In case you have not read the past few Blogs, I had interviewed two great people this year. Ken Konseco (pictured left) is the President of Harrison College (previously known as Indiana Business College) and his strategic business partner, Maria Berthiaume CPS. They were an absolute delight to interview and I appreciate all the time they took to share their tips to a successful business partnership. Here is my last Blog from their interview.
Ken has such a great perspective of the administrative role; I just had to ask him when and how did he gain that perspective.
Ken: "It has always been there. When I entered the business in 1971, I immediately recognized the role of the then, secretary -- that person being the right hand/left hand/backbone of the manager/executive. I have always envisioned the position to be a partnership and all the qualities necessary of an excellent leader were critical between the two. You must have mutual trust, mutual respect, two-way communications, co-motivators, co-team player, co-positive work environment, co-enthusiastic environment to mention a few."
I then asked Ken, "What advice would you give executives who don't quite have that perspective of this profession? How can they better understand the value an administrative professional bring to the organization and manager?"
Ken: “That's a tough question. I have continually surrounded myself with "similar others" in my professional life and fortunately, most have recognized the tremendous value/skills an administrative professional "brings to the table." As we recognize, a majority of successful people surround themselves with great personnel. The position of an executive assistant is a critical part of the management team and I find it difficult that if one does not embrace that philosophy, one in most situations will not meet with success. My recommendation to those who do not aspire to this philosophy would be to encourage them to embrace it and allow them to personally witness the results that will follow.”
Wow!! Isn't that great insight and perspective?
As our interview came to an end, Maria told me her closing thoughts. "I would be remiss if I didn't speak to this . . . I have been so blessed over the past 22 years to be privileged to work alongside of Ken Konesco. Ken is my number one mentor -- not only in my professional life, but my personal life as well. He has supported and encouraged me to become a better professional and a better person. As the senior leader of our organization, Ken lives out each day what he believes in and communicates to all employees -- and that is faith/family first, health second, and job third."
I wish continued success to Ken and Maria. Thank you, again, for your great insight. You are a team to be admired and modeled!
(IBC was founded in 1902. IBC has 14 campuses throughout Indiana and they recently expanded with a campus in Columbus, OH. Harrison College (formerly IBC) offers associate and bachelor degrees in the general areas of business, health, culinary arts, criminal justice, computer technology. You can learn more at www.Harrison.edu.)
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