At S.P. Richards, leadership is defined by action, integrity, and a commitment to growth. In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re proud to spotlight the remarkable women across our organization who lead teams, drive strategy, and shape our future every day.
We asked each leader one question:
What is one mindset or habit that has helped you succeed as a leader, and how can others adopt it?
What They Shared
Christie Pruett – Chief Operations & Technology Officer
“I have used this mantra throughout my career: life begins outside your comfort zone. Pushing yourself to grow by being uncomfortable. Take a chance and take the opportunity.”
Heena Patel – SVP of Human Resources
“I remind myself that I am just as capable, qualified, and deserving as anyone else. I lead from that truth each and every day. I believe that effective leaders should have confidence in their own abilities while staying humble enough to learn from others.
Lindsay Gibbons – VP of Content & Pricing
“Good leadership starts with good listening. Whether you’re hearing customer feedback, receiving constructive criticism from a peer, or observing team dynamics, you have to begin from a place of curiosity. That means asking thoughtful questions and listening carefully – to both the loud voices and the quiet ones – before trying to solve the problem.”
Regina Baute – VP of Applications
“Prioritizing trust. I’ve learned that when people trust you, they’re more open, engaged, and willing to take ownership. Trust is built through honesty, consistency, and respect. Communicate openly, keep your word, and genuinely value others’ perspectives.”
Lauren Storey – Sr. Director of Human Resources
“Staying curious and being comfortable not having all the answers. Instead of feeling like I need to know everything, I try to say, ‘I’m not sure yet, but I’ll figure it out!’ This mindset allows for continued learning, invites collaboration, and shows my team that growth is part of the process.”
Tonya Moore – Sr. Director of Sales Operations
“Leading from the front defines my leadership style. Empathy matters and so does action. I’ll never ask my team to do something I wouldn’t do myself. Stay close to the work. Remove obstacles. Show up consistently. Trust is built in the trenches.”
April Fabien – Sr. Director of Product Content
“Keep showing up. Not because every day feels easy, but because consistency creates momentum. The small, steady steps—especially on the hard days—are what build trust, clarity, and impact. Keep going. It matters.”
Tina Sandhral – Director of Merchandising
“My instinct is to be solution-oriented. I look for paths forward, even when they’re not obvious. I don’t get stuck on what’s blocking us; I focus on what we can do next. That mindset helps me stay calm under pressure and keeps momentum moving in the right direction.”
Susie Polizzi – Director of Supply Chain
“I aim for at least one belly laugh a day. Bringing fun into the workplace makes even the toughest challenges feel more manageable and reinforces that, even in high-stakes environments, we’re all showing up and doing our best. Take the work seriously — but never yourself!”
Debbie Jones – Director of Sales – Southeast
“My job is to serve my team. They are a group of unique individuals with different personal goals, experiences, and skill sets. They need to know the direction we’re heading and have the support and coaching required to be successful. Regardless of the need, the team is my #1 priority.”
Gracie Colby – Director of Sales – National Accounts
“Choosing empathy first, remaining deeply curious, and constantly challenging myself to find better ways of doing things.”
Kelli Sanders – Director of Sales Operations
“I like to define clear alignment from day one by defining goals, owners, and success—and reinforcing them often. When priorities are visible and repeated, teams move faster, make better decisions, and avoid unnecessary rework.”
Amber Nelson – Regional Operations Manager (DCM of Grand Rapids)
“Being adaptable and resilient, while committing to continuous self-improvement, has shaped my leadership. Others can adopt this by maintaining a proactive, problem-solving mindset.”
Kim Kennedy – Director of Government Sales
“I model a culture of curiosity and continuous improvement by proactively expanding my knowledge and encouraging open dialogue within the team. By embracing a growth mindset, I transform challenges and mistakes into meaningful learning experiences that drive both personal and team development.”
Kelly Verbeck – Director of Sales – JanSan – West
“Staying curious, continuing to ask questions, listening with intent, and surrounding myself with people who are supportive of me and me of them. I always try to make my team feel seen, valued, and empowered to help create better outcomes.”
Final Thoughts
Today and every day, we celebrate the women whose leadership strengthens our teams, supports our customers, and drives our company forward.
