Have a "Safe Zone"

August 2009

Margie Southard

Vice President - Operations

State Farm Insurance

Growing up in Birmingham, AL, Margie was known as "the little troublemaker." Because her parents both worked odd hours, she lived with her grandparents, her aunt and uncle, and three cousins. Her uncle was a Southern Baptist Minister, "which was an interesting dynamic," Margie says. "There were a lot of rules that I had to test – and many I broke! Teachers loved me because I was a good student, but as soon as the bell rang, look out!"

Margie credits her values of faith, family, and giving back to the adults in her life who taught her "what being blessed means," even though there wasn't a lot of discretionary income. Growing up during a period of school desegregation wasn't easy either. In fifth grade, Margie's school was closed and she was bused to an all-white elementary school where she and her classmates were not wanted. "I certainly have been a victim of prejudice, but I never became so angry that I lost sight of who I was and my ability to achieve. My family and community were very supportive and valued education."

Watching her grandfather suffer as a result of a paralyzing stroke motivated Margie to pursue a college degree in communicative disorders. Her intent was to go to graduate school to become a speech pathologist. But, when her husband received an offer to work for State Farm in Bloomington, IL, she put aside her plan and took a temporary position with State Farm in Health Claims so she could save for further schooling. "I thought I would never work for corporate America," says Margie. "It went against everything I thought I believed in." Around the same time, her mother was in the last stages of breast cancer, making the time period "very difficult."

With the support of her husband, family, and friends, Margie made it through the tough years that followed and focused on her career. As life settled down, she realized she was enjoying her work and her colleagues and was appreciative of the company's values. She must have been impressive too, because State Farm asked her to move to Maryland for a major promotion. Twenty-three years and six more moves later, her temporary stint has turned into a flourishing and fulfilling career.

Margie's Tips on Dealing with Change

Find the opportunity.
"Change is inevitable. You can choose to be a victim or you can take advantage of the opportunities it can present. When you are with different people in a new environment, it challenges you to think differently, and you can present others with new experiences, too. It really reenergizes you. Knowing this makes the next challenge easier, because I can bank on my experiences with previous changes."

Have a "safe zone."
"Make sure you take advantage of all of the resources around you. Search out people who can mentor you. I can't tell you how valuable it has been for me to have people that I can talk to in what I call a 'safe zone.' When I moved back to Birmingham as a fire claims manager, I didn't have any expertise in that – I risked my reputation, my credibility, and my potential to move on to other areas of responsibility. It was a great risk, but it turned out to be hugely rewarding. I was extremely fortunate to have people who were invested in my learning and making sure that I was successful."

Point out the positive.
"Moving so many times has been challenging and rewarding. Most of the moves were unexpected – they were for opportunities that I certainly didn't have on my radar, and in areas where I did not have the experience or expertise. But, leaders have to demonstrate a high degree of learning agility and adapt to any situation. Because of moving so much, I've developed a large network that I can call on at anytime. Some of my strongest friendships are people that I have met because of my various moves. Also, my daughter's ability to adapt and her acceptance of different perspectives is greater."

Relish the journey.
"Sometimes I would get so focused on the destination as opposed to the journey to get there. There are many lessons that you miss out on because it becomes all about 'me' and being successful. I may have been successful in completing the project, but not in learning the lessons I needed to. I don't do that anymore, though."

Be authentic.
"I think a mistake some women make is that they feel they have to imitate somebody else to advance. Sure, there are things we see in others that we admire, but don't strive to be something that you're not. It's okay to be you, but be the best 'you' that you can be. Find the thing that inspires you and be really good at it. Always continue to add to your bank of knowledge."

Get involved in the community.
"When I'm in transition, it's important that I get connected with my new community. It also helps with my daughter's transition. People reach out to say 'I'm here if you need any help' and they can point me in the right direction if I need something. I think that is what has made our moves easier."

If you'd like to ask Margie a question, send it to Helene [at] womenworking [dot] com, and we'll see if we can get you an answer.

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