This edition of Female Leaders who’ve inspired and impacted me is especially close to my heart ❤️
For nearly a quarter century Inna Gardner has been a role model, a mentor, a partner and most importantly a best friend.
As our careers have grown side by side, I’m constantly in awe of the incredible work she’s done to build her businesses at Gartner, raise two incredible children, and be constantly generous with her time and attention to help others.
Things I’ve learned from Inna:
1. Authenticity Over Everything- what you see is what you get with Inna, and what you get is intelligence, humor and a constant desire to make things better.
2. Grace Under Pressure- we’ve been through it all (at work and personally), and I’m always in awe of Inna’s ability to stay calm and focused and to always move everyone around her forward with her head held high.
3. Be a People Leader First- No one who has worked with Inna has ever felt anything less than seen and appreciated. She puts her people and her partners first, and she’s consistently investing in the incredible talent that surrounds her.
4. Send the Elevator Back Down- Inna advocates. For female sellers and leaders. For LGBTQIA+ colleagues. For increasing diversity and inclusion in every possible and her people legacy demonstrates that clearly.
In short, she’s pretty freaking amazing. And I feel lucky every single day that’s she’s my ride or die no matter what’s happening at work or at home 🏡
If you’ve been lucky enough to have had a little Inna magic in your life, shout down below! 👇
Dean of the College of Information and Communications
3moGreat to see. Gamecock talent flourishes where planted. Nebo, thank you for giving Nicole the opportunity. Appreciate the partnership.