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in Leadership

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Education: BA, Cornell University; JD, Harvard Law School Company Name: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP Industry: Law Company CEO: Kim Koopersmith Company Headquarters Location: n/a Number of Employees: 1,700+ Your Location (if different from above): Washington, DC Words you live by: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” –Maya Angelou Personal Philosophy: Take things one day at a time, while keeping an eye on the horizon. What book are you reading: Freezing Order by Bill Browder What was your first job: Cashier at supermarket Favorite charity: Washington Hunger Project Interests: Travel with my family, tennis, and time with family and friends Family: My family includes my husband, 18-year-old daughter, and 20-year-old son

A Seat at the Table

There was a moment nearly 20 years ago that I remember as vividly as if it happened yesterday. I walked into my first management meeting and saw a sea of men. While I knew in my head that I belonged in that room, there was a moment when I thought, is there— literally and figuratively—a seat at this table for me. At that moment, a senior woman partner strode across

many of us depended. She said she wanted to express her thanks to me for always noticing—and highlighting —her accomplishments, for ensuring she had a seat at the table, and for the many times I would stop by to simply ask how she was doing. At that moment, I realized I had come full circle. Over the arc of a career, one can accomplish so Over the arc of a career, one can accomplish so many things, and yet when I look back at the past 30 years, what I remember most vividly and value most greatly are the times that someone reached out a hand to me, or I reached out a hand to another. ” “

the room and, with a booming voice, welcomed me and found me a seat. That moment is one that this mentor of mine likely would not even recall because, for her, it was completely natural. And from that day forward, I was determined to emulate her each day of my professional life.

Recently, a young lawyer who was moving on to a new position stopped by my office on her last day. We had worked together for several years and I had watched her grow into an excellent lawyer on whom many things, and yet when I look back at the past 30 years, what I remember most vividly and value most greatly are the times that someone reached out a hand to me, or I reached out a hand to another. Those were the moments that positioned us for greater successes, as individuals and as a team.

So take a moment and look around the room; ensure that everyone has a seat at the table and if you can’t find your own seat, look for someone who can help make room for you.