'Set the example': Exceptional Women Out West featuring Leanne Smullen, SVP Marketing, SpotX
Leanne Smullen likes to be where convergence happens. As the vice president of marketing and training for Denver-based SpotX, a leading video advertising platform that sits in the middle of the convergence of traditional TV and digital video, she is uniquely positioned where she wants to be with a company that has grown rapidly on an international stage.
Smullen also strives to be the best in her other role as a part-time lieutenant colonel in the Colorado Army National Guard, where she helps civilian agencies respond to wildfires, floods and other emergencies.
Smullen is also a certified coach, helping people develop their strengths and become effective leaders. Considering the sometimes intense work she encounters as a soldier and in the professional workforce, Smullen is best when she is calm under pressure.
She has experienced loss in her life, but used her tough experiences to learn and grow, and she expects those she coaches to use their experiences to get in touch with and live their values. Her values are “Buddhist-inspired” and that moderation and practical approach helps her handle any situation.
Smullen thinks that people must also learn emotional intelligence to grow and have the skills to deal with others. As a leader at SpotX and with the military, she sees the importance of making decisions based on what is best for the whole team, and committing yourself to something bigger than yourself. She wants to set an example in all that she does, setting an example by being more self-aware and reflective.
“If you continually learn about yourself and set that example you're living the middle way. It's right where things converge and that's a good place to be,” she concluded.
Exceptional Women Out West is a podcast that highlights and celebrates both the great achievement, lives and POV of amazing women in the Western US and Canada. Listen to previous episodes here. If you would like to nominate women out west to be part of the show, please contact North America Editor at Large, Doug Zanger.