Pat Nazemetz is chief ethics officer for Xerox Corporation. She also is a vice president of the corporation, appointed in January 1999. She's responsible for all aspects of human resources and the company's talent strategy including resource planning, sourcing, talent management, leadership development, pay and rewards, diversity, work environment and industrial relations.
In anticipation of Nazemetz's April 30 visit to Milwaukee, I asked her several questions about management, Xerox and work/life balance.
Nazemetz will keynote UW-Milwaukee's School of Continuing Education's "Women Leaders- Not Business as Usual" conference at the Pfister Hotel. OnMilwaukee.com is an event sponsor.
OnMilwaukee.com: How has Xerox reinvented itself through the years?
Pat Nazemetz: This is a potentially long story; the short version may be best summarized by the "Cow in the Ditch" story told by our recent past CEO Anne Mulcahy.
When you find yourself in a crisis as we (Xerox) did, approach it as a farmer with a cow in a ditch might. First thing is to get the cow out of the ditch (crisis management/extreme focus and discipline are what is needed). After the cow is out of the ditch, find out how it got there in the first place - reflection/analysis etc. Then, make sure you have a plan to ensure that the cow never falls in the ditch again. Proactive/preventive and somewhat strategic thinking about a better approach to the future.
I would add another dimension at this point, and that is, decide where you want the cow to be in the future and devise the plan to move her in that direction. A sound business strategy; understanding what lies ahead (markets/ marketing) and what route(s) you want to pursue and with whom.
OMC: What was your first job, and what did you truly "want to be" when you were a kid?
PN: My first job was a waitress - money for school, disliking the thought of babysitting or working in an office. I wanted to be a scientist or a brain surgeon - motivated by the space program and Ben Casey. Realized I was more "right brained" than my aptitude for math and science suggested.
OMC: Is there really such a thing as work/life balance? Or, is it all just life today?
PN: Maybe "harmony" is a better word than "balance". Need to find your passion(s), then you'll find the time.
OMC: How has Xerox innovated with its family, work and childcare programs?
PN: We looked for the most sustainable initiatives rather than the most obvious or most popular approach. E.g., rather than pursue child care centers at major work locations (all the rage in the early-mid '90s) we introduced support/resource programs, supported some of the more promising childcare initiatives, extended our reach to elder care and created the LifeCycle Assistance program that gave employees with more modest incomes access to subsidies. However, most important was building on and promoting a culture of empathy - do the right thing; use common sense and the "Golden Rule".
OMC: And, how can smaller companies learn from your company's success?
PN: Smaller companies should have an advantage. Stay in touch with what matters - to your employees, customers and other constituents. Don't be too clever or too bureaucratic. Go for fairness, not equality.
OMC: Best 3 pieces of advice for new, working moms and dads?
PN: Plan, plan, plan; get organized and stay that way; build in back-ups for everything; then, follow your instincts.
OMC: How are today's 25 years olds different than 25 year olds 20 years ago?
PN: They probably have had less opportunity for independent thinking and action (seems like each succeeding generation delays that independence a bit further). But, they should be encouraged to put their impatience and enthusiasm to work for them!
OMC: What 2 things best define a great manager?
PN: Courage and empathy.
OMC: Do you have a Twitter account? If so, do you use/like it?
PN: No. I don't think everyone needs to know everything about me (still old-fashioned enough to want some private thoughts!)
OMC: Define success.
PN: Self-discovery - having the resources to know and pursue your passions!
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
