Lisa Gardner chats with Rosilyn Houston, Santander US CHRO, Senior Executive Vice President, about human-centric leadership, preparedness, human connection, and embracing growth opportunities shaped her career.

Rosilyn discusses leading through the challenges of COVID-19 and an organizational divestment, relying on her faith to guide her team with compassion. She also addresses gender disparity in corporate leadership, advocating for greater access and opportunities for women, particularly women of color. Through mentorship and advocacy, she has helped elevate women in their careers. Rosilyn's insights on leadership, change management, and the importance of heart-driven connections make this episode a must-listen for aspiring leaders.

Also in this episode:

• Leadership Journey: Rosilyn's career began as a bank teller at 19, rising to a global HR executive through hard work, preparedness, and a passion for people.

• Consistent Leadership Style: Her leadership approach, rooted in personal connection and service to others, remained consistent from her early roles to senior executive positions.

• Human Connection in Leadership: The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of showing humanity in the workplace, especially during challenging events like the George Floyd tragedy.

• Faith as a Guide: Rosilyn relied on her faith for strength during difficult times, particularly while leading her team through the sale of the bank amidst pandemic-related stress.

• Gender Disparity in Corporate Leadership: Rosilyn highlights the systemic challenges women, especially women of color, face in advancing to senior leadership positions despite equal or superior qualifications.

• Challenging the Status Quo: She advocates for hiring diversity and challenging non-diverse candidate pools, encouraging leaders to create equitable opportunities for women in senior roles.

• Access Over Training: Rosilyn argues that women don't lack qualifications but rather access to leadership opportunities. Companies should focus on sustainability and support once women reach leadership roles.

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Lisa Gardner is a corporate real estate thought leader and co-founder of OMS Strategic Advisors, LLC, focusing on real estate, strategy, and workforce development. With over 25 years of experience, she drives profitability by optimizing human capital, leading diversity initiatives, and crafting corporate strategies. She has managed national accounts for Fortune 500 companies like Wal-Mart and AT&T, and revitalized multicultural marketing for JCPenney. Lisa serves on the Executive Board of SMU's Cox School of Business and contributes to DCEO Magazine. She is active in her community at Gateway Church and lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband and two children.