STEM Cells: Bonnie McGrath Knows That "No" Just Means "Not Now"

There’s a shortage of women in science, technology, engineering, and math. And there’s still a ridiculous 17% gender gap in pay, across the board, in all of legal. So let’s take a look at our own legal technology women leaders and learn what makes them tick so we can change the world. — Monica Bay.

BONNIE SPEER MCGRATH

Current Job: I have just come out of retirement to join Education Partners as managing partner.

First Job: Teen model and sales clerk at Younkers department store in Davenport, Ia.

Education: University of Colorado in Boulder, Co. B.S. in finance.

First seat at the table: I was the first person at Arthur Young in London to be assigned to marketing audit services. Once a month, I was invited to attend the partners meeting to share my ideas. As I was American, and marketing was unfamiliar to the partners, my opinion was welcomed. I also scheduled a meeting with the managing partner once a month to give him ideas on how he could improve the firm overall. He always wrote down my comments and graciously listened, but I did not see any signs of his implementing my ideas.

Secret to your success: My ability to attract the right people and resources to any situation.

First obstacle and how you overcame it: When I started my first training company at the age of 24, for the first five years I lived in New York City and focused on commercial and investment banks. After the financial market took a dive, I decided to find a new industry: legal. It took a full year of marketing to law firms before my tenacity paid off and Latham and Watkins agreed to “take a chance” on me and my company. I am forever grateful to them.

Most recent accomplishment: I was a full-time volunteer last year at a “KIPP” (Knowlege is Power Program) school in Minnesota — a charter school that helps inner-city, low income students get to college. We built a development team and raised $775,000.

Biggest challenge: Balance — I am either all in or all out. I now consciously focus on taking care of myself and work to keep my priorities in good order.

Five favorite technologies: iPhone 4, iPad3, Kindle (original), lighting system in my house, and music/theater system in my house (I have my own hidden server room). Extra credit: Linked In and Facebook did not exist when I retired; I love and use both on a regular basis. I am also very impressed with the International Legal Technology Association’s mobile app.

Managing up: Always be prepared and consider timing when presenting new ideas. A great idea can be shot down if it is presented at the wrong time. Be patient, be ready — that will help you to be heard.

Most important mentor: My dad. He owned a custom home construction business for 30 years. I learned the value of hard work. Our family often worked together on the weekends doing whatever was needed — cleaning, painting, mowing, etc. He hired people based on not only their talent but their potential, and often gave second chances to people who had tough breaks in life. That is how I learned to spot talent and potential. He often gave me opportunities I would not have received from others — and because he believed I could do it, I felt I could. When I was 18, he asked me to find the right tenants to live in a new building. I am proud to say that many who moved in stayed 15 to 20 years. This early experience gave me confidence to accept new challenges, even when I was not absolutely sure I could do them well.

Advice for next generation: Take jobs that interest you, and learn to live slightly below your means. Identify companies that highly value people and are interested in helping you continuously learn. When a job no longer suits you, put a plan in place to move on.

Worst experience of overt sexism: My second job after college was as a technology trainer at a major bank. Lotus 1-2-3 had just been released and the bankers were going crazy over it. While the bankers gave me excellent reviews, my boss — who was female — told me I did not know how to dress or speak professionally, and said she should just be using me to setup the computers. The bottom line: She was concerned that the positive feedback I was receiving would somehow reduce her own success. What she did not understand was that her success would be magnified by the success of her team.

Most recent podium: The “Lean In” session at ILTA 2013 to revive Ladies Who Lead — which we founded at ILTA 2001 with the goal of helping women working in legal technology network and succeed.

Pull out the checkbook: Education reform organizations, including KIPP, Teach for America, MINNCan, Students First, Harlem Success Academy, Northside Achievement Zone, and the YWCA. I also give money to support my friends’ passions. And any neighbor’s children who give me a good pitch will earn my support.

Balancing Tips: Try not to rush. Pause between meetings and phone calls to center yourself, take notes about your next steps, refresh and carry on with a clear mind. Some physical activity helps.

How do you recharge your batteries: I play golf, play bridge, walk with a friend, watch a great movie, take a nap, get a massage, take a vacation.

Books that changed your life: Waiting for Superman inspired me to become an education reform activist. In college, I was fascinated with Atlas Shrugged. I knew I would be an entreprenuer, but this book helped me see the beauty and challenges that come with this path.

Mantra: If you hear “no,” just say to yourself, “that just means no for now.” Return to it later when the timing may be better, or look for an alternate source.

Favorite quote: “If you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” — Henry Ford