This week’s leader is Judi Flournoy, ILTA Treasurer and Chief Information Officer of Loeb & Loeb LLP. Judi has served ILTA as a volunteer leader from positions on both coasts, including a 2-year term as ILTA President from 2005-2007. She is a noted speaker and leader in our industry, and ILTA has been graced by her skills and ideas over her years of service. Judi’s term as Treasurer ends at ILTA ‘09, as does her service in ILTA’s Board of Directors.
What excites you the most about ILTA ’09?
Getting together with my peers and learning from them. Talking about current challenges and opportunities. Also, I’ve seen National Harbor and it is an awesome property.
Describe a highlight of one ILTA conference that made you a hero when you got back to your firm.
Three years ago we looked at a product for digital dictation, Crescendo. Since implementing Crescendo our attorneys are able to dictate and upload their files remotely or call in their dictation. In addition the quality of the digital dictation far surpasses the analog tapes which makes the assistants very happy. Of all of the technologies we have implemented, this is one that hands down got the most positive feedback.
Conference is a whirlwind of activity; can you share your strategy or any tips to making it through and getting the most out of it?
I always plan in advance but stay flexible. There are times when I attend a session and find early on that the subject matter isn’t exactly what I’m looking for so I move on to another session. There isn’t any rule that says you have to stay put.
I also try and introduce myself to folks I don’t know. You never know when a new acquaintance will become a valued and trusted colleague.
What volunteer roles have you held for ILTA?
Greeter, Bag Stuffer, Meeting Host, Speaker, RVP, Board Member (RVP Liaison, President, Treasurer)
What prompted you to get involved as a volunteer leader with ILTA? What led you in the direction of the Board of Directors?
It’s all Cathy Reilly’s fault. She made it look like such fun. Seriously though, when you get so much from something like I have from ILTA and my peers within the ILTA family it’s easy to give back.
With respect to serving on the Board, I was encouraged to seek election to the Board by fellow officers who I had served with.
What does leadership mean to you?
For the sake of many.
What makes you a leader?
I’m not afraid to state my opinion and I’m willing to accept when I am wrong. Some might say I have the abilty to see around the corner. I am a strong proponent of mentoring formally or informally. I like to see others grow.
How has ILTA helped you become the leader you are today?
There isn’t one thing that I can say that encompasses everything I have experienced. What I can say is that serving as a volunteer in any capacity has taught me the value of putting others before myself. The camaraderie within the officer ranks, including the competitive spirit of the officers, has given me many hours of enjoyment and laughter. To put this more succinctly, serving as an officer (volunteer leader) I have benefited from those around me who demonstrated organizational and leadership skills. Whether staff or volunteers, I have been fortunate to have served and learned real world skills such as building consensus, strategic planning, public speaking and mentoring.
Filed under: Profiles in Leadership
