Elizabeth Rice is president of Innovative Employee Solutions, a provider of payroll and HR administration services to clients ranging in size from under 25 employees to more than 35,000 , primarily in technology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, security, government/defense and engineering.
RESUM & #201;
– & #8201;Name: Elizabeth Rice.
– & #8201;Company: Innovative Employee Solutions.
– & #8201;Title: President.
– & #8201;Education: Boston University and Montachusett Technical College.
– & #8201;Birthplace: Boston.
– & #8201;Age: 55.
– & #8201;Current residence: La Jolla.
– & #8201;Family: Husband, Henri Maget, and our sweet dog, Guitou, a Japanese Chin.
BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
Essential business philosophy: As far back as I can remember my parents taught us about values and the importance of them. Without values, you become a leader without followers.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Being a member of Vistage for the past 10 years has been invaluable.
Guiding principles: In business, always do the right thing. Never lose your reputation, even if it means losing a customer or not getting paid.
Yardsticks of success: I have great pride in the staff at IES, who are so committed and willing to come up with new concepts and ideas that provide additional value to our clients and employees.
Goals yet to be achieved: The complete documentation of my succession plan.
JUDGMENT CALLS
Best business decision: In 1998, when the original company was being sold, I asked the boss if she would consider excluding one of our divisions from the sale. She agreed and we have since built a very stable and successful company from that division.
Worst business decision: Letting a job offer be made when my gut told me it would be a mistake.
Toughest business decision: Letting a very tenured employee go because they couldn’t adapt to technology, which was negatively impacting the team.
Biggest missed opportunity: I’m not sure that I’ve missed it yet.
Mentor: Karla Hertzog, who has taught me about our industry and for the past 27 years has given me countless opportunities, including becoming president of her company.
Word that describes you: Determined.
TRUE CONFESSIONS
What you like best about your job: The flexibility I have because of my executive team.
What you like least about your job: Whatever it is would sound trite, considering there are so many good people out of work right now.
Pet peeves: When people select “reply to all” on silly e-mails that take up time.
Most important lesson learned: Seek out and hire the most qualified people and then give them the tools to do their work.
Person most interested in meeting: (Former Secretary of Labor) Robert Reich, because he is so intelligent.
Three greatest passions: Family, friends and politics.
First choice for a new career: If I had lots of money and could hire great staff, I would own a country inn on lots of green, lush land.
PREDILECTIONS
Favorite quote: My father would say, “The past is ashes,” when he tried to cheer me up and keep me focused on the future.
Most influential book: Recently I read “Broken Justice,” by Kenneth Edelin. I can’t stop thinking about it!
Favorite status symbol: The 50 or so stamps in my passport. You have to ask for the stamps in several countries or you may not get one.
Favorite restaurant: I have several but Tapenade in La Jolla is always fabulous.
Favorite place for business meetings: That depends on who is calling the meeting.
Favorite vacation spot: I have wonderful memories of renting a farm house in Provence, France.
Favorite way to spend time: Entertaining family and friends at our home.