Having worked in corporate America for my entire professional career, social issues have always felt very much at the periphery of my professional and personal life. It felt like working for large, publicly traded companies meant that I was part of the problem and, therefore, couldn't be part of the solution. LT has helped me begin understanding how to use my position of influence to positively impact my company's corporate culture and the communities that we touch. This became particularly poignant as a result of our first lab, during which my group interviewed John Schoettler, an influential leader at Amazon who was using his position of influence to address serious community issues affecting the Puget Sound Region, while still furthering the objectives of his own organization.

Before beginning LT, I had my doubts as to whether it was for me. Even after starting, I thought "I don't really belong here with all of these passionate and well-informed people." Little did I know, however, that this is exactly what I needed to take both my emotional development and my career to the next level. Being surrounded by a class of 80 incredibly passionate, well-intentioned, honest, and driven leaders has pushed me to challenge myself in ways that I had not considered in a very long time. It has shaped the way that I view leadership.

 

As a nonprofit, LT depends on the generosity of our corporate and individual donors to continue our mission of cultivating, inspiring, connecting, and engaging an effective community of leaders. Mary is a long-time supporter of LT, and we are so grateful for her partnership. We simply couldn't do the work we do without people like Mary.

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do for work.

I was born and raised in Seattle, and my husband Michael and I have two adult children. I am CEO and Chief Investment Officer for Pugh Capital Management. The firm, which was founded in 1991, manages fixed income investments for institutional clients, such as corporate and public pension plans, endowments, and foundations. Our company is intentionally diverse, and we are committed to doing our share to help change and impact the face of the institutional investment community. 

You went through the program in 1986. Can you tell us what benefits you gained from the program?

The caliber of the Leadership Tomorrow network is a valuable resource. Personally, the program provided an opportunity to stretch my horizons beyond my financially focused career and helped me develop an external peer group of successful leaders. We forged wonderful relationships while being immersed in regionally focused social and community issues. 

Why do you choose to support LT each year?

I like the mission, vision, and execution of the program, and it is nice to be in a position to give back. LT is a program that is making a difference in developing diverse leaders to be impactful in our community. It stretches people in ways that are often uncomfortable but ultimately valuable. LT is helping evolve the servant leadership culture throughout our community. The experience is unique and valuable in ways that are not typically explored in corporate America.

In your opinion, what impact is LT having in the region?

LT has a diversity and servant leadership focus that is leveraged throughout our region, as their graduates now populate the executive ranks of many of our corporate, public, and nonprofit organizations. LT has created a common platform of understanding, while also addressing challenging issues in a direct manner.

February 12, 2019 (hours vary depending on location)

Meet the LT alumni in your neighborhood over drinks or dinner on Tuesday, February 12, 2019. Choose from eight locations throughout the region. Register  here .

2013 and 2017: Frank Nam, LT'13, and Ben Reuler, LT'17, participated in the

Evergrey's Giving Guide , lending their expertise to those who want to help on local issues.