This Immediate Past President of WICT’s Rocky Mountain Chapter logged considerable miles as a speaker, panelist and facilitator at industry events around the world. On stage and off, Formica sparked conversations and elevated Syndeo Institute’s presence while cultivating new relationships with colleagues across Europe and the U.K. Her innate ability to honor legacy while simultaneously planning for the future is widely respected, but her positive attitude, survivor mindset and commitment to championing others truly sets her apart.
If you were a Taylor Swift era, which would you be and why? I’m in my Fearless era! For me, this means embracing confidence, resilience and a growth mindset in the face of challenges and opportunities alike. I’m also surrounding myself with positive, motivating individuals who inspire me to keep pushing forward. I see setbacks as a natural part of the journey—being fearless means bouncing back quickly and using every experience as fuel for growth. When I engage in work that truly resonates with me, it ignites a fearless spirit that encourages bold, purpose-driven action.
With all the buzz around AI and automation, what’s one “human” skill you think will only grow more valuable? As we advance deeper into the era of AI, I believe one of the most important human skills that will only grow in value is emotional intelligence. While AI takes on repetitive and data-driven tasks, human-centric roles that rely on empathy, communication, and nuanced understanding—such as in healthcare, education, and customer experience—will become even more essential. Emotional intelligence will also be key to effective leadership in this new landscape. Leaders with strong EQ are best equipped to inspire and motivate teams, foster a positive and inclusive culture, and navigate the challenges of integrating AI into daily workflows with understanding and compassion.
The industry is transforming quickly—how are you preparing your teams (or yourself) for what’s next? To prepare myself, my team, and our organization for the future, I’m focused on a few core strategies:
- Fostering Emotional Intelligence: Empowering my team to collaborate with empathy and self-awareness helps strengthen relationships and team dynamics in an increasingly tech-driven environment.
- Encouraging Innovation and Creativity: I strive to create a culture that values curiosity and bold thinking, giving my team the confidence to explore new ideas and solutions as we adapt to change.
- Building Cross-Functional Teams: By bringing together diverse perspectives across departments, we’re able to tackle challenges more holistically and identify new opportunities for growth.
- Promoting Agility: Cultivating an agile mindset enables us to pivot quickly in response to shifting market conditions, ensuring we remain resilient and ready for whatever the future holds.