Rihm Family Companies Encourages Young Women Leaders to "Go Beyond" By Using Their "GPS"
Rihm Family Companies had the privilege of hosting a group of young women from Bethel University called "The 25" at its South St. Paul, Minnesota headquarters last month.
The 25 is a newly created group that aims to train the next generation of female leaders. Each year a new cohort of 25 incoming freshman students will begin the program, so that over time the program will sustain 100 students annually across four cohorts. Each member of The 25 will be paired up with a mentor each year of the program, giving them exposure to learn from different female leaders. Members of The 25 will learn what it means to be a woman in leadership today, including discussing pressing issues of the day that are shaping our society.
During their visit, CEO & President Kari Rihm took the girls on a building tour and spoke with them about her own personal journey to leading one of the nation's top woman-owned truck dealerships.
Beginning the conversation, Kari asks, "How do we change representation of women in traditionally male-dominated industries?" She answers with her strategy - by GPS! By Getting Purposefully Smart.
When Kari had the opportunity to take over Rihm Family Companies, she was faced with challenges which forced her to Get Purposefully Smart. Her first lesson to The 25 group is "Get purposefully smart about what you know is rightfully yours. We all face challenges that build character. The challenge of succeeding in a male-dominated industry was one I overcame because it meant something personal to me. Nothing motivates me like someone telling me I can't do it!"
Her second GPS lesson: get purposefully smart about what you can learn and do. "Prepare yourself to take on big challenges by knowing your strengths and limiters, what you like and don't like, and by knowing what motivates you," Kari says.
GPS number three, Kari states, is preparing for the unknown by developing unwavering values and a fearless spirit. "When I transitioned from my role as busy wife and mother to a truck dealer I was ready for a challenge because my past experiences had prepared me."
The fourth lesson in Kari's GPS strategy: get purposefully smart about who you are at the core.
"Resilience is defined as the ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens," Kari says. She credits her GPS for getting her through many challenges in life.
As The 25 group wraps up their visit, Kari leaves the girls with a very clear message: "Focus on goals that will get you to where you want to go. Set your course and have fun!"
About The 25
The 25 is a four-year cohort program designed to empower female students of all majors and interests to use their strengths, passions, and skills to "go beyond." The experience expands horizons and prompts students to think bigger and establish powerful connections among confident Christ-following women. Building on the premise, "You can't be what you can't see," The 25 exposes students to speakers, special programs, tools, resources, and adventurous experiences to highlight what highly successful women are doing and have done in their careers across various industries. Learn more about The 25.