Kondwera: Celebrating women and amazing managers like my favorite boss, Cynthia.

I want to tell you about the best boss I’ve ever had. Her name is Cynthia, and she is the epitome of inspired leadership. But more than that, she is an extraordinary human being who challenged and supported me, all while showing genuine care for her team and running the best-performing department.

For International Women’s Day 2025, LinkedIn asked, “Who is a woman who has inspired your career?”

I met Cynthia about a year after graduating from college, and after hundreds of job applications, a few interviews, and lots of rejection. I even got a job offer that was rescinded the night before I was set to start! I worked long hours at Starbucks while job hunting until I took a leap and accepted a temporary receptionist role at a local temp agency. I did so well there that they pitched me for a coveted temp-to-hire position, which I earned… only to be laid off months later when the client moved the entire department to another state. So, I was back to job hunting while working, this time at a busy call center. I felt dejected.

But life's challenges can sometimes come together to lead us to unexpected paths. The job from which I was laid off opened a door at a competitor: Northrop Grumman, where I landed an interview with Cynthia.

I still remember walking into her office. She wore a brown pantsuit and greeted me warmly. I felt so much was on the line with this interview. So, when another interviewer asked about my salary expectations, I lowballed myself and then breathlessly detailed the value I could bring.

Cynthia responded, “I see your value, Tondi.” Wow!

After the interview, she personally walked me downstairs, shook my hand, and said the recruiter would be in touch by the end of the work week. Two hours later, I got the offer, almost double what I had asked for!

On my first day, Cynthia met with me to clearly communicate expectations, success measures, and how she led, thinking always what was good for the company, which to her meant investing in her team. Next, she said, “Tondi, I don’t expect you to work for me for more than two years. Unless you want to, of course.” She said she expected great things from me. Huge for an early career professional to hear! I was up for the task.

Cynthia inspired with her example:
1) She led our team with authenticity and compassion, making psychological safety a priority before it became a corporate buzzword.
2) Assured in her standing, she easily encouraged all of us to lead and experiment. This resulted in me supporting (and leading) major initiatives.

Cynthia continued to champion me when I left, two years and one month later. She wrote grad school recommendations, mentored me, and celebrated my wins. For that and more, I thanked her in my dissertation.

Consistent. Human-centered. Mission-driven: Cynthia displayed inspired leadership.

Who is a Cynthia in your life?

I shared a version of this on my LinkedIn.