50 Leading Women: Monica Shortino

In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.

Introducing, Monica Shortino, Director, Social Innovation at Capital One. In her role, she works collaboratively to create innovative programming to deliver community impact. Those innovative programs are currently empowering small businesses, providing homes for veterans, closing the digital divide in underserved communities, supporting access to affordable housing, and more. Prior to taking her role to lead social innovations, she managed the corporate community strategy, grant making and volunteerism for the South Central region of Capital One. Before joining Capital One, Monica served as the Executive Director for the Plano ISD Foundation. In her role, she handled fundraising, grant writing, board management and day-today operations of the Foundation. Her effectiveness and impact in the community was recognized and celebrated as Monica was named the Plano Chamber of Commerce, Best of Plano 2016 Rising Star. She continues to re-evaluate and pivot as the world and needs of the community continue to shift. We look forward to celebrating her next, noteworthy successes!

1. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.

I would describe my leadership style as collaborative with a drive for excellence. I love to lead teams that feel inspired and empowered to deliver meaningful results. I believe that by giving your team a framework and then empowering them to innovate and leverage their greatest talents, you can surpass any goal.

2. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?

There are many ways for women to develop their leadership skills, but the one I encourage most is nonprofit board leadership. The leadership skills you gain from serving on a board are invaluable. Inspiring others to follow when they have no obligation and being resourceful and innovative in how you deliver can all be developed in board leadership. Nonprofit boards are a perfect learning opportunity that not only grow you as a leader but help further the community.

3. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?

As leaders we make many important decisions, but one of the most important is how to grow and cultivate talent. Developing a strong leadership pipeline and ensuring a comprehensive succession plan are crucial to an organization’s ongoing success.

 4. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?

The biggest joy as a leader is seeing the team succeed. I love when we are given a near impossible task and the team pulls together using each of their talents to deliver.

5. What has been your greatest career disappointment? What did you learn from it?

Throughout my career, I have found that my most disappointing moments have aligned with discovering my own limitations. It can be frustrating to set out to accomplish something major, then stumble on a roadblock of your own creation or due to your own shortcomings. What I learned is that each roadblock reinforced my resolve to seek continuous improvement and avidly pursue professional development opportunities as a lifelong learner.

6. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?

Someone once described diversity as being invited to the party and inclusion as being asked to dance—so I think the biggest strategy is asking people to dance. Be intentional in your team’s make-up and how you distribute work, invite people to the table where the decisions are made and ensure their voice is heard.

7. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

My advice would be to believe in yourself. Too often I had imposter syndrome and felt like I wasn’t supposed to be in the room or at the table, afraid that I might be “found out.” I spent too long hoping others believed in me when I just needed to believe in myself.

8. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?

To the next generation of leaders, male or female, I would emphasize the importance of collaboration and inclusion. I would encourage them to value the talent, skills and ideas of others and seek the counsel of those who have different and unique perspectives to offer.

9. Who inspired you and why?

My biggest inspiration has been my grandparents. They taught me a lot, including how to love unconditionally, the power of family, the importance of an honest day’s work and they made me believe I could do whatever I set my mind to do.

10. What do you want to be remembered for? 

As the mother of two young boys, I want to be remembered as someone who advocates for outcomes that will positively shape their future. I want to be known for compassion, wisdom and kindness, and I want to make sure that, for my boys and for my community, that I leave the world a little better than when I arrived.