The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Pinnacle Awards were announced Oct. 13, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place virtually Dec. 8.
Next is Private Company Executive Assistant of the Year finalist Leslie Suddueth of Constellis. Here, she talks key achievements, learning from failures, proud career moments and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2020/2021?
In 2021, Constellis welcomed a new CEO, chief financial officer, chief growth officer and other high-level team members to grow the company and become the security provider of choice. After learning their preferences and styles, I’ve successfully supported the Executive Management Team and other colleagues while working from home during a pandemic.
I figured out a variety of COVID-19 travel protocols and requirements — there were many variations based on country/location and I worked with customers to ensure our executives had what they needed prior to arrival and any necessary training per COVID-19 guidelines; traveled to their homes when necessary for signatures at a moment’s notice; and went to the office to assist with any needs they had or other departments if necessary.
What has made you successful in your current role?
The relationships I have with people have made me the most successful. The leadership team and my colleagues throughout the company know that they can come to me for help and I’m always there to assist with anything with which I’m able.
Having these relationships creates an environment where you are valued and in turn, you have people on your side who are willing to drop what they are working on to help you when you need it. We are all one team.
What are you most proud of having been a part of in your current organization?
The growth in the company is something I’m most proud of. Over the years, Constellis has gone through many acquisitions, technology and brand integrations, shifts in market strategy and changes in leadership and board members. Through it all, the company and my colleagues have remained dedicated to the overall mission — creating a safer world.
My part in it is simple: To support the leadership team in any way I can to ensure that they are equipped to do what they do best.
What’s one key thing you learned from a failure you had?
Knowing that we are all human and everyone makes mistakes. It is easy to catastrophize an error you have made, which creates self-doubt about who you are as a person and a professional. Persevering through with your chin high, growing from lessons learned and having the awareness to course-correct as needed are necessary growing pains to be successful in life and your career.
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the professional growth in my career. I started out as an executive assistant at a family-owned business and now I support the Executive Management Team of a $2 billion global company. Having the courage and confidence in myself to take that leap of faith in my career after feeling stuck for a long time is something in which I take great pride.
What was your biggest career struggle and how did you overcome it?
During the pandemic, I became a single mother after a difficult divorce, and I had to learn how to support myself and my executives while working remotely. Sometimes, this meant I was driving to houses to get signatures or working at the office a few times a week. It also meant I was able to coach my son’s t-ball team and join the PTA.
With my own personal grit and encouragement from others, I focused on the things and people that mattered most to me during a difficult time.
What’s your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
My best advice is to stay true to who you are personally and professionally. Stay motivated, focused, dedicated to the mission at hand, treat all people with respect (regardless of level/title) and incorporate the lessons you’ve learned to be the best version of yourself.