Angeline Loeffler

This month we’re highlighting WPFN Member Angeline Loeffler, chief finance officer for the Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority in Antioch, California.

What Leadership style do you find to be most successful and why?
I find transformational leadership to be the most successful because it inspires and motivates team members to achieve their full potential. This style fosters an environment of collaboration and innovation, allowing individuals to take ownership of their work and contribute meaningfully to the organization's goals. Moreover, transformational leaders often prioritize personal development and emotional intelligence, which helps to build strong relationships within the team. By encouraging open communication and providing support, they create a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to share their ideas. This not only enhances morale but also drives creativity, leading to more effective problem-solving and decision-making.

I put communication, teamwork, and adaptability first as a supervisor because I think that an organization works at its best when everyone works together. Working together makes people feel like they are all responsible for something and encourages different ideas, which leads to more creative solutions. I am always aiming to make a place where everyone feels valued and able to help by encouraging open communication and mutual support. I encourage staff to share ideas and provide feedback, and I check in with them regularly to make sure they are working together and communicating openly. This method encourages a safe workplace where everyone can do their best work.

Ultimately, I have seen the impact of transformational leadership through improvement of staff’s performance, higher employee satisfaction, and a greater sense of purpose among team members. Additionally, this approach fosters a sense of belonging, which can reduce turnover rates and attract top talent. As team members thrive in such an environment, they are more likely to invest in their roles, contributing to the long-term success of the organization. This sustainable growth not only enhances the organization's reputation but also cultivates a culture of innovation where new ideas can flourish. By prioritizing the well-being and development of employees, as a transformational leader, I can create a dynamic workplace that adapts to changing challenges and opportunities.

What is a challenge that you had in your career and how did you overcome it?
One significant challenge I faced in my career was managing a project with a tight deadline while managing staff’s motivation, engagement, and coordination of a diverse team. To overcome this, I prioritized effective communication, set clear goals, and encouraged collaboration, which ultimately led to the successful completion of the project ahead of schedule. By fostering a supportive environment, I was able to motivate team members to contribute their unique strengths, resulting in not only meeting the deadline but also enhancing team cohesion. The past experiences in leading various projects taught me the importance of adaptability and the value of leveraging diverse perspectives in achieving common objectives as well as emphasizing open dialogue and inclusivity will be key strategies as I continue to lead teams toward success.

I strongly believe that success is not just about reaching goals; it's also about fostering an environment where every member feels valued and empowered. By prioritizing collaboration and encouraging feedback, I aim to create a culture that not only thrives on individual contributions but also celebrates collective achievements.

What are your favorite ways to relieve stress and/or decompress?
Some of my favorite ways to relieve stress include going for walks with my dogs in the neighborhood or at the park, practicing mindfulness through meditation, listening to either calming music or loud rock music to drown out my thoughts, and engaging in small crafting activities with my sewing machine.

I find that spending time with friends and family is a wonderful way to unwind and share laughter. I also enjoy reading a good book or listening to music, as both can transport me to a different world and help clear my mind. Additionally, taking a moment to breathe deeply and appreciate my surroundings can significantly improve my day.

These small practices not only enhance my well-being but also cultivate a sense of gratitude and mindfulness. Ultimately, it’s about discovering what resonates with me and inspires me to enjoy my life while focusing on appreciation for what surrounds me. By doing so, I create a more balanced life that enables me to navigate challenges with greater ease. Whether it’s through playful moments with my dogs or shared laughter with family and friends, these experiences enrich my perspective and keep me grounded. Rooted in these simple yet profound practices, I find that even the smallest moments can bring clarity and purpose. Embracing this mindset empowers me to approach each day with renewed enthusiasm, ready to welcome whatever comes my way.