CPO Irma Lockridge, Mentorship Importance, Having 3 CEO Bosses
Release Date: 02/04/2020
Medical Reasons for Having Executive Presence with Laura Hamiriani
CXO Conversations
In this episode, host Michael Mitchel interviews Laura Hamirani, a speech language pathologist specializing in therapy for voice disorders. They discuss vocal executive presence and preventing vocal strain in the new Zoom culture. Laura emphasizes the importance of vocal warm-ups, breathing techniques, and vocal hygiene for maintaining a healthy voice. They also explore the impact of remote work and virtual platforms on voice issues. Laura shares advice on improving executive presence vocally and how it can prevent vocal cord strain. Takeaways • Speaking in a...
info_outline
The Evolution of Executive Presence: Authenticity and Connection w/ Anna Conrad
CXO Conversations
In this episode of CXO Conversations, Michael Mitchel interviews Anna Conrad, CEO of Impact Leadership Solutions, about executive coaching and the changing landscape of executive presence. They discuss the importance of reflection, self- awareness, and personal growth in executive coaching. They also explore how executive presence has evolved over the years, emphasizing the need for authenticity, connection, and integrity. Anna shares tips for projecting executive presence in virtual meetings, including being mindful of backgrounds, showing up fully, and being present. They also touch on the...
info_outline
The Value of an Internal Sherpa in Career Growth
CXO Conversations
In this episode of CXO Conversations, Michael interviews , Managing Partner of Sunstone Management Advisors, about the skills he gained during his career growth in the insurance industry and the advice he received throughout his career. They discuss the importance of building a diverse skill set and over earning your pay. They also emphasize the value of having an internal Sherpa who actively promotes and advocates for your career growth. he key takeaways from the conversation are: 1) Build your skill set and portfolio to enhance your career prospects, 2) Find an internal Sherpa...
info_outline
How Your Personal Brand Will Grow Your Career
CXO Conversations
is the CFO of who is a seasoned financial veteran with a track record of turning companies around. He joins us today to share his insights on leadership and building a strong personal brand. With a resume that includes nine transactions and executive roles in multiple industries, Abbas knows a thing or two about navigating the complex world of business. He's been involved in everything from high-growth startups to turnarounds, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today's leaders. During the conversation, Abbass discusses the importance of...
info_outline
CRO Andre Cuenin on Three Core Values to Success
CXO Conversations
Veracode’s CRO Andre Cuenin joins CXO Conversations and shares his journey from sales to the C suite. He doesn’t like the title Chief Revenue Officer as it puts the focus on him versus the customer. Andre moved from presales to sales by having a post presentation conversation with a customer; he casually asked for the signature. During the conversation, Andre shares his three core management philosophies: Authenticity; be more authentic, gain and share experiences and value wisdom Importance of having a plan; don’t chase the money- chase the dream Go the extra mile; there’s...
info_outline
Hootsuite CFO Dave Wynne on Building a Successful Career
CXO Conversations
In this episode, , CFO of Hootsuite, discusses his career journey, from starting as a consultant to becoming a leading financial executive. He shares how his foundational consulting experience applies across different industries and shaped him into the leader he is today. Dave dives into his unique perspective on the CFO role, comparing it to the central nervous system of a company. He also explores the evolution of the CFO position and the changing demands it requires. Key takeaways for listeners include: The importance of finding a work culture aligned with your values and ethics. How...
info_outline
Season 7 Preview: Inspiring Insights from CXO Conversations
CXO Conversations
Join for a sneak peek into the upcoming season of CXO Conversations. We've lined up a stellar lineup of guests who share their invaluable perspectives and experiences on leadership, innovation, and success. From , CFO of , discussing the power of internal sponsorship, to , former CEO of , sharing insights on scaling a business successfully. , CFO of , dives into building trust and transparency, while , CEO of , shares his management philosophies. Get ready for a season packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories. Stay tuned! More episodes and resources: Thank you to ...
info_outline
CXO Conversations Season Finale + AI Tips
CXO Conversations
As CXO Conversations wraps up another season, host Michael Mitchel reflects on the increasing role of AI in our daily lives. From streamlining tasks to enhancing productivity, Michael shares practical examples of how AI is making an impact, both personally and professionally. Join us for a brief yet insightful episode, and stay tuned for the return of engaging interviews next spring! More episodes and resources: Thank you to for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast. Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for...
info_outline
C Suite Skills for all Industries with John Vranas
CXO Conversations
In this special edition of CXO Conversations, host revisits an engaging dialogue with , who at the time was the Chief Development Officer for the Humane Society of America. This episode covers a breadth of topics that all can benefit from; from program creation to donor ( or sales) engagement and executive leadership preparation. John's insights transcend organizational boundaries, offering actionable strategies applicable to both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. His journey from volunteering to leadership underscores the transformative power of personal experiences, while his emphasis...
