Claire Henderson
Senior Marketing Manager I Summit Fix I Columbus, Ohio
Claire Henderson is a self-confessed high achiever working in brand equity and marketing at Summit Fix, where she firmly believes she does the work of ten people. She has never examined this estimate, largely because she doesn't believe it requires verification.
Claire has always had a clear vision for her career, with specific milestones attached to specific ages. By her calculations, she should already be a director.
A natural authority on workplace standards, Claire believes in accountability, transparency and ensuring senior leadership has visibility of issues they may not yet realise are issues. She is particularly skilled at turning minor disagreements into matters of organisational significance. Her feedback is always constructive and her name is always signed in full.
Claire takes a keen interest in her colleagues' professional development, performance and availability, whether or not they report to her. She believes a healthy workplace culture depends on clear boundaries, appropriate oversight and people understanding that they are ultimately at work to work, not to make friends. She has made several exceptions to this rule when a friendship presents a sufficiently valuable networking opportunity.
Her own social circle is carefully considered. Claire takes an interest in prospective friends' careers, seniority and long-term ambitions before investing too heavily in a relationship. She doesn't consider this judgemental. She simply believes it's important to surround yourself with people who are going places.
Claire met her husband Bobby at university and immediately recognised their shared commitment to success. His enthusiasm for networking, professional advancement and making useful connections has made him an excellent life partner. Together, they enjoy discussing career opportunities, prestigious employers and the importance of being perceived as successful.
Raised with an appreciation for exceptional standards, Claire has inherited strong opinions about hospitality, professional etiquette and the appropriate level of service one should expect from others.
Outside work, Claire enjoys golf lessons, having observed that senior executives frequently discuss golf, and researching further qualifications that may support her career trajectory.
She doesn't believe she's better than everyone else.
She simply holds herself to a different standard.