Cultivating The Leader Within - Minority Enterprise Executive Council

8(m) Woman-Owned Small Business
(WOSB). She reiterates without
hesitation, “ARMA’s success is
measured not only by its financial
achievements, but by the number of job
opportunities it creates.” Bannister’s
survival through tough economic
times can easily be referenced back
to her constant planning and focus on
sustaining customer satisfaction.
Bannister lives in Olney, Md. with her
husband of 31 years, Robert. They
have one son 29, Robert III. Bannister
serves in her church and is very
active in her community. Committed
to genuine leadership, Bannister
is passionate about business and
charity. She has mentored many 8(a)
businesses, and is now providing
developmental assistance to an
emerging Service-Disabled Veteran
Owned Small Business. She was
recently selected out of hundreds of
local leaders to be a part of Leadership
Montgomery, Core Class of 2012.
Her participation has forged an
excellent opportunity to deepen her
commitment to Montgomery County
and the surrounding region. “I never
hesitate to help anyone seeking
business insight,” she explains. “I
enjoy seeing people succeed, so it’s
easy to act as a mentor to potential
businesses, people or my staff.”
When mentoring, she often asks
herself the questions:
• How can I help you today
• What can I share that will help or
inspire you
• Can I make a connection on your
behalf
Business success is deliberate, not an
accident. Bannister says, “Try not to
operate from where you are now, but
where you see yourself going,” Truly a
woman on the move, she is determined
to take as many successful mentees
and employees with her.
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18 Minority Enterprise Advocate • March – April 2012