Ep 17: Head & Heart of Leadership with Catherine Meloy, President and CEO, Good Will of Greater Washington
Release Date: 01/11/2017
Ep 28: Exploring the Nuances of Immigrant Identity
Leadership Insights Podcast
This is usually where I share one of my Leadership Insights interviews with an extraordinary guest and their picture. However, this month I am interviewed by my wonderful colleague Maria Morukian for her podcast Culture Stew. Maria writes in the show notes: “Is it possible to be a refugee and still have privilege? How do we make space for the multiple layers of our complex stories? In this episode Margarita shares how her personal experience as an immigrant has led her on a journey of self-discovery to define her unique identity and come to terms with white privilege.”
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Ep 27: Leadership in Times of Crisis with Tonia Wellons, President & CEO, Greater Washington Community Foundation
Leadership Insights Podcast
During the COVID crisis, Tonia Wellons has moved lightning-fast to galvanize dozens of philanthropic organizations to drive unprecedented levels of coordinated resources to the most vulnerable of communities! Don't miss this amazing interview!
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Ep 26 - The Dance of Leadership with Princess Mhoon, Founder & Director, PMDC
Leadership Insights Podcast
Princess Mhoon is truly a wonder-leader: an award-winning choreographer, educator, entrepreneur and scholar all in one! Her artistic brilliance was sought out by the While House and Michele Obama; her work commissioned by the Kennedy Center and she’s been called "A visionary of her generation!"
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Ep 25: Leadership for a Better World with James Kenefick, Chairman & CEO, BetterWorld Telecom
Leadership Insights Podcast
If you want to meet a modern Renaissance man, you must hear Jim Kenefick’s interview! Somehow he simultaneously embodies a brilliant entrepreneurial mind, save-the-world convictions, relentlessly adventurous spirit and heart-centered mindfulness.
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Ep 24: Life-Saving Leadership with Michael Sapienza, CEO, Colon Cancer Alliance
Leadership Insights Podcast
Michael Sapienza was a world-class orchestra musician traveling and performing around the globe when he discovered that his mom had colon cancer. Not even knowing at first where a colon was located, he dived into research and realized that few resources were available to families affected by this terrible disease. Incredibly, he decided to channel his grief into action, leaving a successful music career to launch a colon cancer foundation!
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Ep 23: The North Star of Leadership with Richard Bynum, President, PNC Bank
Leadership Insights Podcast
“My North Star is helping people who work with me to become even better than when they started.” Richard Bynum believes there is nothing better than working in a place that’s completely aligned with your values. As a leader he is passionate about supporting and mentoring others to determine their own values (and value) so they can follow their “North Star”. As the new President of the PNC Bank Richard brings a fresh perspective to his organization and industry at a critical time in history. In this dynamic, informative interview Richard shares what it’s been like to undergo...
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Ep 22: Putting Racism on the Table with Tamara Copeland, President, Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers
Leadership Insights Podcast
“As leaders we have to examine ourselves, our own beliefs, and those structures and systems that perpetuate racial inequity” Tamara Copeland is a powerhouse of a leader who courageously and tirelessly uses her voice and professional platform to tackle one of the most challenging and charged social issues today - racism! Tamara’s commitment to racial equity surged when Trayvon Martin was killed. Her son AJ was roughly his age; he could have been ! In this incredibly powerful, informative conversation Tamara shares her passion for racial equity and offers sage advice for how each of...
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Ep 21: Leading Millennials with Sam Cicotello, VP of People, Social Tables
Leadership Insights Podcast
“You can either fight characteristics millennials bring to the workplace or you can harness and direct them” Sam started her leadership journey early in life when she was elected to be a mayor of a fictional town in a high school program. A testament to her wisdom and brilliance from the start, Sam struggled with and over time learned what it takes to build alliances and support networks, make unpopular decisions and empower others to want to follow. In this incredibly dynamic, informative episode Sam shares specific tips and strategies on how to lead a high functioning, connected,...
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Ep 20 - Leading Social Change with Adam Levner, Co-Founder, Critical Exposure
Leadership Insights Podcast
“We train young people to recognize their power and advocate for themselves.” Adam Levner mission is to do nothing short of creating a new generation of social advocates and leaders! Growing up feeling excluded from his community Adam has created a movement to inspire, empower and train young people to advocate for themselves and their communities through photography. In this dynamic, insightful interview Adam shares incredible stories of how even the youngest leaders have helped transform their communities and strategies for how all of us can become even more...
