Sponsored by 40 Under Forty Administrator, APRN, Giving Home Health Care VP of Business Development, Henry A. Petter Supply Director, First Christian Church Preschool 18 SEPTEMBER 2024 | INTHEVUE.COM Olivia Petter Organizations: Merryman House Board Member, Propeller Club of Paducah Board Member, Inland Waterways Museum Board Member, Paducah-Lakes Area Catholic Young Adults, United Way PALs Program, Paducah Young Professional Steering Committee, Leadership Kentucky Elevate Program, Leadership Paducah Class #36, Affiliated Distributors Delegate and Champion What is one of the biggest challenges that you’ve had to overcome in your professional career? My biggest professional career challenge was finding my place in my family’s business especially as one of the first women to participate actively. Initially, stepping into a role within the company was overwhelming because I wanted to balance honoring the legacy established by previous generations and bringing in new perspectives and ideas. To overcome this challenge, I actively sought mentorship from individuals with industry expertise, and I participated in leadership programs to learn from experiences and gain insights into effective leadership within the industry. By embracing a collaborative approach and leveraging tradition and innovation, I found my place in the family’s business, contributing to its growth and sustainability while maintaining its cherished heritage. What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever received? The best business advice I’ve ever received is not to let work overshadow your life. I belong to an industry networking group, and the seasoned members have emphasized that you only have one opportunity to create the life you desire. Excelling in your career is crucial, but prioritizing relationships outside of work with family and friends is even more important. It’s all too easy to become consumed by career advancement and disregard other aspects of life. Perry Colley Organizations: Kentucky Association of Nurse Practitioners & Nurse Midwives, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Paducah Young Professionals, Paducah Chamber of Commerce, Purchase Area Aviators EAA #807, West Kentucky Conference of Football Officials, Pathway Baptist Church What is one of the biggest challenges that you’ve had to overcome in your professional career? Transitioning from bedside nursing to a care provider, and then to healthcare leadership, posed temporary yet significant challenges in my career. Each transition presented an opportunity for growth, as they demanded diverse and advanced skills, along with new competencies to excel in each role. To surmount these challenges and build proficiency, I immersed myself in intensive study related to my responsibilities. This process is ongoing, and I continue to enhance my leadership abilities daily through coaching and reading. What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever received? “Seek first to understand, then to be understood,” is the guidance offered by Stephen Covey. By truly hearing the needs, wishes, and viewpoints of those we interact with, we can better serve them. In healthcare, this might involve thoroughly assessing symptoms to arrive at a correct diagnosis, or simply recognizing that a patient needs to be heard. In business, it could entail grasping the grievances of a client or an unhappy employee before taking the necessary actions to resolve conflicts. By prioritizing understanding, we can influence decisions and contribute to improving the world. Rachel Wurth Organizations: University of Louisville CardinOLL Program Ambassador, WKCTC Early Childhood Advisory Board Member, Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky Member, National Association for the Education of Young Children Member What is one of the biggest challenges that you’ve had to overcome in your professional career? One unique challenge I have had during my professional career that I’ve had to overcome is being a young leader. While being a young leader brings about fresh and unique approaches to leadership, one of the most significant hurdles I’ve been faced with is earning the respect and credibility of my team who may be older or more experienced, and gaining their confidence and trust. I’ve had to focus on demonstrating my ability to lead through building relationships, fostering strong communication skills, and continually expanding my knowledge and expertise. By doing so, I was able to build trust and show that leadership is defined by skill and dedication, and not just years of experience. What career achievement makes you most proud? A career achievement I am most proud of was recently being selected by the University of Louisville as the recipient of the 2023 Early Childhood Trailblazer Award. I have a passion for Early Childhood and I invest so much of my time and efforts in promoting the important role that early learning plays in the life of a child. Knowing that my time and investment in this field was recognized in the way it was by receiving such a special award, made all the work I have done to this point beyond worth it and solidified for me that I am exactly where I need to be.
