If people were possessed by reason, running marathons would not work. But we are not creatures of reason. We are creatures of passion.”
Rhonda Vetere, (former Chief Technology Officer of Estee Lauder) was just named President, Data and Analytics of nThrive where she will be leading the charge and massive digital transformation for the global healthcare organization. Among many notable industry awards as a powerhouse woman in tech, she won a 2017 Stevie® Award for Excellence in Transforming Business, competing with over 1500 CIOs and CTOs.
Rhonda’s theory is that an individual’s personal wellness must be a top priority in order to achieve one’s major corporate goals. As a competitive athlete and avid runner dedicated to a strict fitness and nutrition regime, Rhonda participates in ongoing marathons and iron man competitions across the globe.
Women Fitness is #CelebratingWomen this International Women’s Day, with a new story of an inspirational woman going out every day. Lets check out the next one about the BOSS-LADY, Rhonda Vetere, former Chief Technology Officer of Estee Lauder and now the President, Data and Analytics of nThrive.
Women Fitness:
Share with us your story that has brought you to becoming the Chief Technology Officer of Estee Lauder and being named the President, Data and Analytics of nThrive.
Rhonda Vetere:
I started working in technology while in college not because it was my specialty, but because a mentor recognized that my management style was a great leadership quality. Since the moment, focusing on people and finding solutions alongside them has always been at the core of what I do. In the course of my career, I’ve moved from telecommunications to finance to insurance to beauty and now into the healthcare space. I’m constantly learning new industries and adapting my skills to help companies through major technology transitions, mergers & acquisitions, insourcing & outsourcing, and global technology operations. I pride myself on my wide-ranging, globe-trotting, industry experience. I believe that in order to find the right processes and technology strategies, it’s important to take off the blinders and truly experience the culture you’re working in.
I recently joined nThrive’s Executive Leadership Team. As President, I will be working across several businesses as an industry change agent to assist with multiple mergers, creating synergies across the lines of business, and will leverage my onshore/offshore experience. A results-oriented, client-focused executive, I drive value by delivering technology that improves cost and performance to drive the right business outcomes.
Women Fitness:
You have completed over 54 half-marathons, two full marathons, four triathlons, and one Ironman. What role does running play in your life?
Rhonda Vetere:
I find inner peace through a strict schedule, and of course, a dedicated fitness routine filled with triathlon, IronMan and marathon recess runs. Schedule is critical and crucial and I usually plan things six months to a year out. 1Fitness is key it gives me discipline and helps me achieve my goals. My fitness routine is key to my physical and mental well being, and it definitely keeps me sharp and focused.
Women Fitness:
How has your personal wellness helped you, in achieving your corporate goals?
Rhonda Vetere:
Running is my sanity check! When I train, I leave my phone elsewhere and do not even listen to music. I do much of my business strategizing at this time. My theory is an individual’s personal wellness must be a top priority in order to achieve one’s major corporate goals.
I attribute many of my most prized leadership qualities, including motivation, perseverance and a stellar ability to navigate the daily struggle of balance, to my active and healthy lifestyle that is the impetus for my day-to-day accomplishments.
Women Fitness:
Share with us your fitness and nutrition regime.
Rhonda Vetere:
- Run, bike, and swim – every day is a different exercise to keep my body guessing and always allows rest of some muscles.
- Sauna after a swim and stretch muscles in there is key. That is my version Bikram yoga and allows me to get good stretch in and keep my muscles loose and prevent injury.
- Carb up a week before the race – only eat pasta with protein. Bolognese is my go to as well as chicken with penne pasta and light sauce, nothing creamy. This fuels my body for workouts and gives me energy. Be sure to have healthy snacks available at all times. And drink lots of water. Hydration is key!
- Leave your phone and all technology behind so that I can get lost in my thoughts. I do not listen to music or podcasts. This is my sanity. It gives me a chance to think and reflect and I do a lot of strategizing during this time.
- Don’t overtrain. Take a break when you feel like you need it. Listen to your body.
- Tapering for me is not doing any exercise 5 days prior to a race. Gives me more energy and it gives me time to reflect. Thoughts are more sharp.
Women Fitness:
This International Women’s Day, what advice would you like to give to the women out there?
Rhonda Vetere:
The advice that I would give women is to create your path.
Nothing has been given to me, I have worked for everything and that is key. Hard work, focus, determination are all very important to success in both corporate and my athletic goals.
I would tell women to be strong and never feel like you are at a disadvantage for being a female in a male dominated profession. If anything, I have used this to my advantage.
Another key tip I would tell others is to learn how to play golf. I am now an avid golfer and so much business takes place on the course.
For more such real inspiring stories on this Women’s Day, click here.