PPB October 2020

and has empowered her team to build it with her. She takes all ideas and suggestions to heart and provides creative feedback when discussing an issue. She’s a true leader.” Carol de Ville on her best boss. My manager at The Royal Bank of Canada. He always challenged my thought process and showed me how to set goals and visualize success. The most valuable lesson she’s learned frommanaging others. Always ask questions to identify the root cause. Compromise and create solutions collectively. Talk the talk and walk the walk— be real. At TBC, we have a philosophy and process on how we manage challenges— always come up with three solutions and then pick the solution you believe is the best solution given the scenario. As an individual, I know you will select wisely once you have determined your path and I will stand behind your chosen decision. Her best advice for being a great boss. You have two ears and one mouth—always listen twice as much as you speak. Lead by example, be a great mentor and no problem is too small. You can often hear me say ‘Spilt milk!’ Move forward—you can’t change what has happened, but you can influence and control what will happen next. Create a great environment, appreciate your team, trust their intuition, respect each other and, above all, be kind. CARLEEN GRAY Chief Executive Officer GroupeSTAHL North America Sterling Heights, Michigan “You could say my first and third jobs were at Stahls’,” says Carleen Gray. “People work here, leave and come back after some outside experience. Another common theme in the company—we retire people after decades of experience here. We consider this to be part of our legacy.” Gray says there was a six-year period (outside of Stahls’) when she worked in the automotive industry and she never dreamed her decorated apparel experience would help her there, but it was crucial in managing the Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler licensed merchandising programs. “My entire career has been deeply entrenched in building brands and helping people grow their businesses, with a focus on decorated apparel. I’ve worked with and learned from many industry visionaries and leaders in my tenure at Stahls’.” Gray’s first substantial leadership role at Stahls’ was as marketing director, and she’s also been vice president, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, roles that helped her hone her management skills. “It’s been an honor to work with and manage people I’ve known for years. I can genuinely say I’ve grown up with many of them,” she says. Nominator Karin Bellinghausen, who’s worked with Gray for more than 20 years, says, “My favorite thing about Carleen’s management style is that she is a hands-on manager who knows the industry and knows all her people. Carleen doesn’t just talk the talk, she walks the walk. When one of our divisions was in a time crunch for a very important project, Carleen was right there, with others, in the production line getting the job done. She stands with and supports her team members at all levels. She truly cares.” Six-year direct report and nominator Victoria Nardini says, “She provides me the opportunity to present solutions. She prefers a collaborative work environment, and I have always felt empowered to bring my ideas to the table. They may not have all been slam dunks, but she keeps me motivated to try again by reminding me of the wins.” Carleen Gray on her best boss. Without question, [company founder] Ted Stahl has been a guiding force, inspiration and mentor from the beginning. He’s shown me the importance of fostering a family- like culture with teammembers. A true entrepreneur and innovator, his obsession with helping our customers succeed is something which drives me to do the same. And we certainly both agree, the only way to predict the future is to invent it. The most valuable lesson she’s learned frommanaging others. Never forget the fundamentals—the basics. Know the names of the people at the company, be kind, be respectful, be nice. People appreciate recognition and positivity. No matter how large the team or the company gets, maintain the spirit and heart of a small company. Every job counts, every role is important, we need each other to succeed. Her best advice for being a great boss. Be proactive and irrationally optimistic. Plus, you should always try to hire or work with people smarter than you. The ability to face challenges head-on is easier with the right team. So much of my confidence as a leader comes from knowing the team’s strengths and understanding where to go for results. Best Bosses 2020 | FEATURE | OCTOBER 2020 | 23