Becka

I noticed a shy young lady in the front row of the class.  What I learnt about the student, over the course of the semester, was that under the garb of her quiet shyness was a steely resolve and an innate brilliance.  That shy student was none other than Rebecca Dearth (Becka), who I have known for almost twenty years.

Where do I begin to tell the story of one of the smartest people I have taught in a 35 year teaching career. Becka was my student through her Bachelors journey, her MBA, and served as my graduate assistant for two years at The University of Tampa. We worked closely together, teaching, learning, and solving complex problems. Becka is that rare combination of creative genius, strategic business acumen, with a flair for artistic and graphic design. Couple that skill set with a ‘nose to the grindstone’ work ethic, and we have a savvy business executive and compassionate leader.

Over the years, Becka served as the President of our consulting firm, and managed my blog. We travelled extensively to Europe, developing strategy for world class companies. Today, she serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Remployability, a return to work, industry leader. Here, she continues to excel in every area of strategy and operational effectiveness.

I often told Becka that she was one of the top ten students I had taught in my career – she wanted to know why she was not number one! Such is her competitive spirit and her push for excellence. We rarely meet people who not only excel at their craft, but have a level of integrity, honesty and ethics, that sets them apart from the run of the mill executives. Becka has it all, and that’s what makes her special.

Becka is married to her best friend Wes, and has a son Jay, who is clearly the apple of her eye. I often wonder how she juggles family, work, and her plate that is always full. Becka is a community leader with a tool belt of skills that allow her to elevate her game. Nothing ever slips through the cracks, and she never compromises on her productivity and output. Such is her DNA. Such is her commitment.

Becka goes about her business with little regard for reward or recognition. In times where people shout out their accomplishments from the roof top, and pat their proverbial backs, she flies under the radar, and lets her work speak for itself. Becka is a generational talent, who makes everyone around her better. That is the hallmark of effective and inspirational leadership.

I am proud that I had a small part in shaping her skill set. As I reflect on our professional and personal relationship, I am amazed how Rebecca Dearth has sustained this level of work over the past two decades. I sense her best is yet to come. Watch out world – we have star in the house, and her impact will last long after she decides to hang it up.