Women executives in Charlotte share their stories; how they get on top?

In a recent event held by Charlotte Chamber's "Women Who Lead", sponsored by the Bank of America Corporation, the stories of these women executives were highlighted: Andrea Smith, Charlotte Chamber's Chairwoman and Bank of America's new CAO; Cathy Bessant, Bank of America's chief operations and technology officer; Muriel Sheubrooks, a former partner of the Greater Carolinas Real Estate; and Pat Rodgers, CEO of Rodgers Builders.

These women leaders shared their experiences and the lessons they've learned before they became who they are today.

Pat Rodgers took chances and it leads her to new opportunities. Rodgers used to work as a part-time receptionist in a construction firm. Before, the company is just a small business with few employees. It all started when the company's bookkeeper had an accident and broke her hips. Pat's boss asked her to do the job and she did it.

Consequently, she learned how to fly a plane when her boss requested her to take flying lessons when the company bought a plane.

"If you think you're at a disadvantage, you will be at a disadvantage." Pat shared in the Charlotte Observer.

Business North Carolina reported that Rodgers arrived hopeless for work in Charlotte 35 years ago. Her husband then was discharged from his job when she was hired as a part-time receptionist. Eventually, she learned how to read and estimate plans. She went back to school in the 1980s to get her contractor's license. As mentioned in Rodgers Builders website, Pat became the president and CEO in 1987.

When it comes to leadership, Muriel Sheubrooks always sees women in a different way.

In a report from Charlotte Business Journal, Sheubrooks was the first chairwoman of Charlotte's Chamber in 1995. Sheubrooks observed, "I always felt like being a female was the best advantage I had."

She emphasized that as a woman, you should not be afraid. In fact, you can use it to inspire and influence people. "You stood out as a female," she added.

Muriel also remarked that you need to find people that would help you achieve your goals because you cannot do it alone. Don't do it by yourself. Ask for help because without them, you won't achieve anything.

Cathy Bessant pointed out that balance in life measures performance. She said she's good at work whenever her life is in balance. Bessant said that balance is a must have. If your life is in balance, you could focus on the execution. That way, you would stay in your job and do better.

Bessant also advises to take a risk, understand your career obligations, and don't fail. She stated an instance when she had to move places several times because it was needed for her career. She remembered she used to call her real estate agent first that they are moving before her husband.