Leadership isn’t always loud.
Sometimes it looks like listening first.
Sometimes it looks like mentoring quietly.
Sometimes it looks like making the hard call, thoughtfully, ethically, and with the long view in mind.
On Leadership Day, we wanted to pause and highlight someone who embodies that kind of steady, grounded leadership: our Chairman of the CFM Board of Directors, Marla Zirkle.
We asked her what leadership truly looks like, not just in theory, but in action.
What does strong leadership look like in practice — not just on paper?
Marla shared:
I use a collaborative mindset to lead. I value input from my entire team. I believe everyone brings something to the table: ideas, skills, solutions, etc. I ask that each team member accept a shared sense of responsibility on our team, maintaining strong ethical standards and using integrity while performing their assigned tasks. As a strong leader, I use the knowledge I have gained from experience to execute the long-term goals of a company and take calculated risks. I also believe a strong leader mentors others and supports their growth within the organization.
There’s something powerful in that balance: collaboration paired with accountability. Experience paired with calculated risk. And always, integrity at the center.
It’s leadership that isn’t about control. It’s about shared responsibility and long-term vision.
What has leadership taught you personally over the years?
When Marla talks about leadership, her passion becomes especially clear when she speaks about mentorship:
In leadership I have gained confidence and been empowered in several areas. Working with interns and entry level employees is most rewarding. Offering them a new skillset opportunity, encouraging them go outside their comfort zone and motivating them to grow their responsibilities are what I love most. My confidence is much stronger today as I watch those individuals succeed into great leaders in their own paths. I am empowered to build young women into leaders. I want to give them opportunities, build their courage and drive them to be the next leader that others want to work for.
Leadership, in her view, isn’t just about guiding an organization. It’s about building people.
There’s pride in watching others step into their own confidence. There’s purpose in creating space for growth. And there’s impact in shaping leaders who will one day do the same for someone else.
What advice would you give to emerging leaders in this space?
Marla’s advice is clear and grounded:
New leaders need to learn communication and the value of exercising empathy when it is necessary. I want to empower them to use their instincts. One must lead with authenticity.
Communication. Empathy. Instinct. Authenticity.
Leadership isn’t complicated — but it is intentional.
At CFM, we believe strong leadership is steady. It builds trust over time. It invests in people. It protects what matters, not just today, but for the future.
We’re grateful for Marla’s example and the thoughtful leadership she brings to our organization.
Happy Leadership Day.
