October 28, 2013
2013 Outstanding Women In Business
Patricia Hallberg: CEO Girl Scouts Of Central And Western Massachusetts, Worcester and Holyoke
Photo/MATT VOLPINI
Patricia Hallberg
Who is your most influential role model, and why?
There was nothing that my parents thought was out of the realm of possibility for me. They modeled “anything is possible” and it gave me the freedom to try anything new without fear getting in the way, to welcome change and to embrace a think-outside-the-box mentality. My parents supported my exploration of new ways of doing things, which has led to a lifelong comfort in my leadership abilities.
What has helped you achieve success in your career?
When I came to the Girl Scouts to merge three very different councils into one, I again heard a lot of “nos.” No we can't do it this way, no we have always done it that way, no we want to stay exactly the same. Again, no wasn't my job. My job was to find a way to make it work, a way to take each “no” and turn it into “yes”, and then, of course, turn the yeses into successes. My drive to succeed, the willingness to say yes when many others say no, and my focus on the potential of things, have been the keys to my success.
What's your primary motivator; or if there is one thing that makes you tick or ignites a passion within you, what is it?
From a business perspective in my own work, failure is not an option. I am motivated by success and continually challenge myself and those I work with to look for new ways to move forward. I came to the Girl Scouts for two reasons: one is that I believe passionately in the potential of girls and the power of that potential. I wanted to be part of helping girls reach that potential. The second is that I was really intrigued with the idea of merging three separate entities into one thriving business. There was a whole lot of change about to happen for a whole lot of people and I knew I could navigate the process in a way that would inspire others not only to embrace the change but take it and run with it.
How does your organization give back to the community, and what role have you played in those efforts?
The Girl Scout experience is about giving girls access to life-changing experiences that inspire them to do something big. We lead girls on a journey from self-discovery all the way to world change. Girls learn about their surroundings and the needs of their community. The pinnacle of Girl Scouting is giving back to the community. Two-thirds of our nation's most accomplished women leaders in public service, business, science, education and the arts were Girl Scouts. Girl Scouting helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making. These skills lead girls to do amazing things — to help bring about positive change around them. Every one of our 186 communities have benefitted from the work of girls who have found a need in their community and have worked find a solution.
When the stress level gets too high, how do you ease the pressure?
Usually when my stress level is too high, it's because something is not working. The only way to ease the pressure is to step back and analyze what's happening and develop a new approach to the challenge. Reaching out to others and utilizing the skills of others to determine a new path is essential. I also love yoga. It is amazing how much you can accomplish when you are forcing yourself to look inward and let the “chatter” in your mind escape for a little while.
How have you tried to balance your career and your personal life? Please give an example or two.
For me, balance is about priorities. Nothing is more important than my family — my four daughters, my husband, my parents, my sister and brother and their families. The important work is to be true to myself, be supportive and present for my family, and then to do the best job I can possibly do for the people that work with me, the organization that has hired me, and the girls that are counting on me.
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2013 Outstanding Women In Business Awards - Patricia Hallberg, Girl Scouts of Central and Western MA
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2013 Outstanding Women In Business
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Diane M. Power: Executive Director Mirick O’Connell, Worcester
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