Bonnie Biocchi: President and CEO,  MetroWest Chamber of Commerce

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Who is your most influential role model, and why?

I would have to say my dad. He taught me the value of hard work and determination as well as integrity and loyalty. And he instilled in me a belief that I can achieve anything that I put my mind to, as long as I am willing to work for it. The work ethic he established in me as a child helped me many times later as I tackled challenging problems and navigated the decision-making process. When I was young, he would often give me jobs that required strength and stamina, such as cement work or carpentry or he would enlist my help in plumbing, electrical or automotive projects. These were non-traditional roles for a teenage girl that helped me develop skills, confidence, and a “can-do” attitude.

What has helped you achieve success in your career?

I believe in the old adage that experience is the best teacher. Real-life wins are more gratifying when you have worked hard to achieve them, and real-life defeats are more humbling, with the added bonus that you probably won’t make the same mistake twice. It is equally important to establish a network or team of people who can help you accomplish your goals. I work with a tremendous team of colleagues and volunteers that create success for our organization every day. Setting a vision is one thing; executing a strategic plan is an altogether different thing. Without an appropriate support system implementing that plan, your vision will never be realized.

What's your primary motivator; or, if there is one thing that makes you tick or ignites a passion within you, what is it?

Making a difference is important to me. Whether it’s assisting on an advisory board at my church, volunteering for a community function or advocating for my member businesses, using my gifts and talents to support the efforts of others is uniquely gratifying. In my current role, I have the opportunity to connect people to resources or people that enable them to pursue and achieve their goals. I also have the opportunity to mentor a number of individuals, and that is definitely satisfying.

How does your organization give back to the community, and what role have you played in those efforts?

The MetroWest chamber works hard to enhance the quality of life for the people in the region we serve. Every year, we distribute scholarships to local graduating seniors. Last year, we awarded $14, 000 to 14 students to help them achieve their college dreams. We developed a college initiative that focuses on mentoring graduating college seniors with the goal of better preparing them for the workforce they will enter.

As a way to better link our chamber members and their employees to the community at large, we created a Community Outreach Committee, which connects the large and talented workforce here with a myriad of non-profit volunteer opportunities throughout the region. Projects we have undertaken include fielding a team of women to participate in Habitat For Humanity’s “Women Build” event, and assembling a large group of volunteers to serve dinner at a local food pantry that serves the underprivileged.

When the stress level gets too high, how do you ease the pressure?

In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, cooking and baking and then sharing that bounty with friends and family. Investing my energy into something tangible is important to me, because I like to be productive. I also sing in two choirs, which is a great stress reducer. I might go for a walk or bike a beautiful trail because it reminds me that the world is a much bigger place than my work life or whatever problems I might have. Most often though, when I feel overwhelmed, I give my worries over to God. For me, the power of prayer is the most effective stress reducer of all.

How have you tried to balance your career and your personal life? Please give an example or two.

I constantly remind myself that “what I do” is not “who I am.” I am also wife, mother, daughter, friend, colleague and volunteer. Those roles have to blend with my role as a CEO. If they do not, then I lose something more important than the money/prestige/advancement I might gain by singularly focusing on my career. Sometimes women become so focused on their careers that they become almost one-dimensional. They lose touch with the things that originally contributed to their success: having a sense of humor, showing empathy, engaging in satisfying hobbies, and spending time with the people they love. Garnering success is pointless if, at the end of the day, you have no time or energy to share it with those you care about.

Every day, set aside time to recharge. Shut off your phone, ignore your email and texts, and just be in the moment. Spend time with the ones you love, learn something new, listen to your favorite music. And spend a little time every day in prayer or meditation or enjoying nature. That will help you maintain your equilibrium, which is the first step in creating balance in your life.

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2013 Outstanding Women In Business Awards - Bonnie Biocchi, MetroWest Chamber of Commerce

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2013 Outstanding Women In Business