- April 13, 2015
- 2:06 pm
- Andrew Keyt
- no comments
Empowering Women in Family Business
In anticipation of this Thursday’s annual Women’s Networking Event, we wanted to introduce our Event Hosts and ask them a few questions on family business, career challenges, and what they think it takes for women to become stronger, more confident leaders in the workplace.
Michelle McCaskey (G4), Chicago Bears
Michelle has spent most of her career in education in various forms from teaching, coaching, and training. While Michelle does not work for her family’s business, she is heavily invested in her family business’s Family Advisory Committee (FAC), and serves as FAC Chairwoman to help guide initiatives and communication among committee and family members.
Sheila Gartland (G2), Garvey’s Office Products
Sheila is one of the five current owners of Garvey’s Office Products. Her role at the business is to be the glue that holds the place together and the Marketing Director. Sheila lives in Oak Park with her husband and three children.
Jeanne Gannon (G3), Mullins Food Products
Jeanne is the president of Mullins Food Products, a manufacturer and custom packager of liquid condiments serving the food service industry, specifically providing sauces, salad dressings, ketchup, and mayonnaise to many of the “giants” in the food industry. Jeanne has been working for the family business for over 30 years. She is married and is the mother of three sons, ages 32, 30, and 26.
What has been your greatest challenge as a family leader?
Michelle: One of the challenges that our generation has faced is the transition from one generation to the next, and how that looks and feels to G2/G3 for the future of the business. By helping lead efforts to engage all generations and communicate better about expectations and goals, is one of my goals for the Family Advisory Committee and G4.
Jeanne: Due to the number of owners actively involved in the management and operation of our business, it can occasionally be difficult to separate our work life and family life. I think there are times when we need to consciously make sure that the two do not mix outside of the business.
Sheila: Our greatest challenge in our family business right now is preparing to incorporate the third generation. Since my generation is all siblings, there is a certain dynamic that exists that is not necessarily there for the third generation. We are so thankful to be working with the Loyola Family Business Center to make this process as smooth as possible and someday, in the not so distant future, ensure a smooth transition of the business.
What advice would you give a young woman who isn’t going to work for the family business, but wants to stay connected and informed to be able to potentially take on a leadership role within the family?
Michelle: I would encourage anyone, but in particular women, to make their desire to be involved in the business known to those that are in charge. Ask questions until there is a level of satisfactory knowledge or feedback. Help build the idea of a Family Advisory Committee to bridge the gap between the generations.
Jeanne: No matter which career path you take, make sure you choose to be involved in a field that you have a true interest in. Enjoying your job and the environment you work in will fuel your desire to do the best job possible.
Sheila: Since it was never my intention to work in the family business, my advice to a young woman beginning her career path is to be open to every opportunity that presents itself. I would never have believed it if someone told me 23 years ago that I would end up working in my family business for over 20 years. I would also say that no matter what career path they choose, they should learn how to do as much as they can in every job they have. Every new experience brings more knowledge and makes you so much more marketable down the road.
What advice would you give women to encourage them to be stronger, more confident leaders in the workplace, and in life?
Michelle: Be prepared to be shut out and ignored, but be persistent. A 2013 Forbes article outlines three strategies for success:
1) Advocate for others
2) Share your success
3) Strike when resources are plentiful
Jeanne: I would advise women to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible to develop those skills necessary to be stronger, more confident leaders in the workplace. In other words, when you get the chance to stretch (example: participate on a panel or address a group of individuals about a particular topic) make sure to say yes. It is then critically important, though, that you put in the proper amount of prep work so that you are comfortable doing so.
Sheila: My advice would be to always continue to learn as much as you can and be open to sharing your experience. Knowledge not only makes you more confident in what you are doing, but makes others turn to you for answers and advice.
A big thank you to our event hosts for taking the time to contribute to this blog post. We look forward to hearing them share more about their experience at the Women’s Event. Join us!
What questions would you ask women who have years of experience in their family business? What advice do you have? We would love to hear your ideas!