Rising to the Top
On rare occasions I meet driven visionaries that inspire what I do, and how I think.
Meet Nancy Rabenold, the CEO of Xcira. Her company is the global leader in auction management software and asset disposition technology.
I met Nancy almost 15 years ago, as we explored our shared vision of building a world class high school in Tampa Bay. Over the years, we became friends and mutual admirers. While I see her only occasionally, the bond that we share is unique. After our lunch dates I always leave with a super charged intellect and a feeling of warmth that is special.
We settled in a for a glass of wine, and for the first time I observed a softer side to this savvy business leader. “I am blessed with a beautiful family, and my health. And my parents are my heroes,” she reflected. While she sees herself as compassionate and vulnerable, I sense a fierce competitiveness that leaves no time for mediocrity for those around her. A self proclaimed perfectionist, she values input from others, “I need to know I am not (always) right.”
The fire within burns bright. “I do what I love, and I love what I do.” There is a lesson there for all of us. Nancy started as a secretary at IBM, and threw her self into the deep end, challenging the status quo. “Life is not an entitlement, it is a privilege,” she said with conviction. “And I work hard for balance.”
She admitted to making mistakes along the way, but she never looks back. “I wish I had pushed myself to focus more on my education. At one point in my career, I was not relevant, as I was too busy playing the game.” I sensed that all that has changed with success. No more games for this brilliant, confident, and compassionate lady.
Married to her soul mate, her pride is visible when she talks about her two boys that excel in their academic careers. No resting on their laurels for these young men. After a poetic pause, she spoke in a soft tone, “men need respect, women need love.”
Profound. Insightful. True.
A distinguished leader in the community, her success has not gone to her head. She is driven, yet humble. Inspiring, yet nurturing. I think it stems from the balance in her life.
“I never allow my ego to get in the way. It destroys the essence of humanity,” she said. Wise words from a corporate go-getter, and a dear friend. Note to self, I need to see her more often. There is so much to learn.
Insights: 10 Questions
- What drives you?
Passion. - If you had to go to the moon and take a single piece of music with you what would you take and why?
Mozart – any one his pieces. - If you were a cocktail, how would you describe yourself?
Tangy – highly charged. - Who in the world would you most like to sit down and have a drink with — living or dead?
My Grandma – I loved her. She died early. - Single piece of advice to for young people?
The sooner you learn to love yourself, the sooner you can give it away. - Who’s career do you envy and why?
Mother Teresa – the true essence of compassion. - When you were 16-years-old, what did you most often get in trouble for?
I was too late with the ‘guys.’
- If there were one word to describe your family life growing up as a child, what would it be?
Holistic. - What is the most important thing you remember about your first love?
My first kiss. - What would you like your legacy to be?
The difference my kids have made on this earth.
About Hemant Rustogi