Metro Magazine, September/October 2015
78 mETRO mAGAZINE SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2015 metro magazine com five questions today I can call one of my mentors for an informal consult on a best practice or how they approached a policy matter I also value being a mentor to others It is a way to give back for what others have done for me Mentoring also helps me to learn and grow because it enables me to reflect on my career and provide sound advice for a new or better way of doing things So I see mentoring as a win win I can give back and learn in the process Im a second generation transit professional My father worked almost 40 years for New York City Transit Ive got a sister and brother n law whos at New York City Transit now as a superintendent In addition to my sister I have individuals around this country who have mentored me and individuals who have worked for me who I have mentored and stay in close contact with We talk quite frequently about the industry what theyre facing at their property how theyre managing expectations and in some cases helping them prepare for their next opportunity I am active with the American Public Transportation Association The Eno Center for Transportation and the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials because its a part of my DNA to help others I think if you really look at this industry to be a transit CEO is about helping people and helping our communities You were recently named one of the regions ultimate CEOs Can you talk about what you think makes you a solid leader From the first day that I started my career with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York City I loved this transit industry I love the excitement I love the challenge I love what it means to people in the community in terms of helping them get to work the doctor or school It may not be so plainly obvious to everybody who sees what we do but I do recognize what my responsibilities are every morning when I listen to the morning traffic while Im getting ready for work and smile because I strive to provide the kind of public transit experience that will encourage people to get out of the gridlock and leave the driving to us Within months after I was hired at the JTA I reorganized my executive team and asked people to apply for leadership positions if they possessed the 12 characteristics or traits I wanted in the new JTA leader Those traits were Critical thinker Accountable Engaged Innovative High Energy Good Communicator Change Agent Team Player Customer focused Inspirational Courageous Strategic thinker I look for those traits in my executive team because those are the skills I be
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