Cole: Who are your role models, and what life- changing lessons did you pick up from them?
Haynes: Many women (locally and nationally) have been inspirational and influential in my life ... Women like Shirley Chisolm and Maxine Watters in politics; Oprah and Caroline Wanga in the business world; and Ruby Dee and Josephine Baker in the Arts. But, unless you can see the inner workings of a person’s life, how they make choices, how their values live through their work and family life, there is very little you can actually use as a model. For that reason, my role models are people whose lives and choices I have been able to witness closely - my siblings, my mother, my aunts and cousins, my friends who have lived and are living a life of bravery, boldness, and community service. These are the people that I want to be like. Cole: How do you ensure that others benefit from the life-changing knowledge you gained from your mentors? Haynes: I actively mentor. I’ve been around for a while, so I have learned a few things. The people I mentor will tell you that it is important to me to share my experiences with anyone who asks.
Photo: McBoat Photography
Cole: What do you believe to be the most important piece of advice for a leader to follow?
Cole: What advice do you wish someone had given you earlier in your career?
Haynes: If you are lonely at the top, it’s because you didn’t bring anyone with you. Be honest. Be patient. Give grace. LISTEN. Be receptive to advice. Maintain a sense of humor. Cole: How do you prioritize work-life balance, and what advice do you have for junior professionals who are struggling to find balance. Haynes: I schedule time for the people and things that bring me joy the same way I schedule meetings. Sometimes those “meetings” can served double duty, which is a bonus.
Haynes: You don’t need to make a career choice early in life. There’s plenty of time to find your special niche. Be open to adventure and exploration.
Cole: What inspired you to pursue a career in community service, and how did you get started?
Haynes: I’m not sure I would characterize community service as my career. My community work is how I live my values.
11 The Acumen
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