Stewarding Trust with Leigh McMillan

Leigh McMillan is the CEO of Whitepages. She has a diverse professional background that includes roles in politics and Major League Baseball. As the CEO of Whitepages, she has helped to steer the company into the new era of data and technology. Leigh is not only a seasoned executive but also a winemaker and co-owner at Welcome Road Winery in Seattle. She joins Lindsay Pedersen to explore insights into leadership, building a strong company culture, and the challenges of leading a brand with high awareness and trust.  You’ll hear Lindsay and Leigh discuss: Leigh emphasizes the importance of the diverse and passionate team at Whitepages, highlighting how the company has played the long game in nurturing talent and helping individuals grow their careers. With over 20 years of history, Whitepages has transitioned from the traditional phone book to a data-centric company. Leigh discusses the challenges of maintaining trust in a brand with high awareness and the need to evolve the business under a changing technological landscape. Leigh advocates for a non-linear career path, encouraging individuals to explore different roles and take chances to find their strengths and passions. The core of Whitepages' brand promise lies in balancing changing privacy norms with the necessity of contacting people outside the phone book. Leigh underscores the importance of transparency and trust in handling public information for the greater good. Whitepages’ commitment to trust and transparency influences day-to-day decisions more than large strategic pursuits. The dual criteria for decision-making at Whitepages are ensuring it aligns with the brand promise of "data for good" and facilitates the growth and expansion of the team. Leigh feels a sense of stewardship towards Whitepages' legacy and a responsibility to the team that has trusted and joined her on this journey. Creating a collaborative environment and taking care of the team fosters a positive work culture. Leigh’s advice to her younger self would be to have a more relaxed perspective and not perceive everything as a significant stressor. Resources Leigh McMillan on LinkedIn  Whitepages