Strive to Create Inclusive Spaces: Interview with Zuhairah Washington, Former CEO of Otrium

I recently went one-on-one with Zuhairah Washington, former CEO of Otrium.

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?

Zuhairah: From the moment I was born, I’ve been underestimated.  Weighing less than two pounds, born premature in a working-class neighborhood in Newark, NJ, the doctors' grim predictions seemed to seal my fate.  Yet, like so many other people I would encounter later in life…they underestimated my potential…and guess what? They were wrong.  

From those fragile beginnings to becoming one of far too few African American female, self-made, multi-millionaires in tech, my journey has defied expectations. My path, far from linear, weaves through moments of ascension and setbacks, deep introspection, and transformative rebirths. My story is a testament not just to surviving but to ultimately thriving beyond the limitations imposed on me by myself and others. 

Adam: In your experience, what are the key steps to growing and scaling your business?

Zuhairah: Growing and scaling a business requires a clear vision, strong team alignment, and relentless execution. First, it's essential to have a compelling vision that resonates with your team and stakeholders. This vision should guide your strategic decisions and inspire everyone involved.

Second, focus on building a high-performing team. Surround yourself with diverse talents who are not only skilled but also share your commitment and passion. Empower them, provide them with the right tools, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Lastly, prioritize execution. Successful scaling comes from relentless focus on execution, constantly iterating and optimizing your strategies. Data-driven decision-making and agility in responding to market changes are critical. Never lose sight of your customers; their feedback is invaluable in guiding your growth strategies.

Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader?

Zuhairah: An effective leader embodies several key qualities: vision, empathy, resilience, and integrity. Vision allows leaders to see the big picture and set a direction that motivates and inspires their team. Empathy enables leaders to connect with their team on a personal level, fostering trust and a positive work environment.

Resilience is crucial for navigating the inevitable challenges and setbacks that come with leadership. It's about staying committed and adaptable, even in the face of adversity. Integrity is the foundation of trust. Leaders who are honest, transparent, and ethical earn the respect and loyalty of their teams and stakeholders.

Adam: How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?

Zuhairah: Leaders and aspiring leaders can elevate their skills by embracing continuous learning and seeking diverse experiences. Engage in professional development through courses, mentorship, and networking with other leaders. Reflect on your experiences and seek feedback regularly to identify areas for improvement.

Another key aspect is cultivating emotional intelligence. Understanding and managing your emotions, as well as those of others, enhances your ability to lead effectively. Building strong relationships and creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued will also strengthen your leadership capabilities.

Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders?

Zuhairah: Build a Strong Network: Relationships are critical to success. Surround yourself with a diverse network of mentors, peers, and supporters who can provide guidance, resources, and opportunities.

Stay Customer-Centric: Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or civic leader, understanding and meeting the needs of your customers or constituents should always be a top priority. Their feedback and satisfaction are key to sustainable success.

Embrace Innovation: Continuously seek ways to innovate and improve. Stay open to new ideas and technologies that can drive growth and efficiency. Encourage a culture of creativity and experimentation within your team.

Adam: What is your best advice on building, leading, and managing teams?

Zuhairah: The best advice I can offer is to lead with empathy and clarity. Understand your team members as individuals and support their personal and professional growth. Clearly communicate your vision and expectations, and provide the necessary resources for them to succeed.

Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and heard. Encourage open communication and feedback, and be willing to adapt based on your team’s insights. Recognize and celebrate successes, and provide constructive feedback to support continuous improvement.

Adam: What are your best tips on the topics of sales, marketing, and branding?

Zuhairah: Sales: Focus on building trusted relationships and understanding your customers' core needs. Trust is built over time - through consistency, follow-through, and competence. Trust is not about people pleasing, it’s about truth-telling. 

Tailor your approach to offer value and solve their problems.

Marketing: Develop a clear and compelling why message that resonates with your target audience. Utilize data-driven strategies to optimize your campaigns and measure their effectiveness.

Branding: Your brand is your promise to your customers. Ensure it reflects your values and differentiates you from competitors. Consistency across all touchpoints, from your logo to customer service, builds trust and loyalty.

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?

Zuhairah: One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is to embrace the power of vulnerability. It’s okay to not have all the answers and to ask for help when needed. Vulnerability fosters authentic connections and creates an environment where others feel comfortable sharing their ideas and feedback. This openness leads to stronger teams and better outcomes.

Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Zuhairah: I’d like to emphasize the importance of building relationships across lines of difference (race, age, class, etc). Our world is becoming increasingly siloed while simultaneously becoming increasingly diverse, and the ability to connect deeply with people from different backgrounds is a powerful skill. It not only enriches our personal lives but also drives innovation and success in our professional endeavors. As leaders, we should continuously strive to create inclusive spaces where people feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.


Adam Mendler is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker, educator, and nationally recognized authority on leadership. Adam is the creator and host of the business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he goes one-on-one with America's most successful people - Fortune 500 CEOs, founders of household name companies, Hall of Fame and Olympic gold medal-winning athletes, political and military leaders - for intimate half-hour conversations each week. A top leadership speaker, Adam draws upon his insights building and leading businesses and interviewing hundreds of America's top leaders as a top keynote speaker to businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations. Adam has written extensively on leadership and related topics, having authored over 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc. and HuffPost, and has conducted more than 500 one on one interviews with America’s top leaders through his collective media projects. Adam teaches graduate-level courses on leadership at UCLA and is an advisor to numerous companies and leaders. A Los Angeles native, Adam is a lifelong Angels fan and an avid backgammon player.

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