WashingtonExec: Tell me about a time in your life when you had to really stretch yourself in order to learn and grow.
Chehreh: When I took my first executive position in a global company, I didn’t know if I could perform the duties of the job. Within a few months, I found I was making an impact and eventually took over leading two of the company’s three global service lines.
Through this experience, I learned the importance of taking a calculated chance on a role even if you think you are not ready. I also learned how to focus on the basics and be pragmatic in my approach to the business. I saw how important it was to be kind to people, be inspirational and let the team perform.
Lastly, I learned the importance of keeping things simple. If you cannot explain the complexities of your business in simple terms, you don’t fully understand it. Study your business and really understand how the company makes money, how each corporate capability contributes to the success of the company, and how it drives an excellent customer experience.