Leadership Greater Topeka 2022: LEILANI GREY

Photos by: Braden Dimick

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT HAS MADE YOU PROUD?

I relocated to Topeka unexpectedly in May 2018. I knew nothing about this city before I lived here. Therefore my proudest professional accomplishment has been how I was able to establish myself professionally in a short span of time.

WHAT ADVICE HAS SERVED YOU WELL?

As a woman and mom, you can have it all, but not at the same time. Dawn Buehler (Friends of the Kaw) shared that with me a couple of years ago, and it really made an imprint. It also made me slow down my internal timeline. Your kids are only little for a short time, so enjoy it.

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?

My role model is Michael Scaffidi. He was a boss I had in my early 20s and I now call him a friend. Michael showed me how to be a compassionate but firm leader who was not threatened by empowering all his employees to learn and know skills outside of their job description. He also taught me that working hard can also be fun.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE HASHTAG?

#FunnyNotFunny