“Avanti! Avanti!” This is an Italian word that grabbed my attention during my time living in Rome back in the early 90’s. In fact, it may have been some of the first Italian words I heard upon arrival into the airport as the natives told me to “look forward” or “go straight ahead”. Afterall, how else would I find the baggage claim?
Today, May 4, 2023, marks my 52nd year around the sun. But I still feel like that adventurous 19-year-old who was filled with excitement, curiosity and yes, some level of trepidation. Why? Because today I announce the launch of my own new adventure, Avanti Advisors, LLC! And in many ways, I feel like all 52 years on this earth have prepared me for this.
A career in Catholic education where I began as a teacher, took me to being a 32-year-old principal, to Superintendent and finally to COO and Secretary of Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. My passion for leadership, culture and people allowed me to have an impact on America’s first Catholic schools and to meet so many wonderful people from Philly and across the country. In my most recent chapter as CEO of a foundation supporting an institution of higher education, I learned more about the art and the science of fundraising. In this role I was able to successfully transform the culture of a comprehensive advancement organization that needed change. Each step gave me invaluable lessons that have made me the person I am today.
Now, having spent the better part of the last 25 years in executive leadership roles, I will build Avanti on the seven core beliefs that I have come to define me and my own career:
- People are the most valuable asset of any organization.
- Leaders create a culture where their people can thrive.
- Leaders provide coaching, advice, and guidance while challenging their people to grow.
- The best leaders create more leaders, identifying those who are emerging and mentor them right away.
- When mission, vision, and values are aligned and well-communicated by leaders, organizations thrive.
- Attitudes, habits, language, expectations, and beliefs are the key drivers of culture.
- When culture is healthy, the strategies will be successful.
This new firm is here, and we are always “looking forward” with passion, vision, and optimism. We believe that the best days of your organization are ahead of, not behind you. We want you to create your own best practices, not chase them down from other organizations. And we are grounded in the principles of relationship-building so that as your organization looks ahead, you will have a partner who sees that future with you and gives you the individual attention that you deserve.
Avanti! Let’s move ahead!