Presidential Point of View--With Ann Tancredi-Brown

September 28, 2007

As President of your organization what does an average day look like?

I leave the house at 7:30; return at 7:30PM. In between I take B to school/ and or pick her up 2-3 times a week. I glance at my email on the train. Once in the office, I read my email including RFP's. I attend scheduling/status meetings at 11:45. I attend job related meetings/conference calls and business planning meetings, work with our bookkeeper on accounting related issues, sign checks, wire transfer documents, review invoices and billing.

What was the best business decision you ever made?

The best decision I have ever made was to agree to become a partner in Gazelle.

As a business leader how do you measure success?

I measure success by the trust our clients place in us and by our long term client relationships which have enabled us to grow and change, hopefully in step with the industry. I also measure success by having the clients and resources to employ a hard working and motivated team.

Are there certain qualities that you look for in people you are hiring?

I look for people who have high quality standards and work ethic, usually at a very senior skill level. I try to determine whether or not they will be a good team player.

Who do you admire the most in the research community?

Early in my career at Yankelovich, I most admired Florence Skelly. It took a lot of grit and creativity to be female and the president of a research company in the 70's. Later, I would have to say I most admired Robert Shulman. He always had a new idea and his influence on my career was huge. I will always be grateful. Today, I seem to hold in high regard a colleague who is unfailing in his support, always willing to help if he can and who never forgets a birthday. Amazing!

How would you describe your leadership style?

I try to lead by example. I am one of those who believe that power and authority is "earned". I would have to say that I believe in making decisions and moving forward, a benevolent despot.

Please list 3 words that describe yourself

Mother, wife, organizer

What inspired you to get into the market research industry?

It was by chance, not planned

How do you motivate your employees?

I would have to say that our staff is motivated by the enthusiasm for the business that Harriet and I share and that we "hopefully" demonstrate to our staff. I will be one of the first to help....if we have boxes to ship, I love to tape...I don't expect our staff to do anything that I wouldn't do or haven't done myself.

What do you do for fun when you aren't working?

I enjoy spending time with my teenage daughter and husband. We have a collection of American Indian Art. I collect pottery, my husband and daughter collect carvings and paintings. I like to garden and read.

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