Meet the Director: Dr. Anita Polite-Wilson

The Rehrig Pacific Company director on the joy of mentoring and coaching the executive team.

Dr. Anita Polite-Wilson

My Home Base: Anaheim, Calif.

Current Boards and Committees: Rehrig Pacific Company, Laity Institute of the Arts

First Appointment: Rehrig Pacific Company

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Professional Background: After 30 years in corporate America at various leadership levels driving organizational development, I established my consulting practice in 2018. I serve clients as a C-suite advisor, board director and consultant preparing businesses to navigate culture, complexity and change. By sharing my expertise in organizational effectiveness, leadership development and change management, I provide a complementary viewpoint to help shape the board’s perspective.

Best Board Advice: I advise every board director to read The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation and Growth by Amy C. Edmondson, who developed the Psychological Safety Index (PSI) assessment. The book defines psychological safety, which is the signature trait of successful teams. Understanding the four aspects of the Psychological Safety Index can help directors address overdependence on a single skill, business unit or organizational construct to create new and better ways for the organization to be successful.

Most Difficult Thing About Board Service: Adhering to the “noses in, fingers out” philosophy. We are there to advise, not to do the work.  Sometimes that is a challenge for a “go-get-it-done” person like me.

Most Rewarding Thing About Board Service: The Rehrig board meets quarterly, with two occasions always aligned with a larger organizational meeting. I take advantage of the time to talk with the executives I’ve coached and leaders I’ve occasionally mentored. Being available to listen and share insights is one of my top priorities. 

Personal Motto: I devise acronyms and mottos for my clients to remember key concepts from our engagements, and one of my favorites is “Change your frame, change your focus, change your future.” When a board finds itself stuck, this principle helps them reframe situations, focus on relevant aspects and develop actionable plans for desired outcomes in the future. It’s simple, yet powerful.

About the Author(s)

Bill Hayes

Bill Hayes is the editor in chief of Private Company Director.


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