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Unit 2: Interviewing Project

Vanessa Pecly

Arizona State University

OGL 482: Pro-Seminar II

March 31, 2024

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Unit 2: Interviewing Project

Embarking on a journey of self-reflection and discovery is akin to navigating the

complex layers of one’s personality and leadership style. This exploration is a vital process for

anyone looking to deepen their understanding of themselves, both personally and professionally.

It involves looking inward, but also seeking the external viewpoints of those who know us well,

providing a fuller picture of our strengths, potential areas for improvement, and the unique

qualities that define us as individuals and leaders.

In this project, I've engaged in a thoughtful examination of my leadership qualities and

personal habits through the lens of those closest to me: my brother Juan, my husband Bruno, and

my best friend and business partner, Laura. Each holds a mirror up to different facets of my life,

offering insights that are as varied as they are valuable. Their perspectives serve as guideposts on

my path to growth, shedding light on how my personal experiences and professional endeavors

intersect and influence each other.

This exploration is not just about understanding where I stand today but also about

identifying the steps I can take toward becoming a more effective leader and a more fulfilled

individual. It's about recognizing the habits that serve me well and those that might be holding

me back, all with the aim of fostering personal development and professional excellence.

What follows is a synthesis of conversations, reflections, and insights garnered from

these important people in my life. It's an honest look at where I've been, where I am, and where I

aspire to go, both as a leader and as a person continually striving for improvement. Join me on

this journey of reflection, discovery, and growth. To ensure a comprehensive exploration, I chose

to interview three key individuals from different spheres of my life: Juan, my supportive brother;
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Bruno, my husband and partner in life's journey; and Laura, my best friend and entrepreneurial

ally. Each was selected for their unique perspective on my life, ensuring a broad understanding

of my character and leadership. The conversations were structured yet open, allowing for depth

and authenticity.

Section 1: Thoughts Summary

What was your rationale in developing your interview guide sheet(s)? What did you hope

to discover?

I designed the interview guide with simplicity and depth in mind, aiming to uncover

genuine insights into my strengths, areas for improvement, and standout qualities. My hope was

to reveal consistent themes across different perspectives, providing a multifaceted view of my

personal and professional character. This approach was intended to avoid surface-level answers

and instead, dive deeper into how my actions and habits are perceived by those closest to me.

How comfortable did you feel listening to the feedback in your personal interview(s)?

Listening to personal feedback, especially from Juan, brought a mix of comfort and

vulnerability. It's one thing to discuss work-related areas for improvement, but delving into

personal habits and traits felt more intimate. The feedback on my stubbornness, while familiar

within my family, pushed me to reflect on its influence beyond personal interactions and into my

professional demeanor. This level of honesty was both challenging and invaluable.

What did you learn about yourself as a result of this process?

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The overarching lesson from this process was the recognition of my reliability as a

universally appreciated trait by Juan, Bruno, and Laura. It reinforced my understanding that

being seen as dependable is crucial to my identity as a leader. Additionally, the feedback

illuminated my occasional hesitancy to venture outside my comfort zone, a realization that has

since become a focal point for my growth.

Were there any surprising results from your interviews? Explain?

Yes, the acknowledgment of my tendency to remain within my comfort zone, particularly

in professional settings, was surprising. I hadn’t fully appreciated the extent to which this

affected my leadership and decision-making. This insight has prompted me to re-evaluate how I

approach challenges and opportunities for growth.

How will you think differently, and what will you do differently, as a result of this

assignment (self-monitoring, working on developing certain skills, etc.)?

This reflective exercise has instilled a greater awareness of the need for self-monitoring

and pushing beyond familiar boundaries. Recognizing the value of discomfort in fostering

growth, I plan to embrace new challenges with an open mindset. I'll seek opportunities that

stretch my capabilities, pursue continuous learning, and be more intentional in taking calculated

risks.

How does what you found out pertain to your leadership style?

The insights from the interviews align closely with my approach to leadership,

emphasizing empathy, adaptability, and clear goal-setting. They underscore the importance of
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being a leader who not only encourages but also actively supports the development of others.

Moving forward, I'll incorporate these learnings to enhance my leadership style, ensuring it

remains inclusive, forward-thinking, and grounded in mutual trust and respect.

Section 2: Interview Response Summaries

This section explores key takeaways from interviews conducted with individuals who

have played significant roles in my life. Their diverse perspectives provide valuable insights into

my leadership style, strengths, and areas for growth.

