Last month, Tempe Leadership had the pleasure of honoring Beth Fiorenza with the Outstanding Community Leadership Award at the Tempe Chamber of Commerce Breakfast of Champion’s Event. As Executive Director of the Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA), Beth puts her leadership skills to work daily by serving low-income families and individuals via several community outreach programs. Beth is also a past president of Tempe Leadership, graduate of Class XVI, and is still a dedicated and active volunteer. We recently caught up with her to reflect on the various aspects of leadership and her experience with Tempe Leadership.
Q:
What is your Leadership Style? A: Participative, I always seek input from my leadership team to make sound decisions for my organization. My advice is to always be a good role model, listen to others and do what you say you are going to do. Follow up to make sure your decisions are executed.
Q:
What attracted you to leadership? A: I wouldn’t say that I’m attracted to leadership but have taken my responsibilities seriously in each and every position that I’ve held, from an ice cream sundae maker at 16 years old to Executive Director at Tempe Community Action Agency today.
Q:
Why is leadership important? A: Decisions have to be made in every aspect of life, so possessing good leadership traits is important. Notice that I didn’t say the right or expected decision. I believe that taking a stance on a decision is a trait of a good leader. The mistakes that we make help us learn and make us stronger leaders.
Q:
How has Tempe Leadership impacted your professional and personal life? A: Tempe Leadership helped me realize that there were many opportunities in Tempe that I never knew existed and gave me the push to seek out those opportunities.
Q:
If someone you knew was applying to join the next Tempe Leadership class, what advice would you give them? A: Go for it! I always tell people that if you are willing to put in the time, then you won’t be disappointed. If you think you know everything about Tempe, you don’t know until you go through Tempe Leadership!
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