20 Questions

Patti Westby

1. How would you describe yourself in 3 words? Playful, caring, and driven
2. What was your first job, and what lesson did you take from it that you still use today? My first “real” job was working for a CPA firm in the front office (typing tax returns – dating myself here). I learned about perseverance during a busy season and how important support staff is in getting the job done. Collaboration is key.
3. Who do you wish you could meet again for the first time? My youngest son, Jordan. On the day he was born, not under the influence of anesthesia.
4. What inspires you to do your best work? Probably my kids. I think it’s more important to BE the example and not just talk about it (although I DO do my fair share of talking!)
5. Is there a humanitarian that has left an impression on you? Christ. He was a perfect example of loving people where they are at.
6. What is your Enneagram type? Type 2 – The Helper. The Caring, Interpersonal Type: Demonstrative, Generous, People-Pleasing, and Possessive.
7. How do you describe what you do for a living to family and friends? We help raise money for nonprofit organizations
8. What could you give a 30-minute presentation about with no advance preparation? Parenting teenagers-letting go
9. What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit? Exercising, playing piano & singing
10. Where are you in birth order (oldest? middle? youngest?) and do you think it affects your personality? I’m the baby. Totally.
11. What do you like about working at WAI? I love our team and how we all work together. We have our individual strengths that we bring to the team; each one very important and significant to our overall success.
12. What’s the most inspiring part of nonprofit work? I love that we get to work with many different nonprofit organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest. It’s so rewarding to walk alongside each client to help them raise funds through public-private partnerships to reach their goals; building a rural health clinic or creating a new staff position, for example.
13. What’s one professional skill you’re currently working to improve? Everything and anything IT; running a company in a virtual environment
14. Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work? I would say my husband and business partner, Mike. His integrity is outstanding. In addition, he has really helped me to analyze situations and break them down, separating out the emotional parts so I can be an effective manager. Secondly, my IT guru, Chris (from On-Line Support). He has taught me so much about managing our IT, so I don’t need to call him daily for fixes.
15. What personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why? Empathy. I care about people. I think that makes me approachable. I really love to mentor our staff and help them become the best they can be; whether they stay here or move on in their careers. It is fun being a part of their journey.
16. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career, and what did you learn from it? Honestly, I don’t look at them as mistakes. Each experience, whether positive or challenging, has shaped me into the professional I am today.
17. If you could add one thing to WAI office, what would it be? A new projector! Ours broke!
18. What’s one of your favorite memories from your career? Every time there is a ribbon cutting. I can’t even pick ONE! Each one brings tears to my eyes. We get to be a part of the journey. What’s better than that?
19. What are three items you’d take with you to a deserted island? My husband, sunscreen, lots of books
20. What’s the best piece of professional advice you’re ever received? Be true to yourself. You can climb any ladder; however, when you reach the top, you don’t want it against the wrong building! That has stuck with me.

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