October 28, 2013
2013 Outstanding Women In Business
Linda M. Smith: Managing Partner Smith, Sullivan & Co., Westborough
Photo/MATT VOLPINI
Linda M. Smith
Who is your most influential role model, and why?
My mother instilled a sense of work ethic and self-sufficiency that permeates my existence, and has since the time I was old enough to remember. She taught me to persevere, not to complain and to always try to be optimistic.
What has helped you achieve success in your career?
When I was young, just starting out in my accounting career, an elderly, accomplished businessman, whom I respected a great deal, had a five-minute chat with me that he'll never remember, and I'll never forget. The wisdom that I got from that informal conversation was this: If we focus on attaining the image and appearance of success, it's a superficial goal without substance, and therefore, considering yourself successful cannot be the end game. The three fundamental principles that have guided my career are these very basic thoughts: Care about what you do; do a good job (be competent); and treat people like they matter. This man advised that if you live this way, people will seek you out and you'll never have to look for work — your integrity, kindness and competence will speak for itself.
What’s your primary motivator; or if there is one thing that makes you tick or ignites a passion within you, what is it?
I've never had a problem with motivation, and I basically have two speeds — high and off, with no appreciation for the middle ground. I think it's important to like what you do, and my work gives me a sense of completeness and satisfaction that feeds the fire. I never say that I work with numbers. I work with people, and I know that my work helps them achieve their goals, whether that's a small business, a charity or an individual tax client. Often, it's the appreciation from our clients that fuels my fire.
How does your organization give back to the community, and what role have you played in those efforts?
Last year, 10 percent of our billable time was provided to our clients without charge. For us, that's a substantial impact on our profitability and cash flow. When a new client calls with a start-up business or a new charity, we always offer a consultation free of charge to help them get off the ground. We're also proud sponsors for our clients' charitable events; we sponsor them with ads, ticket purchases, golf teams, and we attend as many of their events as we can.
When the stress level gets too high, how do you ease the pressure?
It's very important to maintain positive energy by transforming the stress and pressure into motivation and productivity. In our office, comic relief is an essential ingredient. The layout of our office provides a natural environment for open discussion and shout outs. At least a few times every day, one of us feels stressed out, and the venting begins. But venting can become negative, so once it begins, it's the duty of the remaining crew to throw some comic relief into the ranting, and that's when it gets fun. At home, it's a medicinal glass of fine California chardonnay, and fun with my husband and three dogs.
How have you tried to balance your career and your personal life? Please give an example or two.
Life is more like a seesaw than a balanced scale. I like to think that I've established my own personal equilibrium, rather than balance. I have a few rules that help limit my tendency to overwork. I might work seven days a week for extended periods of time, but I never work late at night, I'm usually home by 6, I don't work when I get home, and I block out Sunday afternoons to watch the Pats with my husband and dogs. In the summer, I can look forward to sitting outside with my husband and dogs in our garden, enjoying a glass of wine. In the winter, when I'm driving home from work, coming down the street, I turn the corner and always look toward the sky to see smoke coming out of the chimney and I know there's a warm fire waiting for me. Fortunately for me, I have a very easy and comfortable home life.
Video
2013 Outstanding Women In Business Awards - Linda M. Smith, Smith Sullivan & Co
Read more
Mary Ann O'Connor: President and CEO VNA Care Network & Hospice, Worcester
Patricia Hallberg: CEO Girl Scouts Of Central And Western Massachusetts, Worcester and Holyoke
2013 Outstanding Women In Business
Bonnie Biocchi: President and CEO, MetroWest Chamber of Commerce
Christine Tieri: President smith&jones Idea Agency, Sturbridge
Diane M. Power: Executive Director Mirick O’Connell, Worcester
WBJ Web Partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments