Female leaders often describe finding themselves in a place where they eventually feel like they are “arriving”. They are confident and have a strong network – in their game. At that time, they will shift their focus to how to improve others, industries and communities.
Anne Marie Rogers is in that place and just loves this stage of her journey. After nearly 30 years of direct travel, she was recently promoted to vice president, conferences and events. She is a founding member of the Women’s Leadership Committee of the Inspiring Travel Society (on the scene), the organization’s mission is to advance other women. As a member of the Executive Committee of the Site Foundation, she also developed plans for the organization’s “young leaders.” At home, she volunteered at the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital.
Skift Conference asked Rogers about her philosophy, designed to inspire her multigenerational team of purchasing managers, technologists and conference planners. She also shares her journey as a website leader and her passion for giving back.
How do you describe your leadership style?
A true leader knows when to get involved and when to fire. Our company president once told me: “Hext a great team and get out of it.”
When you expect the team to do great things, they do.
As a leader, what are the challenges that will bring you to the evening?
Maintain good talent. These days, there are many options you want to make sure your employees feel supported, motivated and inspired.
Everyone works differently. I have young people who want to work at midnight and then have young families working around these schedules.
I have one-to-one one-to-one with people every other week, and we have team meetings every other week. But it’s really about listening – listening is so important. I just want to make sure they have everything they need because they are all smart and good people who know their jobs.
In the past, if someone thought people felt excluded, you would just put everyone in the conference room and say it out. You can have those spontaneous conversations. I think you need to be more intentional these days to make sure your team feels supported and communicated.
How is your job changing now?
Polarization and everything that happens now will affect meetings and meetings. It is important to assure customers that we are managing their budgets and that we are flexible and find a way to still honor everything these companies are looking for.
Adopt sustainability. Now it’s been rising and we’re asked about our sustainability policies. For the plan we just made in Ireland, we sourced all the local gifts.
You cannot perform a cut procedure. They all have to be fun, exciting and creative. It allows you to keep your toes.
How did you end up leading women on the Leadership Council?
The group was originally an informal gathering where women wanted to support each other and do projects for women. We were doing some research and podcasts, and then Rhonda Brewer (VP of Excellence Sales) asked me if I would take over it.
My favorite thing about leading women is that our small committee (now we are building service to larger on-site communities) focuses on raising women who are other women. It’s about really listening to people’s needs and sharing what you need without being threatened by vulnerability. I find the community a great group of very strong, powerful women who are so safe that they are not afraid to seek or help.
Back in my 20s, you would never ask for help with people, especially your manager. These women are ready to share their knowledge, which inspired me.
Can you share your experiences, whether by helping children with cancer to give back to the industry through on-site or as a volunteer?
I never realized how two-way coaching was when I started volunteering with Site’s young leadership. I think I learned more than they learned.
I really value the real, fresh perspectives they bring, such as asking why we do things in some way. They are not afraid to shake it and throw out big, horrifying ideas.
I got off those calls that came to my mind, “These people are the light of our future. They are the best and the smartest.
My dad was always very involved in the University of Minnesota in terms of my volunteering. But when I get involved in their kids’ hospital, you see how it makes a difference and how these kids fight for their lives. I realized that what we do there can make a real difference. ”
