Latino Business Speakers Bureau: Theresa Barrera-Shaw
story by: David Gomez
“I’m ready!” Theresa repeatedto herselfas she walked up to her boss’ office to ask to lead anew and exciting project. She didn’t have to convince her boss that she was ready to take a new leadership role; she had to believe it herself. Since her career began as a part-time cashier at the Sam’s Clubin Corpus Christi, Texas, Theresaalwaysbroughtto workthe values and ethics passed down to her from her parents. She tookon new responsibilitiesand learned from every challenge her career put on her path. As new opportunities became available,she knew it was up to her to pursue them, and she did. Each upward move taught her something new and prepared her so that one day she could lead others in their pursuit to bring their products to market. It is now Theresa’s turn helping companies determine if they are ready. A large portion of her clients are minorities and it gives her purpose when she aligns strategies that help them ready themselves to offer their products to larger companies.
Theresa Barrera-Shaw is the Founder of the Barrera-Shaw Group, which she formed after leaving her successful career of 27 years at Walmart. In her last rolefor her former employer, Theresaserved as Vice President of Supplier Administration where she oversaw the implementation of the Walmart Supplier Diversity Program and Supplier Development. These policies and practices of inclusion sought to increase Walmart’s expenditures in supplier diversity and facilitated the vetting of suppliers to Walmart. Here is when she saw an opportunity to help companies with growth goals.
Many of the principles that Theresa applies to her customers’ feedback apply to career goals. She shares thoughts on the importance of confidence; how accepting compliments and asking the daring question “how am I doing?” lead to growth and change. It’s important to accept praise and celebrate victories because as Latinos become successful their stories can inspire others who are starting in their success journey. The question “how am I doing?” is a tough question to askbut it is necessary to reach a new summit. It requires a willingness to face uncomfortable answers and the calls of action from a leader or mentor. This kind of vulnerability is what opens the door to becoming or doing something better. She acknowledges that trusting that people will answer truthfully is hard and that is why it is a daring question to ask.
As she reflects on how she keeps her heritage alive, Theresa shares another leadership concept. A few years back, her daughters joined in a new tradition: making tamales. Although the first year wasn’t as successful as they envisioned, each year afterwards their tamales tasted better. That first year was not a mistake nor were the days it involved a waste of time. They learned together and their relationship became stronger. They experienced growth in unity. These experiences align with one of her leadership principles, coaching should be an opportunity to learn together. She says,“if you’re not learning along the way you’re missing out.” It is the way of a leader who is committed to life-long learning.