Judy Welch has quite the leadership resume. She recently served as the executive director of Michigan Women Forward, West Michigan. She has shared her talents with multiple organizations, including INFORUM and her family business Uptown Cleaners. Judy Welch is our guest today on this edition of Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.
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>> Produced by women, about women. Powerful Women: Let's Talk is a series of interviews with women who are trailblazers and have helped shape our world; transforming who we are and how we live.
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Shelley Irwin: She has quite the leadership resume recently serving as Michigan Women Forward Executive director West Michigan. Judy Welch has shared her talents with multiple organizations, including Inforum and Uptown Cleaners to catch up with Judy to discuss her calling to lead, plus why the movie “My Big Fat Greek” wedding is so familiar to her upbringing. Hello to you, Judy. Good that you're here.
Judy Welch: Thank you, Shelley, for having me. It's always a pleasure to be with you.
Shelley Irwin: Yes, let's get right into that. “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” - I think you're Lebanese.
Judy Welch: I’m Lebanese. The Greek is not too far off. The only difference is we laugh because in Lebanese when you make baklava, that wonderful pastry, they call it baklava. But we are pretty much from the same church, just a different archdiocese, but very much similarities.
Shelley Irwin: We'll get into the details on that. Congratulations to your success that we also add. Everybody wants to be a cover girl. You've been there, done that.
Judy Welch: I was so fortunate when I joined MWF after a couple of years, I was- our office is right next door to West Michigan Woman and they put me on the cover. And that was really, truly, a wonderful opportunity for me.
Shelley Irwin: Yes, well, to share your story with others. All right. Let's talk leadership. When were you first a leader in your life?
Judy Welch: Oh, I think I've been a leader in my whole life, but a couple of standout opportunities was when I was teaching skiing, you know, back in, when I think I was 14 15 years old. I loved gathering everybody and teaching skiing and learned how to really take shape talents. But that second one that comes to mind is when I came home from Denver after my dad asked me to be part of the cleaners that was in business since 1932. Uptown Cleaners said, “I need you to come home because the only way I can retire is to have a family member.” Well, being from 5 girls, I was the only one who had the business experience that was it. So, I got thrust into that, and my leadership style, right from the get-go was trial by error. Because after a year that I was there, we bought out my uncle and I became president at 25 years old in a male dominated industry. And It was trial by error that my leadership skills came up. So I was more of a transactional leader there where, you know, in practice, you worked alongside your individuals that were part of the organization. That wasn't where you could always be at the top. You had to be a visionary because we grew from 5 locations to 17 by the time I sold it. So, but it was all trial by error. And it was a great opportunity for me to learn to have all the different leadership styles become a part of my journey over 19 years there.
Shelley Irwin: Cleanest suits in town, I bet.
Judy Welch: That was right.
Shelley Irwin: Goodness. Did you study leadership? What got you into this career of leadership?
Judy Welch: Well, again, it was just. It's amazing how things happened. When I came home, I- I would lived in Dallas and Denver and I was a vice president of a bank. And it was really wonderful. And when I came home and my leadership style changed from being at the cleaners, and then when I left there ended up having an opportunity after selling it after 19 years, it was just a lot of work with 2 children and trying to figure things out. And the economy at that time was tough. So, I ended up working for National Heritage Academies. And so that was a great opportunity because that leadership style, again, was more where you were tactical. You were growing, You're a visionary. So when I started, we had 11 schools. When I left, we had 52. So that was a different type of leadership style. and then going into inforum and MWF, I was able to use my other skills. Where, again, I was a visionary and also a coach and mentor, because the fun part of that was, both of those organizations were from Southeast Michigan. And I was asked to bring them to the west side to grow them. And I remember when I- when I was thinking about going to Inforum, you know, how's that going to be a women's organization? But it worked out really well. And all of my leadership training from the past helped bring me to both of those wonderful careers in my last one at MWF.
Shelley Irwin: Let's spend some time talking about leading women's organizations
Judy Welch: Right.
Shelley Irwin: Maybe some good, maybe some bad. Probably no ugly. Any special challenges, surprises, or thrills with- Inforum is a female organization, networking organization MWF; Michigan Women Forward, obviously. That you carved your niche in your latter part of careers.
