A sometimes surprising, always rewarding, journey in law and leadership
When I decided to apply to law school, I didn’t know many lawyers. My decision was driven by a love for problem-solving and an interest in a profession that encouraged critical thinking. I was surprised at how quickly I fell in love with the study of law. I flourished in that environment, working hard, immersing myself in the material, and thriving in a community of other motivated students. And, I realized that engaging a task with both humility and high expectations, can lead to wonderful, even surprising, opportunities. Nearly 20 years later, my career has followed a similar path—building on passion, leaning into learning and hard work, and being surrounded by mentors and colleagues. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way.
Find Your Passion and Your People
In law school, I discovered I loved learning—especially when surrounded by smart, driven people. Later, I learned that I loved healthcare and supporting those who could heal others. Throughout, I began to realize my passion and skill for building excellent teams, figuring out how we can motivate one another to achieve something greater than any individual could. Combining these passions has led to an incredibly fulfilling career. Today, as general counsel for FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation, I lead a legal team of nearly 50 professionals, providing legal services to more than 20 affiliate companies (many in healthcare) across North and Latin America. I am reminded every day of the joy that comes from helping others succeed, solving tough problems, and working with a gifted team.
Strive for Excellence, Not Perfection
Whether it’s making the coffee or presenting to the board of directors, if you are tasked with something, bring your A-game. This is not the same as perfection. Put in the work. Be prepared. People notice, leaders notice, and there’s nothing like working on a team with someone who takes great pride in doing an excellent job. For me, working hard and being prepared has always been the foundation, and it has led to opportunities I couldn’t have imagined at the start of my career.
Stay True to Your Values
As a woman and a mother, my definition of success has evolved over time. There were periods when success meant simply managing my job while caring for my two young children and supporting my brother through his journey with leukemia. At other times, it has meant stepping into leadership roles in organizations that are still male dominated at the top. Throughout, I’ve sought mentors. I have been incredibly blessed by their humility, wisdom, and willingness to walk with me in this complicated and ongoing journey of striving for excellence, engaging in new opportunities AND staying true to my values.
Seize Opportunities, Be Grateful, and Give Back
Even with academic training, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence, it’s hard to stretch without the humility and courage to take on new challenges and be willing to learn. Leadership often comes down to judgment. Once you’re confident in your ability to do that, regardless of your technical specialty, bet on yourself. I’ve found that the courage to step into new challenges has led to growth and fulfillment in ways I never could have predicted.
Along the way, I’ve found myself looking for ways to give back. As a general counsel, I focus on making the path easier for the next generation of leaders. I routinely ask myself, “How can I lead so that others will want this job—not for the title, but because it’s fulfilling, impactful and enjoyable?” For me, giving back and mentoring are as important as any career accomplishment. I couldn’t be more grateful for the journey.
