Family Business Council Spotlight

FBC Spotlight features a different FBC member or sponsor each month. This month, we caught up with member Valerie O'Donnell who explains below how FBC membership inspires her not only as a business owner, but also as a mother and friend.

Valerie O’Donnell

CEO, Progressive Industries, Inc.

Progressive Industries, Inc. founded: 1985

FBC member since: 2006

FBC forum: Quantum

Additional roles in the FBC: Membership Committee participant, moderator for Quantum forum

FBC: Valerie, you have been a member for one year now. Why did you decide to become a member of the FBC?

VO: FBC was originally brought to me by NORBIC (AIM) who we work with on various projects - they felt there might be a fit for our organization - being that my three kids and my mom all work for me. Initially I was skeptical, but I met with Ernest and learned more about how the Forum works and the potential benefits of the program. I was particularly struck by the feeling that it might help me grow and evolve as a leader. In one short year, three of our potential successors have joined Next Gen forums as well. For me, it's been life changing. I can only hope the kids get as much out of it as I do.

FBC: How has your life changed professionally and personally since joining the Council?

VO: This organization has exceeded my expectations - the people are all amazing leaders, compassionate and caring for one another. It's an honor to be in their company. They make me want to be a better leader, mom and friend. The information exchange is powerful and the emotional bond built in the Forum group is a formidable force.

FBC: As a business owner, you are obviously very busy. You participate in one of the FBC forums, and now you are taking on additional responsibilities within the Council. How do you do it?

VO: I think that I work best when I'm challenged and feel myself growing. That exuberance propels me. Originally, I thought one meeting per month might be too much, but on the contrary, the energy and content of the meetings drives me and compels me to work harder, smarter and with a broader perspective. I feel more empowered as a leader. Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely journey at times - these leaders wrap their arms around you and walk by your side through the journey - with compassion and empathy.

FBC: If you could say one thing to a business owner or leader considering membership with the FBC, what would it be?

VO: I'm typically NOT a "joiner" - so the idea of joining the FBC was a bit foreign to me at first. I can only say that the experience of being an FBC member is very insidious - you start out wondering how it could possibly help you and suddenly, you wake up with exciting fresh ideas and you begin wondering how you can give back to the organization that gives so freely - it's quite contagious. I get inspired and motivated being around these dynamic, insightful entrepreneurs. I feel very lucky - I think I'm in the BEST Forum in the organization - but I hear we all feel that way about our Forum groups. Funny how that happens!