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WOMAN TO WATCH: Rhonda Vetere, Chief Technology Officer at Estée Lauder
If today’s Woman to Watch were a lipstick color, it would have to be Estée Lauder’s “Empowered” shade. This red-orange hue is as luminous and confident as Rhonda Vetere, the diligent chief technology officer at famed cosmetics giant Estée Lauder.
This dynamic woman had an amazing 25 years of experience working in male-dominated industries all over the world before making her way to the beauty dynasty that is Estée Lauder. Seriously, y’all, she is a true business powerhouse! Rhonda started her career in telecom then transitioned to financial services, all while garnering a lot of well-deserved acclaim.
Named one of the top 100 chief technology officers in the STEM world, Rhonda acts as an agent of change and a builder of better business. She’s known for her creative approach to management, which comes from a simple philosophy: Treat people as you want to be treated.
There are 10 guiding principles Rhonda strictly adheres to when it comes to business, fundamentals that many women can adapt in their own paths toward leadership: be prepared, be on time, listen first, be accountable, communicate openly, display managerial courage, show respect, be honest, recognize your team and know your metrics.
One thing that doesn’t stop Rhonda is geography. She is a real globetrotting business leader. When I spoke with Rhonda, it was her first day home after spending six weeks on the road. Such exhaustive travel is integral to Rhonda being effective at what she does because she must keep a close eye on the pulse of people and the marketplace. Part of Rhonda’s travel stamina comes from what she calls her sanity: running. After completing a marathon, Rhonda flew to India within eight hours like it was no big deal. And she’s currently training for an Ironman Triathlon. I’ll definitely be motivated by that thought the next time I complain I’m too tired for a 30-minute spin class!
Clearly, Rhonda is passionate about her career, her team and inspiring women throughout the world with her energy, drive and expertise. Thank you, Rhonda, for empowering us to run that extra mile and never give up.
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And in case you need a little more motivation, listen to what Rhonda has been up to this year: She ran that Ironman—oh, and the New York City Marathon, all while traveling the world four times over and winning some pretty prestigious business awards along the way. All that and she still managed to make time to have lunch with me in New York last June—the highlight of both of our years, I’m sure!
This is Melinda Garvey signing off until next time. Remember, ladies, empowered women empower other women. Share On the Dot so more women can have a voice. Thanks for getting ready with us.
To learn more about our conversation, check us out at OnTheDotWoman.com and talk to us @OnTheDotWoman on Twitter and Instagram. We’d love to hear your voice.