Thoughts on Leadership from an Industry Leader

Debra Hollingsworth (Photo by Claudia Burris)

Debra Hollingsworth, is Vice-President for External Affairs at SBC Missouri, one of the largest employers in the St. Louis area. Also a Webster alum, Hollingsworth sat down with NoteBene to discuss the telecommunications industry and her role as chief of staff for SBC Missouri's president, where she handles issues regarding community development and public policy.

Hollingsworth joined the company in 1979 in Texas as a management trainee in technical telecommunications work. In 1988, she moved to St. Louis where she started taking an interest in community-related projects and regulatory issues affecting the telecommunications industry. That interest led her to her current job.

Named one of the Most Influential Business Women 2004 by the St. Louis Business Journal, she helps manages a philanthropic fund of nearly $1.5 million that SBC utilizes for various charitable causes locally. She was recently honored as the Webster University 2006 Distinguished Alum from the School of Business and Technology.

One local organization that has benefited from SBC's donations is St. Louis OASIS, a nonprofit educational organization for older adults serving nearly 100,000 members with programs in the arts, humanities, health, technology and volunteering.

She is a member of the Board of Directors of FOCUS St. Louis, St. Louis Minority Business Council, Parkway Education, Opera Theater of St. Louis and the March of Dimes. She also serves on the Chancellor's Council of the University of Missouri at St. Louis and on the Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA) Business Service Committee. She is also a member of the Variety Club of St. Louis Allocation Committee, the United Way Allocation Panel, and the Missouri Governor's Business Roundtable.

Hollingsworth earned a master's degree from Webster University in St. Louis and a bachelor's degree from West Texas A&M University.

NB: What kind of career strategy advice would you give students just beginning their careers? 

DH: I recommend selecting a career that matches your interests and abilities. Once you have selected your field, then make certain your education and credentials match the area you have chosen. Be flexible; this skill is critical as the world of business continues to change. It is important to work hard, learn all you can about your area of expertise, and become known as the person in the company who gets things done.    

NB: As Vice President for External Affairs for AT&T , what has been one of the biggest challenges in this strategically -competitive telecommunications world that your company has faced?

DH: Constant change in priorities has been a challenge. I've learned you must reevaluate your work strategies daily and adapt to new information and direction at lightning speed. Facing competition is a daily task and it requires us to move quickly in order to meet and exceed customer expectations. Change is good—it pushes us to develop, implement and manage new technology, as well as provide great customers service.

NB: With the current focus on education, economic development and technology in your duties as VP for External Affairs for  AT&T, how do you see your role changing in the future?

DH: My role will require quick and thorough review of data and pertinent information. Our business is all about technology and, yes, it is constantly changing. We must be ready to provide these new technological services and products to customers at a faster pace. From a philanthropic perspective, the areas of education, economic development and technology continue to be our focus. We fund programs designed to increase access to technology tools, provide technology training, and empower underserved communities.  

NB: In your role as Chief of Staff for AT&T  of Missouri, what has been one of your most rewarding accomplishments? 

DH: The Chief of Staff responsibilities have given me a different perspective of the business and our community. Being in this role has improved my strategic thinking and allowed me the opportunity to work on projects that impact our business. I've also had the good fortune of meeting some outstanding business leaders in the St. Louis community as a result of this position. I continue to learn from every person and organization I encounter as a result of my responsibilities.

NB: What has been one of your most satisfying philanthropic accomplishments?

DH: The philanthropic area of my job is very rewarding. Every grant we award produces results for non-profit organizations in Missouri. The most satisfying accomplishment has been working with OASIS, which is a national, non-profit education organization founded in 1982, which strengthens communities by providing lifelong learning and service opportunities that inspire diverse audiences of mature adults to pursue vibrant, healthy, productive and meaningful lives. We've worked with OASIS in St. Louis since 1982—but recently expanded our relationship to include a national grant. This grant provides technology learning centers for persons 50 and above to attend computer classes and obtain workplace skills. This grant benefits older adults, businesses and our economy. OASIS continues to be a wonderful partner. They have helped us with projects and issues in many of the states where we both have a presence. It's a great example of a mutually beneficial partnership.

NB: Who was your most important mentor, and why?

DH: I've been fortunate to have several mentors and have learned important business, personal lessons from them. It is difficult for me to select the most important person, as they all have contributed to my knowledge and skills. I think the lesson in mentoring is for each–no matter where we are in our careers—to share experiences and help others on their journey. I'm pleased to have mentors and also to be one.

NB: In your opinion, why is it so important for big companies to get involved in their communities and contribute to community-related projects?

DH: We live and work in this community so we should care about it and make it stronger. Beyond that, getting involved in the communities we serve is good business. It shows who we really are and puts a face on our company. It's much easier to do business with a company when you have that personal connection.  Community involvement shows a different side of corporate America that is often missed. 

NB: What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the telecommunications industry today? 

DH: The biggest challenge facing the telecommunications industry today is delivering the latest technology to customers as quickly as possible.  It can be quite difficult to get legislative and regulatory approvals to bring cutting edge technology to the marketplace. The telecommunications industry is similar to other businesses—you invest in cities and states where good business policies exist. The telecommunications industry is regulated at the state and federal level. So the states that have good telecommunications policy will get the latest technology for their residents. 

NB: Where do you see the telecommunications industry in 10 years?   

DH: I believe the telecommunications industry will become more global. We are a global community—just like Webster—and I believe we'll see competition increase with other countries. This will create even more change in the industry, as well as innovation.  I believe there will be great and exciting technological advances in the decade ahead.

NB: Has your master's degree from Webster helped you in your career goals?     

DH: Yes, my master's degree has given me the skills necessary to advance and manage my responsibilities at AT&T. The Webster program allowed me to attend class, learn the information, and then practice it at work the next day. Webster's schedule and locations made it possible to work full time and obtain an advanced degree. The classes were keenly relevant and provided the knowledge I needed to pursue my work and life goals. Education is the key to success. I believe we need to be lifelong learners, and Webster brings new knowledge to us wherever we are in the world.   

BACK TO TOP