Diversification Through The Visionary Leadership of Marilyn Carlson Nelson
From 2003-2008, Carlson was lead by CEO, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, daughter of the company's founder, Curtis L. Carlson. She took over the company from her father just before the age of 60 after having already established herself solidly in her own right. Marilyn’s impressive career revolved around advocacy and leadership for women and minorities world-wide; something she would continue to do through Carlson.
Marilyn brought valuable leadership and professional talents to Carlson, but she also brought a new corporate philosophy and vision for change that would turn Carlson into a multibillion dollar company that serves as a model for inclusion and has clearly demonstrated how diversity positively impacts businesses and communities.
In an interview September 9, 2008 Mrs. Carlson shared with Lahle Wolfe, Guide to Women in Business, key aspects about her leadership and diversification philosophies that make her unique and her company so successful:
"There has been resistance [to diversification] all through the years, usually more subtly as we are often unaware of our prejudices and deep seated beliefs, or how we’ve been socialized. We are not aware of the lens we see others through."Carlson developed a leadership model which articulated the skills that are based upon integrity and emotional intelligence and clarity of self.
"We created a profile for performance and developed an interview matrix that emphasizes longitudinal relationship building, networking, trust, and [to identify] team players. By taking some of the emotions out of things, if person does not look like others, the focus is on their qualities not their skin."
