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Member Spotlight: Lisa & Judy
Each quarter, TMA NOW helps you get to know your fellow TMA members. 2016 will introduce you to Lisa Stensgard, BDS director at BDO USA LLP, and Judy Weiker, principal and executive director at Manewitz Weiker Associates, LLC.
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Lisa Stensgard |
How did you get involved in TMA?
Lisa: I was approached by Paul Patrick with Capital One, who was the president of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Chapter at the time. After meeting with Paul I immediately got involved on the Membership Committee and moved up to Network of Women Chair, University Relations Chair, and Membership Chair. I currently serve as the 2016 TMA president of my chapter.
Judy: I got involved by attending events. I spent the early stages
of my career in New York and after attending a number of events, I got on the pre-NextGen Committee. After that I participated on the Education Committee and then I was
asked to be on the board of TMA New York.
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Judy Weiker |
When I moved to Indianapolis, I continued my volunteer work with TMA and joined the Global Board. Currently, I am active on the Strategic Planning Committee and the 2016 Annual Conference Planning Committee.
TMA is very inclusive and the organization encourages its members to get involved. TMA also promotes members to leadership positions if the members are interested.
The people I have met through TMA have been outstanding.
TMA NOW will be focusing on the following topics in 2016: Leading Change, Successes and Failures, Mentorship/Sponsorship, and Earning the Role. Have you had experience in any of these areas that made a strong impact on you?
Lisa: All of these topics are absolutely critical to TMA NOW, but one that truly resonates with me is Mentorship/Sponsorship.
I was the first woman in the distribution department of Shell and while I had many successes and failures there, I also gained several invaluable role models during my tenure -- we still laugh at some of the experiences, including when I couldn't pass my commercial driver's test.
I am also proud that there are now five women on the board of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Chapter of TMA. As president of this chapter, it's great to be able to work closely with so many successful women. In a similar vein, I am also happy to be aligned with an esteemed firm like BDO, which has such a robust commitment to mentorship and inclusion in the workplace. Having a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives drives innovation, and innovation drives growth.
Judy: I have had bosses in the past who have fostered my career growth. I have also had bad bosses, but I learned from those experiences as well.
My business partner, Sharon Manewitz, is someone who I emulate. Where my skills are lacking, those are Sharon's strengths and I have learned from her.
It is important that while you are working, take the opportunity to observe your colleagues and learn from them. Their skills will be excellent additions to your "tool box."
In your opinion, what's the most exciting/interesting trend or event happening in the turnaround and restructuring industry?
Lisa: Here in Dallas there is such a strong, vibrant economy. Given the amount of acquisitions taking place, the energy sector is particularly exciting right now, and many people are finding lucrative opportunities despite falling oil prices. The energy industry, and many other dynamic sectors like healthcare, are in need of turnaround services, so it's truly an exhilarating time to do the work we do.
Judy: The industry ebbs and flows, and there are always new approaches to what is going on in the industry.
I believe we are going to see more municipal restructuring opportunities.
Mediation is becoming a growth industry. We will see more of this as people become more litigious in the bankruptcy setting.
What's the best career advice you've ever received?
Lisa: My personal slogan is "think like a boss." Consider individuals whose career trajectories you admire, and try to emulate their work ethic and leadership qualities.
It's also critical to find opportunities to relate to your coworkers and teammates. I picked up golf many years ago, and it was one of my best decisions. Building relationships and showing my competitive side in a casual setting helped me break into the so-called "boys club." Being able to interact with my male counterparts outside of the office has helped me form important relationships and gain respect.
Judy: Be a self-advocate; if you want something, let people know you want it. Women can hold themselves back. Some women feel if they have not done the job before, they are not eligible for the position. Even if you have not done a particular job, if you have the skill set, then raise your hand. Women need to have a more global view of their capabilities.
TMA is a great resource to utilize for leadership skills, networking skills, and industry knowledge.
Keep in mind at a work reception/dinner, you are still at a work event. Even though it's after-hours, conduct yourself with class.
Never denigrate a colleague or competitor. We work in a small community and your comments will come back to bite you.
Always be aware of the impression you are giving off, both in the personal and business settings.
Google yourself to see what is out there about you.
What would someone who only knows you professionally be surprised to learn about you?
Lisa: I've participated in several crawfish eating contests! I'm also a former ballerina and even had an opportunity to dance for Joffrey Ballet. I decided to go the business route, but I still use the discipline I learned as a dancer.
Judy: I did stand-up comedy and was in an improv troupe while in law school. What I learned from stand-up was how to handle negative feedback. I learned from improv how to be a good listener.
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