5 Things I’ve Learned: Karla Leis

Karla Leis, ’91 BSB, ’94 MBA, is the president and CEO of PAR Systems, which designs and integrates high-precision, automated, and robotic solutions at any scale, and delivers innovative, mission-critical systems for the U.S. Navy and global allies. Previously, she worked at nVent and Tennant Company in a variety of leadership roles. Leis serves on the board of directors at Red Wing Shoe Co., and she remains connected to Minnesota Carlson, serving on the Innovation Minnesota and Carlson Women Global Connect advisory boards.

1. How you treat people is part of your legacy. Results matter, but so does the way you achieve them. Every person on a team brings value, and every person deserves to be treated with respect. Over time, I have learned that communication, trust, empathy and collaboration are not “soft” skills; they are essential leadership skills. People may (or may not) remember the project, the decision or the outcome, but they will remember how they felt working with you.
2. Humility opens more doors than ego. The best growth happens when you surround yourself with people who challenge you, teach you and see the world differently than you do. I have always loved being around people I admire and people who know more than I do. There is strength in saying, “I don’t know,” and wisdom in seeking out the people who do.
3. Careers are rarely linear. Very few people have their career path fully mapped out when they enter college or the workforce. I have learned to stay open to possibilities and to express interest when I see an opportunity to learn and grow. In almost every new role I have accepted, I have felt “butterflies in my stomach,” wondering whether I was qualified and capable of succeeding. Over time, I have learned that if my current role does not make me at least a little nervous, I may not be stretching and growing as much as I could be. Those butterflies are often a sign that I am exactly where I need to be.