Interviewee #1: Juan (Brother)

Juan, my brother, offered a nostalgic look back on our childhood, highlighting the grit

and sense of responsibility instilled in me from a young age. He linked these experiences to my

leadership style, which prioritizes empathy, support, and a commitment to my team. His

perspective resonated, reminding me of the lasting impact of formative experiences. Though I

initially worried his perspective might be skewed, his unique viewpoint as my sibling revealed

aspects others wouldn't capture. He pinpointed my resilience and determination, citing an

example of overcoming a challenging academic hurdle. Notably, he also brought to light my

tendency to be overly self-critical at times. This feedback resonated deeply, prompting me to

explore how self-criticism might be affecting my leadership.

Interviewee # #2: Bruno (Husband)

Bruno's insights proved invaluable, shedding light on my adaptability and unwavering

commitment to self-improvement. He spoke of the power of vulnerability and the strength found
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in our supportive partnership. His unique vantage point, encompassing both my personal and

professional life, allowed him to highlight valuable traits crucial for leadership, like open

communication and mutual respect. He recognized my strong work ethic and dedication,

exemplified by my relentless pursuit of professional goals. However, Bruno also gently nudged

me toward acknowledging my occasional stubbornness, particularly when deeply invested in an

idea. This feedback challenged me to consider the importance of flexibility and collaboration,

especially in leadership roles.

Interviewee #3: Laura (Business Partner & Best Friend)

Laura, my business partner and best friend, focused on our shared entrepreneurial spirit.

She lauded my ability to envision the future and break down barriers to achieve our goals. She

particularly praised my talent for making high-quality care accessible, a core tenet of our mission

at My Body by Design. Her feedback underscored the impact of persistence, vision, and taking

small, actionable steps towards ambitious goals. Laura's perspective highlighted my interpersonal

skills. She commended my empathy and ability to build connections, emphasizing my talent for

making others feel valued and included. However, she also pointed out instances where caution

might hinder me, especially when faced with new situations. This feedback encouraged me to

contemplate how calculated risks can sometimes fuel growth and development.
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Interview Questions

Interviewee #1: Juan (Brother)

Question 1: What do you consider to be some of Vanessa’s strengths as a leader?

Juan’s Response: He commended my ability to lead with empathy and inclusivity, noting how

from a young age, I showed a natural inclination to support and guide those around me. As an

example, he referenced how I would organize family activities, ensuring everyone felt included

and heard, which has translated into how I manage teams today, fostering environments where

collaboration and mutual respect flourish.

Strengths:

Juan highlighted my resilience and adaptability, learned in the early stages of our lives. He spoke

of how these traits have always been a part of who I am, noting my ability to navigate through

challenges with grace. He pointed out my leadership ability to inspire and motivate those around

me, akin to how I took on responsibilities within our family.

Example: Juan recalled instances from our childhood when I would organize our chores and

activities, ensuring everything was completed efficiently and fairly. This, he believes, was an

early sign of my knack for leadership and organization.

Question 2: In what ways could Vanessa improve her leadership performance?

Juan’s Response: He pointed out my tendency to overcommit as a potential area for

improvement. To better support my team, Juan suggested delegating more effectively, allowing

others the opportunity to take on responsibilities and grow, thus enhancing team capacity and

resilience.
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Areas for Improvement:

Juan suggested that sometimes my drive for perfection can lead to undue stress on myself and

potentially on those I lead. He believes in the power of delegation and trusting others with

responsibilities.

Example: He mentioned a family event I had organized, where I took on too much, illustrating

the need for me to trust in the abilities of others more.

Question 3: What is one thing you would say that Vanessa does very well?

Juan’s Response: He praised my consistency and reliability. A specific instance he mentioned

was during a family crisis when I took the lead in organizing support, demonstrating strong

leadership and providing stability. This, he believes, directly mirrors how I manage professional

situations—by being a dependable and steadfast leader.

One Thing Done Exceptionally Well:

Juan praised my empathy and understanding, which makes people feel seen and heard. This, he

believes, is my strongest trait, creating a supportive environment whether in family dynamics or

professional settings.

Example: He reflected on a time when I helped mediate a family disagreement, highlighting my

ability to listen, understand, and find a middle ground.

Interviewee #2: Bruno (Husband)

Question 1: What do you consider to be some of Vanessa’s strengths as a leader?

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Bruno’s Response: Bruno emphasized my adaptability and continuous pursuit of self-

improvement. He highlighted how I successfully navigate the complexities of balancing work

and family life, demonstrating resilience and flexibility—qualities that inspire and motivate our

family and my professional teams alike.

