Victoria Cerami
CEO, Cerami & Associates
Under Cerami’s leadership, her premier acoustical and technology engineering firm has grown to be the largest woman-owned company working on building design projects globally. She is passionate about the firm’s role in public outreach, with a focus on mentorship and sponsorship of women. This year, following the sale of her business, Cerami will work to grow the company with a new financial partner and infusion of capital.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Live your life in service of others. Relationships are what truly matters in life – success will follow.
I’m proud to have built the largest women-led acoustic design and technology consulting firm in the world, but I never forget that I didn’t get here alone. My mentor was the executive vice chairperson for a $1 billion firm, and he took the time to teach me the bread and butter of business. He became a steward of the firm’s culture because people saw how he treated others, and they paid that forward. He was an amazing man who changed my life and perspective.
Be sure to keep an eye out for those “angels” that will come into your professional and personal life. Their guidance will help you find the path of achieving your best self. Don’t passively follow the leader, but rather emulate those who you respect and admire.
So, write thank you notes. Tell people they matter. And most importantly, pay forward all the gifts that you were given.