Rhonda Vetere: A Gem in the Jewel of Corporate Business

Meet Rhonda Vetere, a two time author as well as a global C-suite leader, who has exceptionally contributed in the evolution of business sector and inspired many budding personalities out there. Moreover, she is an also a two time author and a true Corporate Athlete. She has been also recognized as one of Most Powerful Women in Technology along with a two-time author, irrespective of spearheading corporate initiatives around the world, competing in another IRONMAN 70.3 mile triathlon, or mentoring students & athletes globally in STEM through sports. Insights Success admire Rhonda’s commitment to work and takes pride in featuring such leaders in its special edition, “The 10 Most Influential Businesswomen to Follow in 2020.” In the interview, Rhonda expresses her journey which portrays application of her unique ideologies. Into the Glimpse of Rhonda’s Life Rhonda Vetere is globally renowned C-Suite leader, passionate global technology icon, two-time author, and corporate athlete. She is also known for being a change agent, digital transformation leader, global leader. Rhonda Vetere has worked across industries as a global executive and change agent at Herbalife Nutrition, Santander Bank, Pamplona Capital Management PE, Estée Lauder Companies, AIG, HP Enterprise Services, Barclays / Lehman, Bank One / JPMorgan Chase, CompuServe, UUNET, MCI, and Worldcom. A two-time author, Vetere first co-wrote the HP special edition book, Enterprise Service Management for Dummies. Her second book, Grit & Grind, was published in 2019. She has lived and worked internationally – in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, London, Mumbai, and across India – and has managed teams of up to 20,000 people. Her role at Estée Lauder Companies included global leadership across 162 countries and running the technology & operations team. She spearheaded the transformation of the IT capabilities foundation into a digital environment at record industry pace, without business disruption, around the world – while saving $28 million a year. A dynamic leader both at work and play, Vetere is constantly training for and competing in events – over 70 races so far, including triathlons, halfmarathons, marathons, and IRONMAN 70.3 triathlons (single-day races that consist of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bicycle ride, and a marathon 13.1-mile run). In 2018, Rhonda participated in the first-ever womenonly run across the Serengeti wilderness, and she returned in 2019 to do it again — all 55 miles. Rhonda is a member of the New York Road Runners (NYRR) and Winged Foot Golf Club, and encourages her friends and associates to pursue active, healthy lifestyles as an integral part of career success and improving performance. Below are the highlights of the interview: What people, what books, what life factors have influenced and impacted you? My Mom is the largest impact in my life, growing up as an only child and watching her work two jobs impacted me. I knew at an early age I wanted to make this world a better place and bring unity and strong bonds in my life. Also, not seeing a lot of female mentors growing up in the business world, inspired me to push myself stronger to make this world a better place and be a role model for others. My best friend, I have known since I was three years old and I believe heavily in strong relationships in life. What are some of the vital attributes, in your opinion, that every leader should possess? The ten principles in my Grit and Grind Book. Listen, Treat everyone with respect and how you would like to be treated, openly communicate, be humble and learn every day. Be a servant leader daily. How do you maintain balance between your professional & personal life? Managing large global teams throughout my career, I use triathlons as my outlet and my workout time to think without technology in front of me. As a Director and leader, describe a challenge you overcame. As a leader, I overcame being one of the youngest, female Managing Directors in the Finance Sector in my career- I didn’t know it at the time but it was told to me several times 20 years ago and I didn’t realize what that meant at the time. Do you think women feel intimidated in business? This is coming to light more and more with the world events- in my career, I haven’t felt intimidated and have been true to myself. However, I do think this is a hot topic now that I am reflecting on how to help others daily. Is there anything you wish you had done differently? I hoped to start a global mentoring program formally earlier for the technology Industry. What specific advice would you have for young women who would like to become an entrepreneur? I would like to advice many upcoming leaders that, Don’t give up, get a mentor and don’t lose sight of your dream, surround yourself with people that prop you up and not tear you down. Source URL