SHE LEADS – with Leslie Benner

Job Title

Manager, Consumer Product Marketing, Cox Communications

What would you tell your younger self? 

Don’t hold yourself back from going for a role you want, you don’t have to know the role completely to be confident that you can learn it. Don’t allow yourself to feel less than anyone – we’re all important and should never compare ourselves to anyone else.

What was your major in college and how did you get to the position you are in today?

Business/Marketing – It was through a restructure that I got the role I’m in today. It was a great opportunity for me to do something new in the marketing arena.

What was your inspiration and what helped you become successful? How do you define success? 

I define success as being in a role I like, working for a company that I love. I don’t need to run the company someday but want to enjoy what I do and learn along the way. I want to make a difference at my company!

How do you balance your work and personal life? Often times one has more importance, and we’re curious to know how you’ve handled the balance.

Working for a great company like Cox makes it easier. I have a tendency to be a workaholic but now that I have a daughter I want to be a better role model and make sure my family comes first. My wonderful husband deserves that too!

What is your favorite hobby? 

I made the mistake of giving up a lot of hobbies when I started working so much. Don’t make the same mistake. 🙂 But volunteering for arts organizations that also benefit children in some way is my current hobby.

What advice do you want to give the next generation of women leaders? 

Find a mentor/sponsor. I am most of the way through my career and only now have official mentors. I could have learned so many valuable things to help me earlier in life.

What does leadership mean to you? 

Leading by influence and not power – even if I’m a superior to someone role wise it’s important to lead by influence. Treating others with respect.

What’s your advice on mentoring? 

It’s so much more important than I realized in my younger years. Both being a mentor and being mentored. There is so much to learn from others.

What’s your favorite ice cream? 

Cookies & Cream I’d have to say.

Is there any other information that you think Girl Talk members would benefit from? 

Volunteering in the community is also a great way to gain leadership roles. I’ve learned a tremendous amount being in leadership roles much further than what my title says at work. Thank you!