Risk taking is top of mind at WFF confab

Nation's Restaurant News,  April 30, 2007  by Sarah E. Lockyer

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ORLANDO, FLA. -- The value of risk taking was a central message delivered by speakers, panelists and award winners at this year's Women's Foodservice Forum leadership development conference here.

Held at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, the four-day event, hosted annually by the WFF--an organization formed 18 years ago to encourage inclusiveness and advance the careers of women and minorities in foodservice--drew a recordbreaking 3,000 attendees.

Keynote speaker Carly Fiorina, the trailblazing former chief executive and chairman of Hewlett-Packard Co., discussed the many instances on her climb up the corporate ladder that required risk taking and overcoming fear.

"Courage isn't the absence of fear; it is acting in spite of it," said Fiorina, one of the first female executives to reach the highest levels of corporate leadership.

She also discussed today's global economy and the need for companies to take advantage of all workers' experiences and talents.

"Diversity is no longer a nice thing to do," she said. "It is a must-do. The companies that will win will tap the brains, and yes, the hearts, of all women."

Fiorina described this century as one with complex problems, but also one with amazing potential.

"If in the 20th century a woman can go from the secretary to the CEO, truly anything is possible in the 21st century," she said, referring to her own rise from a Kelly Girls temporary secretary to the head of HP.

Patricia Russell-McCloud, a motivational speaker who opened the conference with a speech that brought attendees to their feet, also focused on risk taking and positive thinking.

"Life has two rules," she said. "No. 1 is never quit, and No. 2 is always remember No. 1."

Russell-McCloud also trumpeted one of the hallmarks of the WFF--its focus on networking.

"If you're going to be the squeaky wheel, you must be around the one that has the grease," she said.

During the conference, the WFF officially transferred its leadership from former chairwoman Paula Marshall, chief executive of The Bama Cos., to Jane Sumner, vice president of sales at PepsiCo Foodservice.

Prior to handing over the gavel, Marshall highlighted the organization's progress in the prior year and announced key initiatives the WFF is to introduce this summer. Initiatives include a new website that will feature an online job board, an improved mentor program and a partnership with research firm Diversity Inc. to help deliver best practices to companies looking to foster inclusiveness throughout their corporate cultures.

Sumner told attendees that she and the WFF's current board and executive leadership would focus on improving event content, networking and mentoring efforts and deliverables to member organizations.

"The WFF has always been a beacon for change," Sumner said. "This year, I see us turning up that light."

At the conference, the organization presented numerous awards both to emerging executives and those who have worked diligently for decades to foster diversity and inclusion.

Lynette McKee, vice president of franchising and new business development at Dunkin' Brands, was awarded the Emerging Leader Award, particularly for her work in seeking out minority participants for Dunkin's franchise system.

Patricia Miller Anton, president of the Anton Family Foundation, was awarded the Trailblazer Award.

Julia Stewart, chairman and chief executive of IHOP Corp., recognized Anton's achievements as she presented the award to Anton during the conference's award banquet.

"Pat is a role model and an inspiration," said Stewart, who received the Trailblazer award a year ago. "But it's her personal characteristics, her heart and her humanity, that you won't find on any official document. It's her personal integrity, humility and grace."

Anton, whose career in foodservice includes working for Anton Airfood Inc. and serving as chairwoman of the WFF from 2001 until 2003, echoed the themes of the conference, especially risk taking.

"Know for sure that there is no great reward without taking great risks," she said. "Failure is not a bad thing when there are lessons to be learned. Nothing is impossible if you truly believe."

The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Kat Cole, vice president of training and development at Hooters of America Inc., and the Outstanding Board Service award was presented to Frank Steed, president and chief executive of The Steed Consultancy.

Wendy's International Inc. and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation presented four women from the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida with the "Reaching for Your Dreams" scholarships, based on academic and on-the-job achievements in foodservice.

The conference also included educational sessions that addressed strategic thinking, building networks, developing others and risk taking. In addition, the event showcased a first-time executive track to provide senior-level women with tailored content, including corporate board readiness, negotiating skills and financial know-how.