Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Hertz
How has leadership changed over the years?
Leadership has changed dramatically, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations became much more focused on the employee experience, employee voice, and understanding workforce needs. The pandemic fundamentally changed the relationship between employers and employees. Today, leaders must navigate hybrid work environments, multiple generations in the workforce, and constant connectivity through technology. These shifts have transformed how we work, communicate, and lead.
Is face-to-face communication still important in today’s workplace?
Absolutely. There is no substitute for the human touch. While virtual communication can be effective, real-time, face-to-face interaction creates a special connection. What’s most important is consistency and clarity around communication expectations, whether those interactions happen in person or online.
Should mentorship be a formal part of company culture?
There is strong evidence that mentorship and sponsorship help accelerate career growth and advancement. Companies should create environments where these relationships can develop naturally, but they should also provide the tools, programs, and opportunities that make mentorship accessible. The most successful organizations intentionally create pathways for mentoring relationships to form.
What is the difference between a mentor and a sponsor?
A mentor is an advisor who provides guidance, feedback, and support. A sponsor is someone with influence and authority who actively advocates for your career advancement. A sponsor is the person who speaks up for you when opportunities arise and helps open doors. Both are essential for career growth.
Can mentorship be supported through technology?
Yes. Many organizations now use digital mentoring platforms that match mentors and mentees through online systems. These programs can operate at scale and help create meaningful mentoring relationships over six- or twelve-month periods. Technology can be a powerful tool for institutionalizing mentorship across an organization.
What makes a successful mentor-mentee relationship?
The best mentoring relationships are reciprocal. While a mentor may provide leadership guidance and career coaching, the mentee often offers valuable insights and teaches the mentor about different aspects of the business. Both individuals should learn from one another. Clear goals, regular meetings, and ongoing feedback are key to making the relationship successful.
What advice would you give to mentees?
Be clear about your goals. Know what you want to achieve from the mentoring relationship and communicate those expectations early. Establish a structure for how often you’ll meet and actively seek feedback. Use that feedback to track your growth and development over time.
How can mentors help younger professionals succeed?
Mentors help younger professionals understand the larger context of their careers and organizations. They can explain the “rules of the road,” outline career pathways, and provide guidance on what it takes to advance. Younger generations often seek immediate results, and mentors can help them understand the long-term strategies that lead to sustainable success.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Invest in the success of others.” A former manager shared that advice with me early in my career, and it became a guiding philosophy. Every day, I’m motivated by helping others discover their potential, achieve their goals, and create pathways for growth and advancement.
What would you tell your 15-year-old self?
Invest in relationships…. When I came to America from England, I had no roadmap for navigating corporate America. Looking back, I wish I had understood earlier how important it is to build a network of relationships—within your company, industry, and profession. Strong relationships and professional networks can significantly accelerate career growth.
Who do you admire most and why?
Audrey Hepburn. Not because of her Hollywood career, but because of her humanitarian work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Having worked at UNICEF, I saw the lasting impact of her efforts in countries facing humanitarian crises. What I admire most about her was her humility, selflessness, and commitment to helping others. She remains one of my greatest role models.
What is the core philosophy that drives your leadership?
My leadership philosophy is centered on helping others succeed. Whether through mentorship, sponsorship, talent development, or creating pathways for growth, I believe leaders have a responsibility to invest in people. Success isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about creating opportunities for others to realize their potential and thrive.