Wisdom Unlocked 🔓✨ Career Lessons from Leading Women: A Conversation with Nancy Spears

1. Could you start by introducing yourself—your name and what you do? 

Nancy Spears

CEO, Founder, genconnectU

2. How did your career begin, and how did you get to where you are today? 

“I started my career in journalism. I got lucky and actually pursued the business that I was educated in! My first startup was an event planning, design, and branding company. I sold that company to the Interpublic Group.”

3. How have you seen the workplace shift since you started your career? What are the most significant changes you’ve observed? 

“Well obviously, digital and the internet have been the two greatest shifts. Our shift to AI is changing everything. When I started my first company, the internet had just become a thing. Now we’ve completely pivoted once again to AI, which is very exciting. I’m not seeing AI replacing jobs, but rather requiring leaders to strengthen their workforce with AI skills. It will enable all of us to produce smarter, more creative work.”

4. Conversely, what aspects of the workplace have remained constant in your experience? 

“Nothing replaces hard work! Even in the age of AI. In fact, it is actually accelerating the pace of work. A few principles that will never go away, regardless of trends and technology: integrity, trust, commitment, and kindness.”

5. Storytime! We’d love to hear about a pivotal moment or decision that shaped your career. It can be a success or a challenge—what stands out to you, and how have you changed because of it? 

“True confessions — My first company, CEM, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices in seven cities, had 10 of the top 12 worldwide Olympics sponsor accounts for many years. In 1996, we were responsible for the build-out of their Olympic Village hospitality venues and their events. We are talking huge clients including Coke, Xerox, Swatch, and John Hancock. That year we subcontracted much of the physical buildout. Long story short, one of our subcontractors ended up a no-show and stealing over $500,000 in deposits. Needless to say, I was panicked. With less than 10 days to recover before the opening ceremonies, we went to work. My employees and managers worked relentlessly around the clock to fulfill our contracts. I could not have been prouder to have such an amazing and committed team. We pulled it off and later sued the contractor. (He ended up serving time in prison in California.)  The lessons I learned were to never say never and, in this case, I actually trusted too much. Don’t always assume that everyone works by the same moral compass that you do! Always have a Plan B!”

6. Navigating work-life balance can be challenging and often more difficult for women. How have you managed this throughout your career? 

“I think my female gifts have helped keep life in balance. Many would say I am a workaholic and I would say guilty as charged. But I also think priorities like being the best mother I can be, taking care of my health, being a good friend, making time for others when they need you most and generosity keep life in balance. Meditation and Buddhism have also played a huge role in my life and have kept me grounded. The principles of karma and impermanence are real and show up in the moment – sometimes at the most inconvenient times. Paying attention to what really matters and catching yourself when you might be heading off track is essential to living a good life.”

7. We encourage everyone, particularly women, to seek mentorship and guidance from leaders in their fields. Who has been your mentor along your journey, and how have they influenced your career? 

“Not sure I have had a mentor – I’m probably too old for that! The two teachers who have kept me on game and have influenced my thinking are Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and David Whyte. Both teach timeless lessons that inspire me to stay aware of what really matters and to do the right thing.”

8. What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self when you were starting?

“Be a little tougher. Know what you bring to the table and what your special gifts are and tap into those gifts as much as you can to make the world a better place. Always be kind.”