Speaker Snapshot: Marilyn Akers Stansbury

Just as racers or cyclists use drafting to conserve energy and gain a competitive edge, leaders and teams can use similar strategies to enhance collaboration, efficiency, and overall success. 

“Being a champion — for women and men — in leadership isn’t just about leading from the front. It’s about creating pathways, reducing resistance, and propelling others forward,” says Marilyn Akers Stansbury, IEC Rocky Mountain CEO and SPARK session facilitator. “Like in racing, momentum builds when leaders work together, take turns leading, and ensure no team member is left behind.” 

The session begins with an overview of objectives and goals and a video showing effective drafting in auto racing and how that applies to business leadership. 

“There’s the lead car in NASCAR, and someone pulls up behind and they draft,” Marilyn explains. “They get right up on the bumper so that lead car is really pulling that car behind it, from an aerodynamic perspective, and then other drivers can also get in that lane. It’s the person in the lead really pulling people from behind. The other thing that then happens is that that lead car can move over, and the car behind it can then slingshot around it to take the lead. That’s really what we’re thinking about as mentors in business. We’re encouraging people to follow, come along. By doing that — by being intentional about doing that — we’re making sure that when leaders are ready to step out of the way, there are people ready with the skills and knowledge they need to power forward and take over the lead.” 

Following Marilyn’s overview, which also includes a fun facts timeline of women in leadership milestones paired with a classic car of the era, is a panel discussion on key leadership topics: 

• Breaking the Headwinds: Leading by Example 
• The Drafting Effect: Mentoring, Advocacy, and Sponsorship 
• The Slingshot Effect: Elevating Others to Win 

Panelists include: 

• Marissa Esposito, Esposito’s Electric, Esposito’s Generator Solutions, Denville, NJ 
• Cara Herbstritt, EMSI, Electrical and Mechanical Systems, Inc., Erie, PA 
• Alana Levy, The Home Depot 
• Gentry Roberts, Southern New Mexico IEC 

The final portion of the session is facilitated tabletop conversations where session attendees share their ideas and experiences and make real connections with fellow participants. Tabletop facilitators then report highlights back to the full group. 

“Leadership is not a solo race.” Marilyn concludes. “By breaking barriers, supporting others, and elevating the next generation, we all move forward faster. This session idea originated as an IEC Women in Power presentation during the IEC Business Summit earlier this year, and we wanted to expand it to highlight not only the accomplishments of women leaders but to involve and celebrate both men and women and the skills and talents that everybody brings to the table. Offering this session at SPARK brings it to life on a big stage!”