teaches as she works with you. Gudrun can see where people are and adjust her style.”

In her own words, Neumann explains that she values doing the right thing. “That means looking out for what’s best for the entire business and addressing difficult issues, she says. “To motivate, I try to set the direction and provide the context for people so they understand what they are working on, how it fits within the company strategy, and remove obstacles for them. I am committed to contributing to the entire business, not just my craft of Information Technology.” Apparently her approach is effective. Neumann, who oversees all Information Technology functions for the money management firm, made CIO Magazine’s “Ones to Watch” 2005 list. She was one of only 33 honorees worldwide.

CHRISTINE PIERSON | VICE PRESIDENT, U.S. SALES,
BAYER HEALTHCARE

Christine Pierson, Vice President at Bayer HealthCare, says the roots of her success run deep, crediting her grandparents for providing a major influence on the development of her character. “They demonstrated incredible confidence in me,” she says. “They encouraged me to realize my full potential by believing in the impossible, nurturing my competitive spirit and living by the Golden Rule.”

For this corporate leader, trust is the key to being an effective leader. “You need to build trust in order for others to follow,” says Pierson, whose responsibilities include, among others, the management of more than 200 personnel in Field Sales, Inside Sales, Corporate Account & Customer Services, Alternate Distribution and eCommerce. “I try to lead by example—remaining positive, using-based management and
building up those around me,” she says.

Pierson explains that faith and family are at the core of her value system. She says she works hardest on that which provides lasting value “because life is what fills our hearts, not what we hold in our hands.” Her advice for others? “Balance! Always keep a sense of balance throughout life—be aware of what is first and foremost to maintain
perspective.”

CLAUDIA TOUSSAINT | GENERAL COUNSEL
AND CORPORATE SECRETARY, EMBARQ

Claudia Toussaint, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for EMBARQ, credits the role model her mother provided with helping her become the successful executive she is today. “She was a successful and committed professional at a time when it was far less common for a woman than it is today. She modeled for me that it was possible to be deeply engaged in one’s professional life without losing focus on one’s role as a parent and spouse.” says Toussaint.

Deeply engaged would accurately describe Toussaint in her role at EMBARQ. She is responsible for the company’s legal affairs, corporate governance and legal support for the company’s Board of Directors. She also oversees the company’s ethics and compliance program. In her mind, great leadership is the art of accomplishing more than you might think possible. “I have a strong commitment to business and personal ethics and I believe that spending time understanding your relationship with your stakeholders is critical.”
Her advice for others climbing the corporate ladder, “Exude optimism and demonstrate a continuous openness and desire to learn from those around you, regardless of position or experience.”