Amy Ankrum
Toni McLawhorn
Leaders in our area have diverse opinions By Nanette Levin
Leadership perspectives are almost as varied as the backgrounds of those affecting change in Southwest Virginia. Five individuals, some of whom who may not be household names, share their viewpoints. Amy Ankrum, President & CEO, Qualtrax
pursue a common purpose. It’s about listening and making sure we’re putting our time and “The best part of leadership for me is affecting investment into the best ideas. I think that’s peoples’ lives. Whether it’s your team or your what’s allowed us to be so successful. customers you’re serving, to be able to make a positive impact in people’s lives is really When did you discover what leadership is? rewarding.” Amy has been a part of Qualtrax, Throughout life, probably the definition of a compliance management software company leadership has taken on new meaning for headquartered in Blacksburg and founded me. My parents had a big impact on what in 1993, for more than 20 years. She started I thought it looked like to take responsibility running the company in 2011 and is a part and have the right core value set. As I spent owner today. She’s a VT graduate and time in the business world, I’ve had the proud Hokie. opportunity to see different leaders in action and that has helped to mold my view. I’ve How do you define leadership? When I think met great leaders to model and leadership about leadership, and especially from my I wouldn’t want to repeat. perspective of leading Qualtrax, it’s really been about providing a purpose that people Toni McLawhorn, One-Stop Coordinator at get very excited to be a part of; sharing a path Virginia Career Works – Blue Ridge Region that people are excited to go down with you. A leader for me is someone who doesn’t nec- “I have always been a firm believer that essarily have all the best ideas, all the right you need to be involved in order to affect ideas, but is able to put together the right leadership and decisions.” Toni manages the people with the right skill sets to One-Stop Center in Roanoke and is responsible
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