Inspired By: Nancy Dunleavy
“Recognize that teamwork is everything.”
Nancy Dunleavy lives out her advice as CEO of Dunleavy & Associates, a woman-owned business founded to empower charitable organizations to fulfill their highest potential. Recognized as a “Woman of Distinction” by the Philadelphia Business Journal, Dunleavy has in her words, an extraordinary eye for talent, recruiting phenomenal clients, colleagues and collaborators. She is a frequent speaker on topics of philanthropy, governance, management of charitable organizations, and women in leadership. Read more about her personal and professional philosophies, below.
Q: Please share how your professional career began and how you ended up where you are today.
A: My career began in healthcare accounting and evolved to entrepreneurship through mentorship and my own openness to finding (and doing) the work I was born to do.
Q: Can you name a leader for whom you have great respect and tell us why?
A: Liz Dow, president of LEADERSHIP Philadelphia — she is a classic “connector” who always finds the best qualities in everyone she encounters.
Q: As a leader in your company, what is the best piece of advice you would offer to a new employee to help them succeed?
A: Recognize that teamwork is everything and, if you are not afraid to surround yourself with people who are smarter than you, success will be inevitable!
Q: What would you say has been your driving force in your staying power in a male-dominated industry?
A: Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright‘s quote: “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help each other!”
Q: As a seasoned professional, how do you share your experience with your team on a daily basis?
A: Treat every situation as a lesson learned… personify the belief that “it’s only a mistake if it happens twice.”
Q: What is the one thing you make time for in your daily life that helps keeps you refreshed and positive?
A: Keeping in touch with my nieces and nephews — they are a source of great joy to me!