Name: Dr. Lizanne Pando

Title: President

Organisation: St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls

As President, my responsibilities include overseeing the St. Hubert's school and Alumnae to best enhance the students' experience with awareness and funds for our programs and highlight programs that reach out to future students with the help of the community, businesses, and individuals. Managing Enrollment growth and retention, 2024 saw an 18% increase in enrollment.

Overseeing a $5 million budget to balance after years of deficit. Achieved growing SH development efforts year over year to exceed $4 million for the first time. Began a capital campaign in which we have surpassed $4 million thus far, gaining the largest gift ever received for this institution of $500K from the Connelly Foundation. Expanded the development team to 4 people from a 1-person department. Awarded the first $2 million RACP from the State of PA.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

We’ve gone through the interviews and asked the best of the best to come back and answer 7 MORE Questions on Leadership.

I hope Lizanne's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. As a leader, how do you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders?

As a leader, you need to be clear, listen, show up, and follow through. Trust is built when employees know what is expected of them, have a chance to share their thoughts on what is happening, and see their leaders communicating and following through on the process.

2. What do 'VISION' and 'MISSION' mean to you? And what does it actually look like to use them in real-world business?

Vision and Mission need to be developed with the feedback from stakeholders and curated in conjunction with the resources available and being offered. Once collaborated and curated, this 'vision and mission' needs to become the road map and path to the future. Make sure you leave room for it to be a living document, something that can be updated with changing markets and workplaces. Do not be tempted to place it on the shelf and forget the power of using it as a guiding force.

3. How can a leader empower the people they're leading?

Smart leaders should empower their people. This management style along with trusted delegation supports the execution of the mission and vision of the company or institution. It builds a culture of shared teamwork that results in mission-driven outcomes and a stronger retention rate in today's "turnover" culture.

4. Who are some of the coaches or mentors in your life who have had a positive influence on your leadership? Can you please tell a meaningful story about one of them?

I went to Catholic School from K-12. I had Sisters of St. Joseph who led me in my academic and spiritual growth. Sr. Margaret Drueding taught me structure and to see and hear the beauty in all that is around us. I remember a lesson where she played the Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby," where we had to study the poetry of the lyrics and discuss the loneliness in this piece.

It was a very powerful lesson that I carry with me today. Sr. Mary Dacey taught me English Lit in High School, She had us create a project for The Great Gatsby that included learning a flapper dance. It was the funnest lesson I have ever had to this day. Both of these women opened their hearts and minds to me, they saw me for who I was, they treated me with respect, they kept in touch after I graduated, and they lived their lives with faith and integrity without any regret.

People living their best life often become the role models that create the greatest impact on others.

5. Leadership is often more about what you DON'T do. How do you maintain focus in your role?

I once heard DeVon Franklin say, "I challenge myself not to walk through any door my Faith will not fit through". This is simply how I live my life. I have had many different opportunities to work for organizations that would not reflect my core values, and this never even tempted me. If you hold onto your Faith and core values, you will always know at the end of the day, you have delivered your best.

Show up every day with a positive attitude. It is up to the leader to set the tone and example for the work ethic and to show up for the people who need them. This could look different each day for the leaders who report to you.

6. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone plans differently. How do you plan for the week, month and years ahead in your role?

We work on a School Year (September - June) and use the months from June to September to plan. This includes an academic plan, facilities plan, financial plan, development plan, admissions plan, marketing plan, etc. These are led and developed from the Strategic Plans and committees at the Board level.

We use weekly and monthly calendars to plan and execute the action. We are careful not to let emergencies drive our work. "Great ideas" are going to come in during your plans, use committees to bank these to discuss for your "Next Plan". This will keep you from overwhelming your teams.

7. What advice would you give to a young leader who is struggling to delegate effectively?

Delegation can be tricky. But if you include your team in decision-making and take their feedback about what they feel will make the plans work. Then ask them how they can get that done. Empowering your teams will keep them feeling fulfilled in their work and the outcomes.