Today’s Profile in Leadership is of Randi Mayes, ILTA’s Executive Director. Sometimes dubbed “The mother of ILTA,” Randi has been a role model and mentor for many of us as she confidently and gracefully leads the execution of the Board of Directors’ vision and strategy. (Ed. note: Randi is who I want to be when *I* grow up!) Randi’s leadership can be described as the perfect blend of practicality and vision, and you may be able to “hear” her dulcet tones as you read her answers.
What excites you the most about ILTA ’09?
It is the perfect microcosm of the spirit of ILTA. Even with the economic meltdown and resultant travel restrictions within many of our member firms, the “show must go on.” And, boy howdy, it is a truly great program. The spirit of our conference committee and officers in developing and supporting the educational offerings has been tremendous. And our vendors have demonstrated their loyalty by their participation and generous sponsorships. ILTA rocks – even in tough times.
Describe one of your best ILTA conference memories.
Because I’ve been to so many and seen the association’s entire arc, it will be difficult to constrain myself to one. But I’ll try. At the 2007 conference, I was privileged to honor all the past presidents of the association. All but two were able to be in attendance, and it was totally inspirational for me to chronicle their history and their many contributions. The high point actually came much later that evening when a first-time conference attendee approached me to thank me for allowing him to have a glimpse of our great leadership. He hoped it might be himself someday being honored for his service to the association. That’s a recent memory – I have so many memories of staying up all night on the final night of conference and watching the sun rise – sharing great moments with so many of my ILTA family.
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?
My “motherly” advice is to limit your alcohol and go to bed early. Okay, okay. Chart your course early on – find those “must attends” and make everything else secondary. Set aside specific times to visit with key vendors, and shake as many new ILTA hands as you can.
What volunteer roles have you held for ILTA?
Regional Vice President; Conference Committee Member over multiple years; conference speaker; Conference Co-Chair; service for two terms on the Board of Directors.
What prompted you to get involved as a volunteer leader with ILTA?
I was “pushed” into volunteer leadership by a colleague. I hope I’ve done my fair share of “pushing” others to step out of their comfort zones, expand their professional boundaries and experience the joy of serving an association of this caliber.
What led you to become Executive Director?
As to my path to my current position – it was ordained. I was serving on the Board at a time of rapid growth for the association, and it was becoming painfully obvious that we were simply too big to continue to have volunteers run the business. I offered my services, the Board accepted, and the rest is history.
What does leadership mean to you?
Acting with integrity and always in the best interests of your constituents. Being thoughtful and above reproach in your actions. Having a vision and sharing it with others. Embracing change, embracing diversity of ideas and opinions, embracing a sense of betterment, and embracing others as often as you. Showing strength by revealing your weakness.
What makes you a leader?
I like to think that I’m true to all the hallmarks of leadership I’ve described above. And I like to think that if/when I fall short in any area, I’m smart enough to correct myself. I actually never consciously think of myself as a leader, but rather, I think of myself as a companion and counselor of sorts.
How has ILTA helped you become the leader you are today?
In every way possible – the volunteer opportunities that have allowed me to move well outside my comfort zone have opened doors for me that would be double-bolted otherwise. And my ILTA family – all those hundreds, now thousands, of great people whom I’ve met over three decades – their mentoring and support is a true gift.
What’s your Twitter handle?
Filed under: 2009 Conference
Great Profile – and especially impressed by “leadership considerations”.
Regards/Rob