International Women’s Day: Conversations with Morrison Living’s Women in Leadership

Barbara Conn, CEO:

Raising my son as a single mom while balancing the demands of a career.  I subscribed to the notion that it takes a village.  I built a support network that I relied on for help.  It worked!  My son is a wonderful man with a family of his own now. 

Andrea Woods, Regional Vice President:

Not being heard and feeling invisible. Literally sitting in a meeting and providing input and being told my idea wasn’t good enough. Then, a male says the same thing and it’s a great idea. You just learn not to let it defeat you. Continue to bring ideas and those instances become the exception; not the rule.

Catherine Cape, VP – Purpose and Engagement:

A woman who influenced my life was my aunt, Billie Jean (B.J.) Cape.  B.J. was my dad’s older sister and was an unassuming pioneer for academic and professional women during the 1950s and 1960s.  After graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in music, B.J. moved to Oklahoma City and attended Oklahoma City University College of Law at night, while working full time.  She graduated top of her class.  She was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar and was employed as a Law Clerk for Stephen Chandler, Chief Judge of the United States District Court in Oklahoma City.     

Christine Willis, Division President:

Be bold and raise your hand to be involved in as many initiatives or projects as possible to learn from multiple individuals and departments, but also be humble to ask for help and learn from others.  Even today, I am the first to share a different perspective at times but also committed to leverage those around me and their knowledge and experience to help us get to the best outcome.  You’re in a position to contribute more than you think…Raise your hand!

Traci Miller, Senior Director of Nutrition and Wellness:

Go for the challenging positions, not the easy ones – how else will you grow? Ask for stretch assignments. If none are available, find it through volunteering in your community. Network, network, network – often it is more who you know, versus what you know. It does not have to be in your field, because we are all interconnected and someone will refer you when you make a great impression on that committee you volunteered for….. You can do the job, but you have to get the interview first! If you start scheduling time to take care of yourself early in your career, it will become a non-negotiable habit. Exercise is important, but so is: spending time with friends and family outside of work and making time for your hobbies, volunteer work, etc.  Last, but not least, if you are starting a family while working, and have a partner to share duties with, strive for one to have a more flexible position whenever possible throughout the school-age years.

Traci Miller, Senior Director of Nutrition and Wellness:

During the workweek, it starts with a good night’s sleep. I used to be able to make it on 5-6 hours, but now 7 is the best. I set an alarm for 5:20 am so I can drink a cup of coffee while reading a devotional. At 6 am, I exercise for at least an hour – cardio and core 5-6 days per week, strength 2-3 days per week. Next, I eat a protein-focused breakfast and drink more coffee! I try to keep up exercise routine while traveling, too. On the weekend, I don’t set an alarm…. although I still wake up at 5:20, but I’m getting better at falling back asleep. Once awake, I drink coffee (my favorite part of weekend mornings), and still try to move at least one of the weekend days. 

Maggie Fisher, Senior Vice President of Experience and Strategy:

I’ve been in the food business my whole career, but working for Morrison Living is unique because what we provide is so much more than JUST delicious food and excellent service. We have the privilege of serving customers in their homes and with that comes incredible responsibility. Your home is your sacred spot, where you should always feel welcome, cared for, comfortable, and loved. Our amazing team ensures those resident experiences are all that and more. It’s helped me put a whole new lens on the power of food and hospitality – we just have the best culture and I’m proud to be part of the team!    

Elly Kosteck, Regional Vice President:

My favorite thing about working for Morrison Living/Compass Group first and foremost is our people.  In my 31 years with the company, I have met the most amazing and inspiring people-at every level and in every sector.  I also appreciate the diversity within the company and the opportunities for growth and development.  I am very grateful for those who have chosen to join our team and who truly are the engine that drives the train out of the gate every day and who makes the magic happen.

Catherine Cape, VP – Purpose and Engagement:

There was a time I am not sure I would have said I enjoy it, but I’ve come to appreciate running and walking as my main form of exercise.  During the pandemic, I was able to continue this activity because I run and walk outdoors.  There’s something about being outdoors, experiencing the changing seasons, that not only is good for my physical wellbeing but also my mental and emotional wellbeing.  What I haven’t been able to do during the pandemic is participate in half-marathons.  Over the years, I’ve participated in many 5ks, 10ks, and half-marathons. I feel confident that I will be able to participate in one or two races later in 2021.