What inspired the executive director of a nonprofit organization to become a sommelier?
For Tonia Labbe, the journey began with an interest sparked in Napa Valley. During this episode of Beauty Unveiled, Tonia joins Dr. Sturm to talk about it.
Known as the NOLA Cork Whisperer, Tonia aims to make wine tasting accessible and educational.
But the career path did not start with wine.
Initially, there was consideration of fields such as speech pathology and education. Influenced by family, teaching became a focus in Louisiana and later in Houston. At the Nehemiah Center, the role involves providing support for children and parents.
The leadership journey includes insights from programs like Leadership Houston, highlighting the challenges women face in leadership roles, with an emphasis on boundaries and mentorship.
Key Takeaways
1. The Nehemiah Center's integration of educational programs, parent education classes, and spiritual guidance demonstrates that addressing the diverse needs of children and families requires a holistic approach, fostering both academic and personal growth within the community.
2. Tonia Labbe's journey from a casual interest in wine to becoming a certified sommelier and offering wine tasting services shows how personal passions can evolve into professional ventures that bring joy and knowledge to others, highlighting the importance of pursuing and integrating hobbies into one's career.
3. Effective leadership is grounded in values, transparency, and adaptability. Tonia emphasizes the significance of understanding team dynamics, individualized communication, and shared values to foster a collaborative and resilient organizational culture.
4. Building strong relationships and networks is crucial for leadership development. Tonia's experiences with Leadership Houston and mentorship show that networking and learning from others’ experiences can significantly enhance one’s leadership skills and impact within the community.
5. Women leaders often face additional pressures and scrutiny in the workplace. Tonia underscores the need for women to maintain professionalism, set clear boundaries, and bring authenticity to their leadership roles, while striving to prove their competencies and earning deserved recognition in their careers.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Fascinated by wine, deepened understanding during COVID.
03:45 Encouraging exploration and enjoyment of different wines.
09:09 Passion for impacting lives through education mission.
10:11 Challenging work helping families overcome poverty and obstacles.
14:52 Leadership Houston helped develop my networking skills.
16:43 Define leadership style, emphasize open-door policy.
20:30 Seeking inspiration from faith to inspire others.
25:00 Establish clear boundaries in leadership and media.
29:14 Embrace authenticity and transparency as a leader.
30:00 Struggled, celebrated, laughed, grown, enjoyed, interacted, serious.
Learn more about the NOLA Cork Whisperer HERE.
Learn more about The Nehemiah Center HERE.
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