Leading Ladies - Lisa Howze

Summary

In this inspiring episode of Leading Ladies podcast, Lisa How, a Walsh College alum, CPA, and author, shares her compelling journey of resilience and success. From facing challenges in her early career to becoming a nationally recognized empowerment speaker, Lisa emphasizes the importance of creativity, imagination, and attaching oneself to a cause greater than oneself. Her experiences in politics and accounting, as well as her work with Junior Achievement, highlight the power of perseverance and the value of serving a mission bigger than oneself. Lisa's story is a testament to the impact of a strong mindset and the significance of maximizing the potential of every moment.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Lisa's three fundamental beliefs are: everything happens for a reason, there's a lack of creativity and imagination rather than money, and attaching oneself to a cause greater than oneself leads to significance in life.
• 📚 Lisa's journey began with her education at Walsh College, where she pursued a Masters of Science in Finance, inspired by the frequent requirement of a master's degree in job opportunities and her role as a church accountant.
• 💡 The importance of creativity and imagination is emphasized, as Lisa believes that these are the true currencies of success, rather than money.
• 🏛 Lisa's unexpected entry into politics was driven by the financial crisis in Detroit and her background as a CPA, showing that opportunities can arise from challenging situations.
• 🔄 Lisa's experiences with failure, such as not passing the CPA exam initially, demonstrate the value of perseverance and learning from setbacks.
• 🤝 The power of networking and building relationships is highlighted, as Lisa advises students to focus on both academic achievement and the connections they make during their education.
• 📈 Lisa's involvement in politics, including her role as Chief of Staff for the Mayor of Detroit, underscores her commitment to public service and contributing to a larger cause.
• 📖 'Candy Girl Mentality' is Lisa's book that encapsulates her life story and entrepreneurial mindset, teaching the next generation about financial acumen and leadership.
• 🌱 The concept of 'maximizing the meantime' is introduced, encouraging individuals to make the most of their current situation while keeping an eye on the future.
• 🏆 Lisa's recognition as Junior Achievement Advocate of the Year reflects her dedication to empowering youth through financial education and entrepreneurial skills.
• 💼 The impact of corporate sponsorship on education is discussed, with Lisa's book serving as a tool for organizations to invest in future talent and build lasting impressions.

Q & A

What are Lisa's three fundamental beliefs that guide her life and career?

Lisa's three fundamental beliefs are: 1) Everything happens for a reason, 2) There's only a lack of creativity and imagination, not a lack of money, and 3) To be great in life and have significance, one must attach themselves to a cause much bigger than themselves.

How did Lisa's early experiences with Junior Achievement influence her entrepreneurial mindset?

Lisa's early experiences with Junior Achievement exposed her to the concepts of entrepreneurship, economics, and leadership. This exposure was instrumental in shaping her entrepreneurial mindset and belief in the possibility of creating value and wealth from a young age.

What was the turning point for Lisa when she decided to run for politics?

The turning point for Lisa to run for politics was when she recognized the city of Detroit's $300 million budget deficit and realized that her skills as a CPA could contribute to addressing this issue.

How did Lisa overcome her initial failures in the CPA exam?

Lisa overcame her initial failures in the CPA exam by learning from a colleague, Maria, who had successfully passed the exam after multiple attempts. By following Maria's study patterns and dedication, Lisa was able to pass the exam on her third attempt.

What is the 'Candy Girl Mentality' that Lisa discusses in her book?

The 'Candy Girl Mentality' is a mindset that recognizes life's challenges as opportunities for growth and success. It involves seeing life as happening 'for you' rather than 'to you', and responding to adversity with resilience and creativity.

How did Lisa's involvement in politics lead to significant changes in Detroit's economy?

Lisa's involvement in politics, particularly her role as the first chief of staff for Mayor Mike Duggan, contributed to significant economic changes in Detroit, including helping the city achieve an investment-grade credit rating, which benefits various aspects of the city's development and its residents.

What advice does Lisa give to young people and professionals about building a strong network?

Lisa advises young people and professionals to not only focus on academic achievements and career progression but also to invest in building relationships with their peers, professors, and industry professionals. She emphasizes the importance of being present and engaged in networking events and opportunities.

How does Lisa's book 'Candy Girl Mentality' offer value to organizations interested in developing future talent?

Lisa's book 'Candy Girl Mentality' offers value to organizations by providing a framework for developing a strong financial acumen and entrepreneurial mindset among young people. Organizations can use the book as a tool to invest in future talent, while also gaining recognition through branded labels in the books provided to learners.

What is the significance of the 'BBOP' (Book Order Partners) program mentioned by Lisa?

The 'BBOP' (Book Order Partners) program is significant as it allows organizations to support the distribution of Lisa's book to young people while gaining recognition for their contribution. This partnership helps organizations brand themselves positively with the recipients and potentially cultivates a relationship that could lead to future collaborations or talent acquisition.

How did Lisa's experiences with adversity and failure contribute to her success?

Lisa's experiences with adversity and failure, such as not passing the CPA exam initially and facing financial challenges, taught her valuable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and the importance of learning from setbacks. These experiences helped her develop the 'Candy Girl Mentality', which ultimately contributed to her success in various aspects of her life and career.

What does Lisa recommend for individuals who face challenges or setbacks in their career or personal life?

Lisa recommends that individuals facing challenges or setbacks should view these situations as opportunities for growth and learning. She encourages people to stay focused on their long-term goals, be open to learning from their experiences, and maintain a positive mindset that embraces the belief that everything happens for a reason.