Robin Reynolds is the visionary and driving force behind TriStar. She’s a fountain of ideas, always devising new and novel marketing strategies that marry past successes with the future needs of our association partners. As COO and Co-owner of the company, Robin’s innovative leadership keeps TriStar ahead of the competition, year after year. She empowers. She inspires. She works harder and smarter than anyone else in the room.
Robin’s story is part three of our Women in Leadership Series, where we’ve spotlighted innovative women in leadership positions who are paving the way in their association or company. They offer insight into their careers, tips for women starting out and their “secret sauce” ingredients for getting where they are today.
Robin Reynolds → COO, TriStar
Q: What is your current position and how long have you been in your field?
A: I’m one of the founders and owners of TriStar Publishing. I’ve been in the event business for 25 years.
Q: Who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader and how did he/she affect your leadership style?
A:There isn’t any one individual who has necessarily impacted my leadership style. If I had to pinpoint what defines me and has shaped me as a leader, it would without a doubt be our staff. To trust, build and develop with the people around you is extremely rewarding to me. To empower our people and to be able to share in the success of the business with them is what drives me.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A:It takes all types of skill sets to run a business. Recognizing one’s strengths and placing them in a position that utilizes those assets positions them for success.
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?
A: To my younger self, I would say mistakes are OK. They’re the learning blocks for tomorrow’s successes. In starting and owning a business, you make mistakes. As the years have gone by, I’ve come to let the mishaps go and use them as moments to build upon.
Q: What strategies would you recommend to women who are trying to achieve a more prominent role in their organization?
A: Don’t focus on anything other than being the best! Work smarter AND harder. That might fly in the face of what some leaders may think, but I’ve yet to see anyone fail who didn’t do both of those things, every day.
Q: What is your secret sauce?
A: Never staying the same. I love change! I’m continuously challenging our staff and clients on how we can improve our products, services and processes.
Stay tuned for part four of our Women in Leadership Series. Read part one about Jill Murray here and part two about Diedra Crawford here.
