North Bay Woman

F A L L 2 0 1 9 | NORTH BAY WOMAN 25 of that, she had a very green, invinci- ble 24-year-old coming in and talking about going out in the evening in the city, partying and having fun. It wasn't until years later, but Bethany taught me the importance of compassion. I wish I could find her now to apologize for my cluelessness. Which brings me to EO. I joined EO 10 years ago when it was a 35-person company operating out of 19,000-square-foot building in Corte Madera. I knew that I wanted to work for a value-oriented organization and Brad Black and Susan Griffin-Black were running a company that seemed to embrace values at its core. Over the 10 years, I have been in many meet- ings with Susan where I have seen her embody the values of kindness, com- passion, thoughtfulness, collaboration and respect. And there have been many difficult meetings with many difficult decisions where it would have been easy to abandon these values. Susan has taught me that you can be successful in business and stay true to your moral compass. In 2015, on the advice of San Rafael Chamber CEO Joanne Webster, I took the San Rafael Leadership course. I made many new friends and contacts. This led to a few nonprofit boards, all of which have deepened my roots in Marin. The sense of community here is incredi- ble. Joanne, thank you for teaching me the importance of listening to people whom you respect. There is a common theme to the stops on my journey. They all involve the connection we have with others. The amazing people we interact with every day who give us these incredible gifts. Gifts we don't always recognize because they are wrapped poorly, or not at all. In addition, each time we make a connec- tion it's like planting a seed. You never know where or when that seed will bear fruit or what you will learn from others. Congratulations to you all, may the seeds you planted this year bear prolific harvests. n Photo page 24: EO Products co-founder Susan Griffin-Black is among the mentors that have influenced EO Chief Financial Officer Steve Fox along his career path. – Photo courtesy of EO Products • 415-454-4200 Every professional woman knows the importance of making a good impression. Our floors give you a step in that direction. Flooring Design Center Carpet | Area Rugs | Hardwood | Laminate 555 E. Francisco Blvd, San Rafael www.city-carpets.com • 415-454-4200 www.cit "We understand our customers. ey look for quality in the materials we offer and in the service they receive. Let us show you what exceptional means." - Leigh Bahktiari, owner CSL #746886

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