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Ep 19 - Conquering Adversity with Lisa LaFontaine, President & CEO, Humane Rescue Alliance
Leadership Insights Podcast
“Don't ever think that your biggest adversity can't be turned into your greatest gift” When Lisa says that anyone can do *anything* she knows this to be true from personal experiences. After a horrific car accident she was told she’d never walk again or have children. Through sheer determination and months of hard work Lisa managed to heal her body and defy her doctor’s dire predictions! Then in her late 30s, as a successful communications executive, Lisa’s life (and career) path took another sudden turn. Her young daughter was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome that seriously...
info_outline“If you're the smartest person in the room you're in the wrong room” - Catherine Meloy
Catherine Meloy firmly believes that if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room! She was a successful broadcasting executive when she got the call (literally) to serve as the fearless leader of Good Will. That call - along with her brilliance, commitment and passion - has helped transform countless lives in the greater Washington community and beyond. And in the debate of whether the heart or the head should prevail, Catherine uncompromisingly choses to lead with both!
In this inspiring interview Catherine shares wonderful stories of her parents instilling in her the values of discipline, love and faith. You’ll learn why she refuses to ever be the smartest person in the room and empowers her staff to help translate her lofty 5-year vision into reality. And the ways she strives to learn and grow as a leader, manager and businessperson despite being on top of her game (just read her incredible bio!)
I know you’ll find Catherine’s interview riveting and inspiring!
What you’ll learn:
- How growing up with a disciplinarian Marine dad and unconditionally loving mom shaped Catherine's identity
- Why Catherine considers discipline to be the number one attribute in business and the daily habits that help her maintain discipline and focus
- Catherine's approach to email and boundaries that help her and her team reset weekly
- How asking "What was really important a year ago?” or “What did I lose sleep over a month ago?" can help stay focused on a bigger picture perspective
- Fantastic story of why and how she made the leap from broadcasting to leading Good Will
- Why having a strong brand for any organization is so crucial
- Advice for mission-oriented leaders on learning important business skills and how to make the time for the learning and professional development
- How Catherine's spiritual faith informs her leadership style and even culture of Good Will
- How declaring your values and priorities as a leader creates greater accountability for yourself
- What Catherine considers to be her growing edges
- And so much more!
Links & Resources
- Good Will – Catherine’s incredible organization whose mission is to transform lives and communities through the power of education and employment.
- Greater Washington Board of Trade – networking and organization in the D.C. area Catherine recommends for their great educational programs. Having been a member I agree!
- Global Leadership Summit – “Fresh, actionable and inspiring leadership content” conference Catherine raved about
- Leadership Greater Washington – amazing D.C. area networking and educational organization Catherine and I are both love and support. PSA: LGW is accepting applications for the next signature program class due in early April 2017.
About Catherine Meloy
Catherine Meloy is the President and CEO of Goodwill of Greater Washington (Goodwill). Catherine Meloy serves as President and CEO of Goodwill of Greater Washington and the Goodwill Excel Center. She was selected in 2003 by the Goodwill Board of Trustees as a proven business leader who could dramatically extend the reach and vitality of the organization and enable it to serve an even broader segment of the disabled and disadvantaged community.
Prior to joining Goodwill of Greater Washington, Catherine had a successful 20 year management career in the radio industry.
With Catherine’s leadership, Goodwill has grown to over 800 associates; 15 retail stores; annual revenues of $42M, which include nine government janitorial contracts. In further serving and expanding the mission of Goodwill, the first adult diploma charter high school has been granted by the DC Public Charter School Board to Goodwill to open in the fall of 2016 under the title of the Goodwill Excel Center.
Catherine’s involvement in the greater Washington community includes:
- Board of Directors, Greater Washington Board of Trade
- Board of Directors, Federal City Council
- Board of Directors, DC Chamber of Commerce
- Board of Directors of MedStar Health
- Board of Directors of SourceAmerica
- Member of the DC Workforce Investment Council
- Member of the Northern Virginia Workforce Investment Board
- In January 2016, Catherine was elected to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
Catherine is a recipient of the Greater Washington Board of Trade’s “Leader of the Years Award“; was honored by Washingtonian Magazine as “Washingtonian of the Year“; was inducted into the American Marketing Association-DC Chapter Hall of Fame and was highlighted as a Most Admired CEO by Smart CEO Magazine for her successful organizational turnaround of Goodwill of Greater Washington.
She and her husband, David, who is President of Merit Hotels, live in Annapolis, Maryland and have three grown children.