Community Leadership Insights from Laura Goossen, CLCV V, YALP VII – Westinghouse Electric Company
— Laura Goossen, CLCV V, YALP VII –Westinghouse Electric Company“My drive and determination for always wanting not only myself, but my teams, my community, etc. to learn and improve has naturally gravitated me towards leadership roles.“
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Name: Laura Goossen, CLCV V, YALP VII
Title: Account Executive
Organization: Westinghouse Electric Company
Focus: Leading technology advancement and energy diversification
Favorite Thing About the Region: So hard to pick just one! Our people are everything for our region and because of our amazing people we are able to continue our legacy of innovation!
Q: What has been your proudest moment as a civic leader?
A: I feel very proud to be a leader in the community that has the opportunity to advance innovation and technological development. Fostering initiatives that promote early STEM engagement with our local schools to build a pipeline of young, ambitious and curious young individuals that want to continue the legacy of not just Westinghouse, but of our technical superiority in the region.
— Laura Goossen, CLCV V, YALP VII“When I left the Army I wanted to find a way to continue to serve and give back, so ensuring that our region is successful takes a whole community and I want to ensure that I take an active role.”
Q: Why do you care deeply about the success of this region?
A: I have rooted my life around service. Early in my life, it was service to our country as I served in the US Army. When I left the Army I wanted to find a way to continue to serve and give back, so ensuring that our region is successful takes a whole community and I want to ensure that I take an active role.
Q: Have you had a transformational “a-ha” moment during your leadership journey?
A: My “a-ha” moment in my leadership journey was fairly early on in my life. I had the opportunity to go to West Point, and they take pride in building leaders of character for our country. They break you down and build you back up over the 4 year experience. During that time, I learned so much about myself as a leader and realizing that no matter whether you are in the army or another industry/sector, it is all about people. Truly caring deeply about your people, understanding what makes them “tick,” understanding that they are all different and you as a leader need to leverage those strengths to make them the best versions of themselves.
Q: Have you always been a leader or drawn to leadership roles? If no, what has changed? If yes, what has driven you to stay involved as a leader?
A: I have always been drawn to leadership roles – starting very early in my life. I am someone who can’t sit idle, so identifying challenges and leading through those challenges is a huge rush for me. My drive and determination for always wanting not only myself, but my teams, my community, etc to learn and improve has also naturally gravitated me towards leadership roles. I think a point to note though, is a good leader also is a good follower and knowing when and how to decipher between that is very important.
Q: What identities or lived experiences have shaped who you are as a leader? How do these influence your leadership goals and leadership style?
A: I grew up in a family that was nurturing and fostered all of our hopes and desires. I was never told “oh don’t try that or oh you can’t do that.” I was always encouraged to reach for the stars and my parents will support me along the way. That led me to applying to West Point and serving my country as an Army Military Intelligence Officer. My time of service made me who I am today. It also embedded the desire of living a life of service even after hanging up my uniform. I would say that I am very much a servant leadership style.
Connect with Laura Goossen here.
