PPB October 2017

Her best boss My best boss was Judy Whitney, vice president of Cal-Bay Mortgage (my first job out of college). Judy provided challenging work and had high expectations. She was kind, fair and very professional. It was under her leadership that I grew from payroll clerk into the role of HR vice president. What managing others has taught her about herself Managing others requires constant introspection; I’ve learned what my triggers are so that I can manage my reactions in an encouraging, positive and respectful manner. Her best advice for other bosses To be a great boss means that you respect each employee as the individual they are, while also creating a workplace that brings those individuals together for a common goal. Focus on the strengths of each team member and ensure that each person understands how their contributions fit into the big picture. Applaud openly and frequently, discipline privately and have clear policies and procedures for accountability. EdenMcClellan President/COO Icon Blue, Inc. Los Angeles, California Number of direct reports: 11 E den McClellan landed in her role as president/COO with solid career experience in human resources as a consultant at Icon Blue and, before that, having worked in various HR positions. After a part-time management role at Icon Blue, she joined full-time in 2012 and was named to her current position earlier this year. McClellan routinely offers her team a rich assortment of education and information, sharing articles from industry and outside publications, and links to webinars. She’s also a strong advocate of giving her employees the power and freedom to make decisions. “Eden is all about the team concept, so empowerment is something she takes seriously,” says Jose Encinas, Jr., one of seven employee nominators. “She understands that empowering employees breeds confidence, which helps bring out the best in people. And she constantly looks for ways to challenge us so that we can be the best versions of ourselves.” Nominator Temi Adesina has been at the company only a short time but is already keenly aware of the positive qualities McClellan brings to the workplace. “She is very understanding and remembers we are human too. I can’t get over the fact of how honest she is and howmuch she cares about us. She encourages us to have a balanced work and personal life. When it hits 5 pm she wants us to clock out and enjoy the rest of our day—not to save money but to help us maintain that balance. She is just a wonderful person to work under and a very inspiring woman leader.” “Eden is one of the best bosses because she is a partner,” says nominator Alison Peters. “Eden has created an environment where people strive to do their best.” She explains that McClellan holds strategic weekly staff meetings, has introduced a wellness program and a spot recognition program, recognizes growth in her team and promotes from within. “Everything she does is to boost employee morale and performance which, in turn, allows us to give our best to our customers.” Four other employees also nominated McClellan: Shelby Sensui, Aric Bayer, Patrick Mickelson and Heather Hutchins. Eden McClellan, seated, with her seven nominators, Temi Adesina, Jose Encinas, Shelby Sensui, Alison Peters, Heather Hutchins, Patrick Mickelson and Aric Bayer. Eden’s cool factor She’s the real deal; there is nothing false or pretentious about her. FEATURE | Best Bosses 34 | OCTOBER 2017 |