Judy Welch: Right. So that was wonderful, because I was able to use my entrepreneurial skills for MWF. I was able to use a lot of the skills in the past for both Inforum and MWF. But with Inforum, you know, one of my concerns was with the all female organization was, how's it gonna be? Because my previous bosses were male and I loved them and they were wonderful. And I didn't know how I was going to react to a whole female. So I ran into a coach that I had known. And she said, “You know, Judy, think about when you join Inforum and the women because you're growing it, you’ll end up with 600 friends.” And I did. And I’d have to say, some of my closest relationships today, such as you Shelley, that's where I met you. You were in the Inforum days. And it was a great opportunity because it was an organization that was helping you grow in your leadership skills and training the younger generation to network and get connected and find mentors and grow. And then when the opportunity came to join MWF, I wasn't planning. It was going to retire back at that time. And I was approached at Michigan Women Forward, which was an amazing certified community development financial institution, which is really focused on entrepreneurs of color and celebrating women in the next generation. I thought, “What a great opportunity for one of my last careers to do.” And it worked out well, because I was able to connect with a lot of the corporations here that were run by males who love the opportunity to support women. So even though sometimes it got a little daunting with all women, the other part was the men. The male counterparts loved it because it gave them an opportunity to think about their organizations, how did they helped lead women, and also their young daughters that a lot of them had. So, It was- it was really amazing. So it, it served its purpose and again, talk about leadership styles, both of those organizations. I was a visionary because, again, I grew them, and got to them where they was. The best part about MWF was whatever we said, we said we were going to do about opening an office and bringing all the programs and initiatives. We did that. And it was a true joy for me, it's still a wonderful organization.
Shelley Irwin: Tons of fun with this excitement and passion you can see it in your eyes. You mention coach. Does one need a coach in life?
Judy Welch: I would say the younger generation today needs to be able to get involved in organizations, such as an Inforum and MWF and meet other women. Get involved in civic opportunities, nonprofit boards if they can; there’s so many opportunities to get engaged in this community. If they start early enough, they can build. And then, when you go to events, seek out somebody you want to see, but find a coach or a mentor. Some of it is just it's- it's wonderful because I'm still doing it now with several young women helping them kind of navigate where they need to be today and, and their career changes. And because I'm finding a lot of the younger generation moves a little bit more than I'd say, you and I have done. I mean, you know, you don't stay for 30 or 40 years anymore, but you want to be very thoughtful about your next move and you talk about passion? Maybe your first job’s not going to be your passionate job, but it will lead you to your next one. But if you do have a passion, money will follow. So don't cut yourself short. Cause life's too short, you know?
Shelley Irwin: When does a young woman know, need to know, or when should she know it's time to move on?
Judy Welch: A young woman?
Shelley Irwin: Yeah.
Judy Welch: I think, you know, she needs to be very proactive in her organization. Can I give you an example about my daughter, for example? I mean, she is amazing at her marketing job and she was thinking about what's the next step for me. And so I've been coaching around that, but she got approached by another marketing company that heard about her. So I think first of all, your talents will proceed you if you're doing a really good job. You'll find the recruiters and stuff will come after you. So they did for her. But then after she, and you know, she just put out this large dollar amount, they loved her so much. They said, you know, “We'd like to have you here.” So when she went back to her previous company, she sat down with the president, and said, “I really wasn't looking. This just came. I love what I'm doing, but this is a great career opportunity because they strategic, I know what my progression is.” I think a lot of the individuals, young individuals today want to know kind of what’s their career path? And if the companies don't allow that, they're going to lose their employees, if they don't allow either straight line or going up. It's important for corporations today and amazing, wonderful individuals to help the women that they're working with figure out what their career path is, otherwise you're going to lose all that talent. So, anyway they said, “No, we don't want you to leave.” And they begged her to stay and gave her a higher salary, you know? So I think, you know, you just have to talk it through and, and decide kind where you want to be and I’m finding a lot of the younger generation are more into the work-life balance. And so they're trying to figure out where they want to be today. Wouldn’t you agree? I mean, so my daughter said she goes, “I just need a little bit more work-life balance.”
Shelley Irwin: Yes. So let's move to the the mid-career gal. When should she move on?
