I had the pleasure of interviewing Rhonda Vetere , President of Data and Analytics at nThrive. She is a seasoned C-Suite executive and passionate global leader.
She has lived and worked internationally — in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, London, Mumbai, and across India — and has managed teams of up to 20,000 people. Vetere is also the co-author of an HP special edition book, “Enterprise Service Management for Dummies”.
Rhonda has been recognized with for her leadership and influence, notably with a 2017 Stevie Award for Excellence in Transforming Business (competing with over 1500 CIOs and CTOs), and has been featured in renowned publications, including Forbes, Huffington Post, Thrive, Moneyish, CNBC, Women of Influence, Financial Post, Triathlete Magazine, SWAAY Magazine, and more.
She contributes her perspective and knowledge through serving on boards for professional, educational, and athletic institutions, including the US Olympics and Paralympics, The Canadian Cloud Council, Longwood University, George Mason University School of Business, SWAAY Magazine, Miss Fashion Week, and Xcelocloud Inc.
A dynamic leader both at work and play, Vetere is constantly training for and competing in events — over 65 so far, including triathlons, half-marathons, marathons, and IRONMAN triathlons (single-day races that consist of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and a marathon 26.22-mile run). She is a member of the New York Road Runners (NYRR), plays golf, and encourages her friends and associates to pursue active, healthy lifestyles as an integral part of career success and improving performance.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! What is your “backstory”?
I’ve been working since I was 12-years-old. I worked for everything. Nothing was handed to me and I wouldn’t change a thing because it has taught me to be risk resilient and focus on the end game. My mom instilled in me early on that with work hard (and while reaching for the stars) anything is possible once you put your mind to it.
My competitive side came out in sports. I was involved in swimming, gymnastics, diving, cheerleading, volleyball, softball, skiing, scuba diving, cliff diving, and more.
One day, my dream job is to manage an NFL football team to show that women can do it, too. I am a true sports fanatic! Results speak for themselves on and off the field.
What is it about the work you’re doing that’s disruptive?
I think being a C-suite leader is about being honest, taking on hard conversations. I am being disruptive by being the voice in the boardroom and fighting for what is right to take the company to the next level, whether that’s getting funding on what companies need to move forward or helping them as they leapfrog into the next error.
We all need a little help along the journey — who have been some of your mentors?
There have been a few influential CEOs of large fortune 100 companies and a 5 star general in the military that has served several Presidents.
How are you going to shake things up next?
By continuing to be known as an iconic female presence who will be the voice when people call from all over the world about what good looks like in not only technology, but also running a global team.
Can you share 3 of the best words of advice you’ve gotten along your journey?
Play golf. This is something that I picked up at a later age, but it has been a game changer for me. Lots of business gets done on the golf course. I am a member at Winged Foot Golf Club and try to play as frequently as my schedule allows.
Always have your 30 second elevator speech to answer two questions; How are you and what are you working on? This is important so he or she leaves the elevator knowing who you are.
Lastly, utilize sports acumen in business conversations. It is very relatable and gets people engaged.
What’s a book/podcast/talk that’s had a deep impact on your thinking?
Listening to the US Olympic Athletes how they got to where they are and all of the struggles that they had to go through. Which has made me determined to help them when they go into the corporate world and are job hunting.
Some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. 🙂
I would like to have lunch with the NFL Commisioner as I am a HUGE sports fanatic.
My dream is to be the first female coach in the NFL.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
https://www.instagram.com/rhondamvetere/
https://twitter.com/RhondaVetereH
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhondavetere
https://www.facebook.com/rhonda.vetere
Originally published at medium.com