Rhonda Vetere is a self-made businesswoman who takes immense pride in her journey from humble beginnings. From the age of 12, Rhonda has been working and taking on challenging assignments in locations others might shy away from. Her career has spanned across diverse fields such as finance, insurance, healthcare, beauty, wellness, telecommunications, private equity, investment banking, retail, and aerospace. This broad experience sets her apart as a change agent and disruptor, known for leading teams and embracing tough challenges. We at CIO Global, are proud to introduce Rhonda Vetere as one of the Market Disruptor: Women Leaders to Watch 2024.
Rhonda’s journey as a market disruptor began during the .com boom. She was responsible for overseeing the end-to-end process and provisioning the first long-haul circuit from the USA to London. This groundbreaking work established her reputation as a leader in crisis management and innovation, consistently helping companies leapfrog to new levels of success. Her drive to start new ventures and take on leadership roles stems from her passion for helping people transition from careers in the military, athletics, or business. Rhonda is renowned for her ability to lead companies out of crisis situations, such as AIG, Lehman Brothers, and Estee Lauder, where she replatformed the technology from end to end.
“The greatest achievements come from staying adaptable and embracing challenges with a positive, solutions-focused mindset.”
Rhonda’s unique perspective comes from her background as an athlete combined with her expertise in STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and math. This blend of disciplines and experiences has helped her lead global teams with discipline and precision. Known as a visionary, strategist, executor, and operator, Rhonda is highly regarded for her ability to operate at any level and provide deep, meaningful insights. When faced with challenges, Rhonda emphasizes the importance of discussing them openly with mentors and a supportive network. She believes in surrounding oneself with smarter and positive individuals. Her approach includes visiting other companies, sharing long-range plans, and encouraging teams to step out of their work bubbles to foster growth.
Rhonda’s second book is titled Grit & Grind, which delves into leadership traits. She recalls a time when she had to make tough decisions about letting people go. Despite initial resistance, she chose to give individuals a chance and found that some, initially deemed unfit, turned out to be invaluable assets. Promoting a “lead from every chair” philosophy, Rhonda champions diversity of thought and maintains an open-door policy. Her advice to others is clear: pursue your goals with determination, seek mentors outside your industry, and take on challenging assignments to grow and succeed.
Rhonda Vetere’s dedication to excellence extends beyond her professional achievements to her personal life as well. An avid athlete, Rhonda participates in over 16 races each year, having completed 121 endurance races since 2016. This commitment keeps her both mentally and physically sharp. In her workplace, she encourages her team to set personal goals related to mindset and wellness, linking 10% of their bonuses to achieving these goals. Rhonda leads by example and is an All World Athlete. As a fun fact, she often invites business contacts to join her for early morning runs on the treadmill during business trips, demonstrating her passion for fitness.
“True leadership isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about leveraging technology to enhance the consumer experience and achieve meaningful business outcomes.”
Rhonda believes that the greatest opportunities for growth lie in strong global leadership. She uses technology strategically to enhance consumer experiences and achieve business outcomes, focusing on what truly benefits the end consumer rather than getting distracted by the latest trends. One of Rhonda’s proudest achievements is guiding Chris Nikic, the first person with Down Syndrome, to complete his 6th Abbott World Major Marathon in March 2024. This accomplishment set a world record and highlights Rhonda’s commitment to demonstrating that anything is possible. She encourages everyone to watch the documentary released in July 2024, which captures this inspiring journey.
Mentorship is a cornerstone of Rhonda’s approach to leadership. She emphasizes the importance of formalizing mentor-mentee relationships and invests heavily in providing leadership coaching to people & companies that want to grow. Rhonda sees staying agile and adaptable as essential traits for success, especially when leading through crises. These experiences teach valuable lessons and require quick adaptation. Rhonda aspires to leave a legacy as a market disruptor and a pioneer among women in technology. She aims to inspire the next generation by sharing her experiences and insights through college speaking engagements. Driven by a strong moral compass and a focus on performance, Rhonda wants to be remembered as a leader who prioritized people and operated with integrity. Her mantra remains, “I work for YOU.”
“Leading by example means setting personal goals that inspire and drive the team toward wellness and excellence.”
Known for her fast-paced approach and ability to deliver results, Rhonda is a global leader who excels in compartmentalizing tasks and staying calm amid chaos. Her positive impact on high-performance teams and her ripple effect across companies make her a sought-after change maker. Rhonda Vetere’s dedication to building exceptional teams and pushing organizations to their best is why she is featured here.
