Rebecca Driscoll has spent her career carving out a redefined and inspirational model of what it means to be a leader. Pollen takes a look at her journey and asks Rebecca a few questions about advice, productivity, and influence.
- Best piece of advice you follow?
Governor Ventura advised me as his Commissioner of Trade and Economic Development to view our state as a world competitor. It allowed me to use his international celebrity status to open doors for many Minnesota businesses in the world market. - What moment in your career are you most proud of?
My leadership in the 1990's at the Minneapolis Community Development Agency. I was able to turn around an agency that was in disarray and within 8 years set a record for redevelopment, housing and historic preservation work in our community. - When are you most productive?
I'm most productive when I have lots on my plate and am part of a great team that can help me execute it all. - What is the biggest threat to your productivity?
I tend to get bogged down if I need to do everything myself. - What activities/hobbies/extracurriculars do you do now?
Recent shoulder surgery has significantly hampered this triathlete. I am still very active and passionate about my volunteer work for Artspace Projects, the YWCA of Minneapolis, The Cowles Center for Dance, and the Carlson School. - Most influential books you’ve read in the past 3 years?
Steve Jobs by Isaacson. I'm amazed by his brilliance but very troubled by his treatment of friends, associates, and employees.How Remarkable Women Lead by Joanna Barsh. It's a great book by a McKinsey Senior Partner on a 5 year research project to support women in leadership.
This piece was originally published at BePollen.com.