Katie Sterling, 2018 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Recipient

The annual Tri-Cities Women in Business Conference typically takes place in January, but has been postponed to later in the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked past ATHENA Award recipients for their favorite inspirational quotes, podcasts, books, and more to help motivate you through 2021.

Words of Wisdom

“Aut inveniam viam aut faciam” is Latin for “I shall either find a way or make one.” It may often feel that people tell you what you can’t do or who you can’t be. As long as it’s not unlawful, illegal, or immoral; set your goals, stay the course, and find your way. You and those around you will be better for it!

Book Recommendation

My days are consumed with COVID-19 reading, but I have a book waiting for my next vacation, No Time for Spectators: The Lessons That Mattered Most From West Point To The West Wing by Martin Dempsey.  First of all he is a West Point grad, so you can’t go wrong there! I’m told that the book discusses why the best leaders are most adept at following, what is expected of those who have the privilege of leading, and what may leaders expect of those who follow them.  These are all areas that I’m interested in understanding the author’s view point as I have great respect for him.

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​Tips on Keeping Motivated in 2021

I thrive under stress and in challenging situations, so being part of the COVID response is right up my alley. I’ve seen increased partnership between the different organizations at work, we are tearing down stovepipes. With the inclusion of teleworking into the work schedule the need to reach out to people has exponentially increased with positive results. Motivation is an innate part of who I am, but seeing people come together for good and helping others pumps me up that much more.

The military saying “Mission, Men, Me” drives me. What does it take to accomplish the mission at hand, are my teammates empowered (what do they need, what obstacles can I help remove), and then me. It’s all about the people. Everyone comes with a different perspective and life experience. There is usually no singular way to do something, it’s taken me years to learn this and then put it into action. My current boss told me; “Katie, there is nothing you can mess up that I can’t unmess, keep me informed so I’m not caught off-guard, go handle business.”  He trusts me! When I’ve in turn said this to the manager under me it’s allowed for a whole new relationship to develop. This single statement has allowed the department to exceed mission expectations and grow the team. 

​Finally, in all things the Glory belongs to God. I’m grateful to have a personal relationship with Him and have seen His work in me impact those around me for good.​

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Katie Sterling is a ​Emergency Preparedness Department Manager at Nuclear Waste Partnership LLC.