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INNOVATE
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PPB
• OCTOBER 2015
“Lisa has a unique way of capitalizing on her team members’ strengths that lets them
take control of the clients and projects, and put their own unique spin on them, while
being able to take a step back and do other things to build her business,” says Nicole
Bail, who has called Lisa Pine her boss for 14 years. Newbie Alexis Quinn has had a
similar experience. “Lisa held my hand tight in the beginning—and as I grow, she
knows how to loosen the reins. But yet, she’s still always there when I need her.” She
also lauds Pine for her work ethic, which she calls “fierce and contagious. Lisa has a
way of teaching, training and breeding success.” Bail adds, “She’s incredibly motivat-
ing in a way that motivates others around her. Her clients and employees are incredi-
bly loyal to her.”
Lisa Pine
Vice President of Sales, Axis Promotions
(UPIC: axispromo)
New York, New York
Number of direct reports:
4
Cool factor:
She knows how to simultaneously train and manage new
employees, and how and when to let go.
Nominators:
Nicole Bail, Alexis Quinn
What is your philosophy
for successfully managing people?
Pine:
I think the No. 1 philosophy to
managing my team is to understand and
acknowledge that I couldn’t be where I
am without them. We are the sum of our
parts. I am not their boss but rather their
mentor. I do not take credit for their
accomplishments. I recognize their
strengths and achievements privately
and publicly. I do not dump work on
them. We share the responsibility. They
see me in the trenches. I talk to them
about their goals and my goals. I teach
always—whether it’s how to make a bet-
ter presentation, how to tell the Axis
story or how to lead the clients to close
the deal. I respect my team. They know
I’m the boss but they see me as part of
the team.
How do you create a
positive culture with your team and
those who report to you?
Pine:
Again, we discuss personal and
group goals. We share successes
amongst our team and company. I moti-
vate them to grow. I share myself with
them. We spend time out of the office
together. I work
with
them.
What advice can you share with other
managers to improve their people-
management skills?
Pine:
Listen to your team. Don’t just talk
at them. Be open and honest, and pro-
vide constructive criticism. Good people
want to learn and improve. Ask your
team for constructive feedback as well.
Be approachable. A good leader is
someone who leads by example, not
someone who tells others how and what
to do. A good leader is someone who is
respected by their peers, management
and team.