Strengths:

Bruno focused on my ability to adapt and grow, especially in the face of adversity. He admires

my continuous pursuit of self-improvement and how I apply these lessons to better support those

I work with and care for.

Example: Bruno shared how, during a difficult period of transition for our family, I remained

positive and proactive, leading our family through the challenge with strength and grace.

Question 2: In what ways could Vanessa improve her leadership performance?

Bruno’s Response: He suggested that I work on setting clearer boundaries to manage my

tendency to overextend myself. Specifically, Bruno believes improving in this area would not

only enhance my personal well-being but also set a positive example for my team about the

importance of work-life balance.

Areas for Improvement:

He pointed out that my tendency to overcommit could be managed better. Bruno believes in my

capability but also stresses the importance of self-care and setting realistic boundaries.

Example: He cited an instance where I overextended myself between work commitments and

family responsibilities, which led to unnecessary stress.

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Question 3: What is one thing you would say that Vanessa does very well?

Bruno’s Response: Bruno lauded my ability to communicate openly and foster honest

discussions, whether at home or in the workplace. An example he provided was during a

significant family decision-making process, where my approach to communication facilitated a

solution that was in the best interest of our family, reflecting my leadership approach of

encouraging dialogue and participation.

One Thing Done Exceptionally Well:

Bruno highlighted my skill in fostering open and honest communication, which strengthens our

relationship and my professional partnerships. He believes this to be fundamental to effective

leadership.

Example: He reminisced about a time when we faced a significant decision and how my

approach to discussing our options openly led to a resolution that we were both content with.

Interviewee #3: Laura (Best Friend and Business Partner)

Question 1: What do you consider to be some of Vanessa’s strengths as a leader?

Laura’s Response: Laura praised my visionary leadership and my ability to break down barriers

to achieve goals. She reminisced about the early days of our business venture, My Body by

Design, highlighting my role in turning our vision into reality through strategic planning and

unwavering determination.

Strengths:

Laura emphasized my visionary leadership and ability to break down complex problems into

actionable steps. She admires my determination to make quality healthcare accessible, reflecting

our shared mission in My Body by Design.

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Example: Laura recalled the early days of our startup, highlighting my role in navigating the

challenges of establishing the business, focusing on our long-term vision.

Question 2: In what ways could Vanessa improve her leadership performance?

Laura’s Response: Laura pointed out the need for me to be more open to alternative strategies

and perspectives, especially in fast-changing business environments. She suggested that

enhancing my adaptability could lead to even more innovative solutions and success for our

business.

Areas for Improvement:

Laura suggested I could sometimes be more receptive to alternative strategies, especially in

rapidly changing situations, to enhance our adaptability as a team and a business.

Example: She referenced a marketing strategy session where expanding our perspectives could

have led to more innovative solutions.

Question 3: What is one thing you would say that Vanessa does very well?

Laura’s Response: She commended my knack for creating a supportive and empowering work

environment. Laura shared how my leadership during a challenging project led to a motivated

team that felt valued and committed, showcasing my ability to lead by example and inspire

excellence.

One Thing Done Exceptionally Well:

Laura praised my ability to inspire and empower our team, creating a culture where everyone

feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.

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Example: She shared an anecdote about a team building retreat I organized, which significantly

boosted morale and team cohesion, demonstrating my knack for nurturing a positive and

productive work environment.

Overall, these interviews were an eye-opening experience. While some feedback was

expected, other insights surprised me. Most importantly, they provided a well-rounded picture of

who I am as a person and leader. Here are some key takeaways:

 Strengths Recognized: Resilience, determination, strong work ethic, dedication, empathy,

ability to connect with people, and inclusivity.

 Areas for Development: Self-criticism, stubbornness, and a tendency to play it safe.

 These insights will guide my future endeavors. I plan to actively work on managing self-

criticism actively, fostering a more collaborative leadership style, and embracing

calculated risks for personal and professional growth.

The knowledge gained from these interviews isn't just about self-improvement; it's about

becoming a more effective leader. By leveraging my strengths and addressing areas for

development, I can foster a positive and productive work environment where everyone feels

valued and empowered. My journey of self-discovery is ongoing, and I am grateful for the

honest feedback that has equipped me to navigate the exciting path ahead.
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Reference

Harrington, B., & Hall, D. T. (2007). Career Management & Work/Life Integration: Using

Self-Assessment to Navigate Contemporary Careers. Sage Publications, Inc.