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10- March 2021
During the week of International Women's Day we continue to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about the fight for gender parity, and inspire support for organizations that help women globally. Lynn Presley, CSG's Vice President, is an amazing example of a strong and brilliant women leader. She is a vital part to CSG's success and we are extremely lucky to have her on our team. We caught up with Lynn to get a look at what it is like to be a women leader.
How long have you been working at CSG?
Casey (CSG President) was my CSG contact since 2001 when I was assistant director of housekeeping at the St. Regis Monarch Beach. I joined CSG in October 2012.
What is your job at CSG, where you started and where you are now?
I started as an account manager and later promoted to VP/Area Manager
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
One of the parts of my job that I love is finding opportunities for team members to continue to grow and learn. I take a lot of pride in being a female leader on our executive team and believe that one of my responsibilities is to seek out ways for women to advance and move into positions of leadership throughout the company. This has been, and continues to be, a part of my mission as a leader. I believe a crucial part of building future leaders is acknowledging their strengths and having honest conversations about areas for growth. In doing this, I hope to be a small part of the long-term growth for our team members, particularly women who are not always recognized for their hard work and dedication. I know I would not be where I am today were it not for someone believing in me and giving me a chance to be a leader. And for that, I am forever thankful.
Who do you look up to as a women leader and why?
There have been several women leaders I have worked with that taught me some valuable lessons and I grew as a result. Laura Oneill was my rooms director at the Ritz Carlton New York back in the 90’s and I was young and intimidated by the big city and the big brand. She mentored me and my confidence grew. I learned to be completely knowledgeable of my job and to be fair. Years later I worked with Chitra Jayanathan at the St Regis Monarch Beach. She taught me about integrity, honesty, and ethics. I received a gift from a vendor for Christmas and it was delivered to the hotel. It was a beautiful small coach handbag. After I opened it and gushed about how I loved it, she said it is a beautiful bag indeed……..now send it back. Surprised of course, she said its not ethical to accept a gift from a vendor, and while it looks like a beautiful handbag its compromising your integrity. There are been many strong women leaders in my career and I am grateful to all.
What important message or piece of advice would you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
I would give similar advice that I was given starting my career. Be knowledgeable, know your job inside and out. Be patient, it takes time to grow your career. Be confident in that your have knowledge and education/training to prepare you for what is ahead. Find a terrific company like I have with CSG that allows you to thrive, and have FUN.
About Contract Services Group, Inc.
Contract Services Group, Inc. provides commercial janitorial, window cleaning, and window washing systems. CSG’s online presence is located at http://www.csgcares.com. CSG provides janitorial and window cleaning services throughout California, Nevada and Arizona.