Judy Welch: Well, I think you kind of know, when you're, you know, when you need to get off the bus. I've talked to a lot- you know, when I decided to retire, it wasn't because I didn't love Michigan Women Forward. I was passionate. I loved it. But I had worked so hard the last 5 years taking care of my family. My mother who died just before COVID, and then COVID hit. And when you end up through COVID, you’re home a little bit more, you have time to think about where you want to be. I wasn't quite ready, but I knew I needed a couple of surgeries, you know, to be honest, and the best time I had to put it all off. So I ended up saying, “This is the time.” Plus I had felt fulfilled at MWF in what I accomplished is what I set out to accomplish. And I felt good, and I wanted to leave on highside, and it was time for the next group to take over. I had built it and brought it to where it needed to be in West Michigan. Now the next generation because we became a CDFI, was to take it to the next step. So instead of 50 loans to women of color, let's do 1000. But I'm not quite done yet. So they'll be something next in my future. But I think you just- a lot of peers were retiring. And my husband said, “You know, I've been retired 3 years, let's do some traveling.” And I think COVID and the loss of your family, you just, just kind of brings it to the forefront where you want to be because life's too short. You don't know what tomorrow's going to bring.
Shelley Irwin: For sure on that. Alright, as you slowly most likely work your way back into the community, how does a- how does a gal know what board to serve on in, and should she?
Judy Welch: I definitely believe for me, You know, I've got a lot more to give. So I want to give back and I want to get back into it. I miss- I was out, you know, for 6 months with some surgeries and I woke up going, “I don't know what's going on around.” So I miss my- the businesswoman that I was so associated with-
Shelley Irwin: Many often say I miss my purpose.
Judy Welch: I do. And I did. And I didn't know kind of where it was going to be. And so, a friend of mine that I had lunch with the other day who is the same thing- well, how do you introduce yourself when you're retired? And you don’t say you’re retired. You say I'm reinventing myself or I'm rewire- rewirement, because you really are thinking about the next career, so, I think, you know, in your heart when it's time, and if you've accomplished what you've done, leave on highside. I’ve talked to several of my peers who’ve said I left at the right time.
Shelley Irwin: Great. And you celebrated with your big fat Lebanese wedding. How's that instead of a big fat Greek wedding? Tell me about your family. What does this mean, this big fat Greek wedding, and yet, you’re Lebanese?
Judy Welch: You know, I'm from a big, large- I'm from 5- I’ve 5 girls in our family.
Shelley Irwin: And you are number…?
Judy Welch: I'm 4 out of the 5.
Shelley Irwin: Okay.
Judy Welch: And I consider myself pretty opinionated, but they call me the doormat. So that's interesting in our family. So yeah, my mother was an amazing woman who really brought us up right. You know, it’s great. So, and we were from a huge Orthodox church because- so there's a Greek Orthodox church to Syrian and the Russian Orthodox Church. So our church is right on East Paris, we're celebrating 100 years of being around, and it is just- just like “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” When you go, do you cook, and you go to the dinners, and you've seen- I mean you've been to the dinners; they’re hysterical. And it's so similar to our family. The growing up of being with everybody around you. It's it's it's it's it's fun.
Shelley Irwin: What would you say If I said, “Let's run another marathon?”
Judy Welch: I did one. I don't think I can do it again cause that’s why I had to have my hip and knee replaced. I did one marathon at 47. That's my leadership stuff; I just love to just go do something. And I went into Gazelle Sports in Jan- in December, I think I was 47 at the time and by January was signed up to do a marathon in San Diego. And it was- I just did it. And that's kind of how I run. I just kind of get out there and do things. And that's how my career has happened. It hasn't been because I've had to do, you know, large interviews or do you know any of those? I just gone from one job to the next to the next to the next. And it's been through word of mouth in my, in my accomplishments, so I’ve been very blessed.
Shelley Irwin: Would you recommended it to another?
Judy Welch: I think if it fits, you know, I was- I was- my dear friend who was with a large accounting. She said, “Judy, you've gone a lot farther than I have. I have much more education than you have, but you have your work experience, so that has helped you grow.” I don't know how it is today with the job market, but back for me, it worked really well. Again, my accomplishments kind of preceded me. So I was able to go from one job to the other. I was blessed. I was very blessed.
