1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Aligning everyone on the team for a clear understanding of what needs to be done and how to get there. Once this is accomplished, things flow from that point forward.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Starting out as an intern at the United Nations, my accomplishments moved from a team member to team leader, largely by seeing how to streamline a team as well as the projects. This carried over into the private sector as well. It's a matter of grasping the essentials of the situation, then brining others on board to work in their areas of expertise.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Prepare a daily agenda based on long-term, midterm, and short-term goals. Be flexible between the three, always be where you're supposed to, and seek to make things better for all concerned. Stick to your routine for reliability and dependability for others. It's not about you, it's about those around you.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Always be prepared for the unexpected. When something new appears, look at it, analyze it, adapt your strategy, then roll with it. There are no problems, only opportunities.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

"In Search of Excellence" by Robert Waterman, who takes the best practices of successful companies and explains how to apply these principles professionally and personally. This book made a significant impact on my perspective for business and for life.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Listen to those with experience! You may have the knowledge and background, but it takes time to gain the experience that brings wisdom. It's like the young leader in the Bible who ignored his elders, listened to his young friends, and lost out. Always respect and listen to those with more experience, it truly does pay huge dividends.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

Always tell the truth, even if it may be detrimental to you, the client must come first. In one situation a dear client wanted to go into an overseas market, but that market was very exclusive and didn't cater to outside products, so although it was difficult, this information was shared with the client, who was frustrated and discouraged, however, a few days later, a letter arrived explaining that my information had saved several thousands of dollars that would have been lost on this pursuit. Later, we worked together on other projects. The bottom line? Always tell it like it is.