Luncheon with Poling Chair Beth Acton!

The ladies of Women in Business had the opportunity to hear the inspiring words of Poling Chair Beth Acton on this beautiful, crisp, fall Friday in Bloomington.  At the beginning of the luncheon, Mrs. Acton took the time to let each and every WIB audience member share a brief background before providing an overview of her career.  Holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Minnesota and a Masters of Business Administration from Indiana University, Beth currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council at the better of her alma maters (Indiana University).  Throughout her career, Beth held many notable positions such as Executive Vice President, Finance and Treasurer of Ford Motor Company in addition to her ten year term as Chief Financial Officer of Comerica Incorporated and its subsidiary, Comerica Bank.  In addition to a business career highlighted by successes, Mrs. Acton has been happily married for over thirty years and is the proud mother of two boys.

In between the chocolate brownie bites, the young women learned many valuable lessons from Beth’s solid career examples.  Mrs. Acton touched on topics from all ranges – interviewing tips, seeking advice and mentoring, changing perspectives, challenging authority, productiveness, work ethic, and the importance of believing in one’s abilities.  Sophomore WIB member Lindsey Ellington claims, “I really appreciated the time Mrs. Acton spent with us and how candid she was sharing her stories. The experiences she shared were very applicable to both school and my future careers. Mrs. Acton has accomplished so much and we are so lucky as Kelley students to have the chance to chat with her and seek advice. I am already looking forward to her future visits.”

Women in Business extends much thanks for the wonderful afternoon conversing with Mrs. Beth Acton and looks forward to applying her business insights, especially during this busy recruiting season!