Explore the gap between knowing and doing in leadership. Discover why executing fundamental principles consistently matters more than seeking new knowledge, and how discipline transforms intention into excellence.
Her Story
About Gabriela
Gabriela Poole is a leader, mentor, entrepreneur, and community advocate whose passion is helping people discover their potential and thrive. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for people-first leadership, combining high standards with genuine care for those she serves and leads.
As a Service Manager with Cintas in Kansas City, Missouri, Gabi leads large teams dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences and operational excellence. While her role carries significant responsibility, she believes her greatest success is measured by the growth of the people around her. She is passionate about developing future leaders, building healthy team cultures, and creating environments where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Gabi's leadership journey is anything but traditional. Before entering the corporate world, she spent nearly a decade as a professional ballet dancer. The discipline, resilience, and perseverance cultivated through years of artistic training continue to shape her approach to leadership today. She earned her bachelor's degree from Indiana University Bloomington, where she studied ballet, pedagogy, and sociology, blending artistic excellence, a passion for teaching, and a deep understanding of people and relationships.
She began her business career through Enterprise Rent-A-Car's management training program, where she developed her leadership skills and advanced into management. Throughout her career, she has taken particular pride in helping others grow professionally, celebrating the advancement of dozens of employees into new leadership opportunities. Whether coaching a new team member, supporting an emerging leader, or navigating organizational change, Gabi is committed to helping others recognize their strengths and achieve their goals.
Beyond her professional career, Gabi is deeply invested in her community. Alongside her husband, David, she owns and operates 'Olu 'Olu Hawaiian Shave Ice, a small business focused on bringing people together through community events, partnerships, and meaningful connections. She also serves in youth ministry at her local church, mentoring middle and high school students and helping cultivate the next generation of leaders. Her family is actively involved in supporting initiatives that strengthen women, children, and families within their community.
Whether in the workplace, the church, or the community, Gabi leads with the belief that influence is not about position or title but about the impact made in the lives of others. She is dedicated to developing people, creating opportunities for growth, and leaving every person, team, and community stronger than she found them.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Gabriela
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to faith, discipline, and a deep belief in people. Every opportunity I've been given has come from showing up consistently, embracing challenges, and investing in the growth of others. I've learned that true success isn't measured by titles or accomplishments, but by the lives you influence and the people you help become the best version of themselves.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to create environments where people truly feel they belong. The strongest leaders don't make themselves the center of attention—they make others feel seen, valued, and supported. I've found that believing in people, often before they believe in themselves, is one of the most meaningful ways to inspire growth and lasting success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in your abilities, embrace challenges, and don't be afraid to take up space. Success doesn't come from having a perfect plan; it comes from showing up consistently, learning from setbacks, and continuing to grow. Find mentors who will challenge and encourage you, and then look for opportunities to do the same for others. The most successful leaders aren't focused solely on their own advancement. They are committed to helping people around them succeed as well.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is attracting, developing, and retaining great people in an environment where expectations continue to grow. Customers expect exceptional service, employees want meaningful opportunities for growth, and organizations must remain agile in a constantly changing business landscape.
At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity. Companies that invest in their people, foster strong cultures, and prioritize leadership development will have a significant advantage. Technology can improve efficiency, but people remain at the heart of every successful organization. The leaders and organizations that focus on empowering their teams, building trust, and creating opportunities for growth will be best positioned for long-term success.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are faith, family, community, and living with purpose. I value spending quality time with my family, enjoying the outdoors, and teaching my children to appreciate nature and grow into compassionate, capable individuals. My husband and I are also deeply involved in our local church, where we lead the youth group, and I believe that investing in others, serving my community, and building meaningful relationships are at the heart of a fulfilling life.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Gabriela
The Power of “I Know”
From “I Know” to “I Do”
Before I can finish a sentence, my kids often respond with, "I know, Mom."
And honestly, I get it. They've heard the reminders before: Clean up after yourself. Be kind. Finish what you start.
But as I reflect on it, I realize we do the same thing in our professional lives.
We hear reminders about accountability, consistency, communication, and discipline and immediately think, "I know." The challenge isn't a lack of knowledge. It's a lack of application.
Too often, we dismiss familiar advice because it isn't new. Yet excellence is rarely found in discovering something new. It's found in consistently practicing what we already know.
The most influential leaders aren't necessarily those with the most information. They're the ones who execute the fundamentals day after day.
- Have the difficult conversation.
- Follow through on commitments.
- Be prepared.
- Stay consistent.
- Show up with intention.
The next time you catch yourself saying, "I know," pause and ask a different question:
Am I doing it?
Because knowledge doesn't create results. Action does.
And in leadership, as in life, discipline breeds excellence.
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