15 minutes with...Camille Preston
Dr. Camille Preston is the founder of AIM Leadership, which accelerates business results by improving individual, team and organizational effectiveness and leadership capabilities from the inside out. A psychologist by training, Camille is masterful in recognizing underlying patterns that inhibit performance. She is a thought leader in virtual effectiveness, cracking the code for understanding how to leverage technology, how to rewire for results, and how to create collaborations with people you do not see face to face. Camille holds an undergraduate degree from Williams College and a doctorate from the University of Virginia.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in business, and how did you deal with it?
Right now, we are focused on growing, scaling and optimizing… AND for me that is a daily practice of surrender. Specifically – getting clear on the overarching outcomes, being a clear communicator to my team, and then allowing them latitude to execute. One of my favorite Mantras is “Clear on the Outcome, Flexible on the approach….” I’m practicing living this daily!
What's the best thing about being an entrepreneur?
Doing work you love, from places you love, with people you enjoy.
Vast majority of things on my to – do list feel like get to dos rather than have to dos. And that is a BLESSING. Courage and Freedom to respond and adapt to the market place.
What's your elevator pitch?
Igniting peak performance at work and in life by harnessing mind (leadership theory/science), Art (right levers at right time) and Heart (psychology of creating lasting change.)
Which business quote has had the biggest influence on your career?
Not sure if it is
“Doing work you love, from places you love, with people you enjoy.”
or
“Clear on the Outcome, Flexible on the approach….”
BOTH have fundamentally transformed my life.
To what single personality trait do you attribute your success?
GRIT…. The passion, persistence and power of driving forward!
How do you select employees? What process do you go through and what questions do you ask yourself?
Self starter, excellence in your area, solutions oriented, detail oriented (I’m not!).
What was your first ever business idea?
Sweeping porches…. It wasn’t scalable – but my grandmother was a good buyer. I diversified to laying up her fire, shucking corn, and getting her well water. When I tried to sell her fish that I caught, she put constraints (they had to be a weight or length). I then pivoted to selling crawfish to fishermen at 10c each. But could get up to 25c on the weekends!
What is the weirdest (or bravest) marketing tactic you have used?
I think I need to be bolder in this area. That said – my last Forbes article was embarrassing and bold.
What is your favorite business book?
Right now? Do You Talk Funny.
Who would you most like to have dinner with?
Brene Brown…. I’m inspired by her agility to scale and bridge academia into the general market!