such a gift.”

opportunity to share with people.”

Having the opportunity to have discourse with and give advice to other leaders and the next generation of leaders was profound, said Sheares Ashby, adding, “It made what I do even more meaningful.”

One of the questions that kept coming up while speaking to groups and individuals concerned how to be one’s authentic self in the workplace.

“They don’t need you to be them,” she told them. “They need you to be you. If it doesn’t work out, that place is not for you.”

She emphasized the importance of recognizing individuals’ unique personalities, skills, talents, ways of thinking, culture, and more, and the benefit of bringing one-of-akind attributes to the corporate table.

“Don’t ever change who you are or what you are,” said Sheares Ashby, adding it’s better to walk away than change one’s core values.

Questions and comments from Black women across the country about her wearing her hair natural while serving as a top administrative leader initially took her by surprise. She said many women asked how much tolerance exists in leadership environments.

She reiterated, “If they don’t like it [natural hairstyles], that’s not your place.”

Another topic that came up consistently was about imposter syndrome, which she has addressed frequently.

She explained that early in her career as a professor, she had doubts about whether she deserved and was qualified to hold positions of greater responsibility.

by Gale Horton Gay editors@ccgmag.com

that I was not good enough to be where what I was doing,” said Sheares Ashby, struggled with thoughts such as, “They don’t know I can’t do this. They made a Sheares Ashby, who received a bachelor’s in chemistry from the University of and completed

Universität Mainz in Germany as a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow and NATO Postdoctoral Fellow.

After learning about imposter syndrome, Sheares Ashby said she started taking action to address those feelings and process things differently. “My brain changed,” she said. “I’ve been clear ever since.”

Sheares Ashby advises the next Technologist of the Year to be prepared for the unexpected.

“This honor will make you visible in ways you might not have anticipated,” she said, adding that a tremendous number of individuals and groups will want to engage with the honoree. “It’s such a gift.”

Sheares Ashby offers those interested in charting a successful leadership path the following advice:

1. Get a great mentor. “You are going to need some help,” she said, adding that she has a team of mentors and a leadership coach.

2. Take really good care of yourself. Don’t allow work to be your whole life. “Leaders need to know what replenishes them. I know I have to recover every weekend.”

3. Maintain a healthy perspective on one’s importance to an organization. “You are needed, but you are not irreplaceable.” 

Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/live/KaAey8XKzU4?f eature=share&t=8969

Valerie S. Ashby, Ph.D. President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County