Lorece Stanley

I attribute my success to my ability to connect with people, lead with empathy, and embrace new opportunities. After more than 20 years as a middle school English teacher, I never imagined transitioning into the corporate world, but I took a leap of faith when I joined Event Source to document standard operating procedures. What began as a writing project evolved into a meaningful leadership journey as I immersed myself in the business, learned operations from the ground up, and applied my strengths in communication, training, and relationship building. My experience as an educator translated naturally into organizational development, allowing me to create training programs, support leadership growth, and strengthen company culture. As Director of People and Culture, my focus remains on empowering others, building trust, and creating an environment where people can grow and thrive. I believe the ability to listen, mentor, and help others reach their potential is at the heart of impactful leadership.

The best career advice I have received is the importance of lifelong learning, generosity, and investing in others. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from mentors who encouraged me to stay curious, share my knowledge, and lead with a people-first mindset. My husband, Tom Stanley, a seasoned sales executive, has been an invaluable source of guidance, offering insight into leadership, business strategy, and navigating complex workplace challenges. I was also deeply influenced by my former teaching partner, Charlie Oberndorf, whose passion for education and commitment to empowering students shaped my approach to leadership. His example taught me the value of creating environments where people feel supported, inspired, and empowered to grow. Today, I carry those lessons into my role as Director of People and Culture, where I continue to see myself as an educator helping individuals develop their skills, discover their potential, and achieve success.

My advice to young women entering the industry is to embrace the power of listening while also recognizing the importance of using their own voice. Take the time to learn from others, ask thoughtful questions, and build meaningful relationships, but never underestimate the value of your own perspective. Starting a new career can feel challenging, but confidence grows when you contribute ideas, stay curious, and engage with purpose. The strongest organizations thrive when different experiences and generations come together, creating opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Listen with humility, speak with confidence, and remember that your voice and ideas have the potential to make a meaningful impact.

The biggest challenges and opportunities in People and Culture today come from navigating a rapidly changing workplace while continuing to prioritize the human experience. With multiple generations working together, evolving technology, and shifting employee expectations, organizations have an opportunity to redefine what it means to build a thriving workplace. I believe success is no longer just about policies and procedures; it is about creating a culture built on trust, communication, continuous learning, and genuine investment in people. Leaders have the opportunity to make employees feel valued, heard, and empowered while fostering collaboration and innovation. At the same time, guiding teams through change requires empathy, adaptability, and intentional leadership. By focusing on both people and performance, organizations can build stronger cultures where employees and businesses can grow together.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are consistency, adaptability, reliability, and teamwork. I believe these principles are the foundation for building trust, creating strong relationships, and achieving success together. In my professional life, I strive to lead with empathy, integrity, and a commitment to helping others grow. I believe great cultures are built when people feel supported, valued, and empowered to contribute. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, being outdoors, and appreciating the moments that bring balance and connection. Whether I am leading a team, supporting my family, or building relationships with others, I aim to show up with purpose, remain open to change, and create a positive impact in the lives of those around me.