Shelley Irwin: Still our first female president of the Better Business Bureau.
Judy Welch: When I came back into town, I thought, “I've got to get involved in organizations.” And so I became very involved with the Better Business Bureau. It was all a bunch of older white men. And I was the only female and I became the first female president of the board. That was fun. It was a great opportunity.
Shelley Irwin: Thank you for that. What about the seat- secret to a successful marriage is?
Judy Welch: We'll be married 40 years next year. Not to retire at the same time. That's first of all. And it's also just being open and honest. I mean, you know, John, you've met John, we just kind of do our own thing and I don't feel that I have to rely on him for every single thing. And I think that's important in a marriage. You need to have your own life in your own definition. But you know, and be comfortable who you are you have to love yourself before you can love somebody else. And that is- that has been sort of our motto. We just are very comfortable because I can go off and do something he can too. It works great because he retired 3 years before I did. And I think it's even though we are retired now, I will- I still have another gig in me. So I'm planning to do something next year.
Shelley Irwin: How will you discover what that is?
Judy Welch: Well, I- like you talked about boards; how do you get on boards? I've been asked to be on several boards right now. And I'm just kind of waiting through this year to make sure because whatever I get involved in, Shelley, I really want to make sure I'm- again, that passion and I can do a good job. So I've got a couple in the back burners and we'll see what goes on. But again, you- I needed to kind of get through this year, you know, and it's been a great opportunity because my career through all of my organization I've been it's just been amazing. And I just want to impart my wisdom to other people that I can, because…just been blessed.
Shelley Irwin: The pandemic. You mentioned this. Did it change you…?
Judy Welch: Absolutely changed me.
Shelley Irwin: Forever?
Judy Welch: Yes. First of all, again, I'm I'm- the Friday March 13th. I remember when they closed everything down. I got called up my- I was in Florida and my mother was ill. She didn't have COVID, but she died that following- so I got home. She died that following Monday and everything was shut down and we didn't get to celebrate her. And she was very much an icon in this community. So that affected me for a while. And then the fact that we had to slow down, I think that was important because I, like you Shelley, were just nonstop. When you're in business and your events and everything, you know, you have family. It was crazy. And it- that slowing down was the best thing because it afforded me also time to listen to people, you know how we're always talking but I was able to listen more because you had all these Zoom calls and everything, but it did. It was. And you didn't know was going to happen tomorrow, and it was scary. So it did change me. And I think that kind of put the bee in my bonnet and John's that it was maybe time to retire in another year or 2.
Shelley Irwin: What’s piece of advice to your daughter as she fulfills her career roles and becomes a.
Judy Welch: Stay true to yourself. You know, I think that's the biggest issue for individuals is don't compromise who you are. And ask for what you want. And just be happy. And it's not always about the money. You know, to me, I think it's also about her passion. And she's she's very happy right now, and neither one of my children are married and they’re on the older, but they're living their dreams and so I’m happy for them, so be an authentic leader is what I've always said to my daughter, don't- don't hide, know when to speak, and when not to. And she's very involved in the community too, which is good. And I think that's helped her.
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Shelley Irwin: Apple doesn't fall far from the tree, which, you know, are you gonna skydive, or do anything that- that really celebrates Judy Welch?
Judy Welch: Oh, I don't know. I, you know, I I love- we're going to Colorado next week, so I’m hoping to do a little mountain climbing and see how it goes. But I'm not a triathlon like you are Shelley. I can’t do what you do and then all of you.
Shelley Irwin: You are Judy Welch, you are a cover girl. You are a past president, CEO, and much, much more. So thank you for this, this conversation. You are powerful women. So let's talk as we have Judy, thank you for this time.
Judy Welch: Thank you for having me, Shelley.
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>> Produced by women, about women, these powerful podcasts focus on powerful women and how their strength transforms who we are, and how we live. Want to hear more Powerful Women: Let’s Talk? Get additional interviews at wgvu.org or wherever you get your podcast. Please rate and subscribe. Powerful Women: Let's Talk is produced by WGVU at the Meijer Public Broadcast Center at Grand Valley State University. The views and opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect those of WGVU, its underwriters, or Grand Valley State University.
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