Words of Wisdom with Mary Healy

Mary Healy
Director & CEO
The Sacramento Zoo
Email Mary

What are three things you wish you’d known as you embarked on your career:
1. The person working next to you could be your boss some day
2. Effective public speaking is a powerful skill and creates professional opportunities
3. Moving from a peer to a supervisor is tricky and requires training

Did you have a mentor? If so, what was the most important piece of advice they gave you?
My parents taught me respect and a desire to do a good job.

How did/do you handle work/life balance?
I love my work so it has never been a problem.

Do you have any suggestions of books, articles, websites, etc. that might help a young professional?
“Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” by R. Carlson and Maria Shriver’s “Ten Things I Wish I’d Known”

Is there anything else you’d like to tell the 40 and under business professionals in our region?

  • Tried and true values like respect and dressing for success never get old
  • Greet co-workers and supervisors by name
  • Offer to take on new responsibilities
  • If you are bringing up problems, offer solutions
  • Take responsibility for your actions. Don’t make excuses.