Wall Street executive shares her leadership keys with Mantella, Economic Club

Mantella, who also serves as vice chair of the Economic Club, said she was eager to learn from Harris, particularly about her leadership strategies honed through four decades on Wall Street.

"I really felt like she was an important person to bring to Grand Rapids to our greater Grand Rapids region and community as we think about leadership and intentional leadership," Mantella said.

Following Harris' 30-minute address to members and guests of the Economic Club, Mantella asked her about a recurring theme from her presentation: being authentic as a leader.

Harris said that empowering employees is a key factor in fostering authenticity as a leader.

"Your people have to be aligned with who you are, what your values are, what you're trying to get done," Harris said. "The way that they will get aligned with you as a leader is you show that you value everything they're bringing to the table, and that you see them.

"Do not underestimate the power of articulating to someone, 'I see you.' That is extremely powerful."

Mantella echoed Harris' sentiment, reflecting on a quote from one of Harris' books that resonated with her about impactful leadership.

"In leadership, you focus on the big moves. Where are we going? What do we have to confront in five years?" Mantella said. "But it's all those little moves of every single day that lend to those larger moves."