info_outline
Transforming a Company: From Warehouses to Tech with Food Maven's CEO Ben Deda
CXO Conversations
Join host Michael Mitchel as he welcomes back Ben Deda, CEO of Food Maven, for a revealing look at the company's four-year journey. Explore key milestones, strategic shifts, and insights into navigating challenges in the food industry. Gain valuable lessons in leadership, resilience, and adaptability while gaining optimism for the future of Denver's startup ecosystem. Full show notes and resources: Key highlights include: Strategic Evolution: Ben Deda outlines Food Maven's strategic shift towards a tech-centric model, reflecting on their trajectory over the past four years. ...
info_outlineIrma Lockridge joins the podcast today from the CoorsTek Headquarters in Golden Colorado to discuss what it’s like working for three CEOs simultaneously, what HR and company culture have to do with one another, and the critical importance of mentors in your career path.
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Irma Lockridge has an impressive background and has worked with some of the biggest companies that touch our everyday lives — Accenture, Archstone, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Western Union, Rubbermaid, and for the last four years, CoorsTek.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Wharton School and completed executive leadership development training from Harvard Business School.
GET IN TOUCH WITH IRMA LOCKRIDGE ON LINKEDIN
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Podfly Productions: Podfly.net
Veterans of Foreign Wars: VFWpost1.org
OC Executive Search: OCExecutiveSearch.com
KEY TAKEAWAYS
[1:52] Michael introduces Irma and asks her to share an interesting tidbit about herself — Irma was born in Mexico and is a first-generation high school and college graduate and she is married to her high school sweetheart. She introduces CoorsTek.
WHY HR? [4:30] HR has an impact on every aspect of a business: it deals with people — and if you don’t have the right people in the right roles, you simply can’t get anywhere. Irma shares the path that led her to choose Human Resources even if she says it chose her!
AN UNUSUAL TITLE [6:33] Chief People and Systems Officer… Irma explains what the unusual ‘systems’ part is, and how it can be applied more broadly to CPOs and CHROs.
NEVER AN AVERAGE DAY [11:00] With CoorsTek being such a large company and Irma reporting to three CEOs, ‘average’ isn’t something that happens. She touches on that dynamic and some of her daily activities.
LANDING THE ROLE AND CREATING LEGACY [14:20] Irma tries her hand at answering an aspirational question in terms of her legacy at CoorsTek. She also talks us through the recruiting process, what she believes got her the job, and what makes the company a uniquely good fit for her.
CPO PHILOSOPHY [17:30] Irma shares her thoughts on leadership and management style as well as how she developed the philosophy that HR is not a support role, in the course of her career and some business experience.
[20:39] Irma shares her advice for mid-level managers trying to get ahead. Don’t ask for permission and have your ducks in a row.
INFLUENCING CULTURE [21:14] A CPO or a CHRO is in a prime position to influence culture and Irma touches on how this is operationalized in her own role.
GLOBAL EXPERIENCE [24:11] Working for a global business in one of the things Irma loves; it helps her remain agile and keeps her challenged. She touches on the advantages of having international experience under your belt.
GETTING TO THE C-LEVEL [26:45] Irma’s progression was organic and though she didn’t have the C-suite in sight right out of the gate, a key mentor helped nudge her forward in a very specific way.
FINDING A MENTOR [29:21] Irma shares the story of how she met and developed her mentor relationships and shares her advice for mid-level managers looking to find mentors as well as what she would have liked to be more prepared for going into the C-suite.
PREPARING FOR THE C-LEVEL [32:24] Irma offers her thoughts and advice for people who want to get to the C-suite, starting with asking yourself why you want it. Because she currently sits on the Denver Scholarship Foundation, she also shares advice for mid-level managers and first-generation graduates.
HARVARD [36:40] Irma shares from her experience at Harvard and the key teachings she took from it.
BEST WORST JOB IRMA EVER HAD [38:02] Aside from Fast Food and telemarketing, Irma’s very first managerial job takes the learning cake.
FINAL THOUGHTS AND READING RECOMMENDATIONS [41:15] Irma shares her current ‘reads’ and final thoughts.
[44:07] Michael thanks Irma for coming on the podcast to share her insight and closes out the podcast with his favorite takeaways.
We hope you learned something today and enjoyed the conversation. Please give us 5 stars on iTunes and share your comments so we can improve and ask the questions you want to hear.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
BOOKS
SPECIAL THANKS TO