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18 Hartford Business Journal • April 7, 2014 www.HartfordBusiness.com Women In Business 2014 By Karen Sackowitz Special to the Hartford Business Journal W hen it comes to her work, personal life, and commu- nity involvement, Deborah Laviero's lines are quite blurred—that's just the way she likes it. "I blend personal and professional," she said. "For me, it's about leveraging relationships and knowledge. It gives me an overall sense of well-being." As the vice president of organizational development for OFI, a Newington-based Herman Miller furniture dealership that sup- ports architectural and design firms, Laviero oversees a staff that develops and implements programs to boost employee morale and client satisfaction while strengthening the company's culture and brand. She has grown her department from the ground up, having started out at OFI working in marketing and business development 13 years ago. "Over time, I began working more directly with our executive team and sales department," she said. "Our goal was to broaden business development internally in an effort to bring in new clients." Laviero's efforts have resulted in new initiatives, such as the creation of an internal panel to advance the company's productivity and mission. "We draw from our own talent pool, selecting a group of employees to help management change processes in order to better serve clients," she said. "By involving our staff in these decisions, we have empowered individuals, created a new growth pattern, and truly energized everyone." Individual recognition is something Laviero builds into her own management style, preferring to manage from the ground up rather than the other way around. "I let my team be the champions of their own initiatives, and I support their efforts," she said. "It reflects the way I learn as a team member. The president and leaders within our company are fantastic teachers; I surround myself with great consultants." OFI president Rick Mills said Laviero's success comes directly from her commitment to the larger vision. "She understands that you go to work for your company, not for the pay. She didn't come in asking what she could make; she showed us what she could do," Mills said. "She has essen- tially become the face of the organization, increasing visibility, branding us, and putting us on the map." Laviero's dedication to her industry extends beyond the company's walls. "During the downturn in 2008, she spent a lot of time connecting outplaced designers with architectural firms who could use them," Mills said. "She basically became a recruiter to help others." Laviero credits her father with instilling in her an impec- cable work habit. "My father was self-employed. He worked so hard, and was such an amazing dad while running his company," she said. "I watched him in action, and he guided me to be the professional I am today. He always said to me, 'Work like you are the owner,' and I've always been told I do that." From her mother, Laviero said she learned how to incorpo- rate a personal touch. "She supported dad, entertained his clients, and built a great home life," she said. "She had a very domestic hospitality about her." Laviero's family is a top priority for her. She names her sister as her best friend, and said she truly enjoys her niece and nephew. She said her mother introduced her to Hartford's civic landscape; today, she continues to support organizations like the Bushnell, where she has served on boards for more than a decade. "My mother took my sister and I there as kids, and it helped me to become cultured," she said. "It's a true landmark in Hart- ford, and I love that I am able to help in a real way to keep it going strong for others in the community." Of the more than 30 professional associations and com- munity organizations with which Laviero is involved, the Construction Institute at the University of Hartford holds a special place as the starting point of her career path. She is still a member of the organization, where she was the first woman to receive the Institute's Distinguished Service Award in 2009. "She joins organizations as our representative, but she does so with a personal passion," Mills said. "She's well respected in the community, which in turn comes back to us." With her tireless efforts recognized through so many chan- nels, Laviero has become a beacon of dedication and involve- ment, both within her company and her community. For Mills, it makes for a predictable entrance just about everywhere he goes. "Whenever I attend a function," Mills said, "the first thing people say to me is 'How's Deb doing?'" [ Deborah Laviero Vice President of Organizational Development, OFI Laviero builds company culture and brand P H O T O | S T e v e L A S C H e v e r How do you balance your work life with your personal life? It is a challenge, and not always a great balance; every day is a day of learning it. My family is so instrumental in helping me realize the importance of time spent together. To keep it a priority, I make smart decisions about who I work with, constantly surrounding myself with really good people, and I delegate. What's your advice for other professionals on how best to balance work life with personal life? Set time aside specifically to organize your personal and professional goals. Define what your next steps are. Take part in continuing education, read, talk to your counterparts everywhere. What are some of the things you enjoy outside of work? There is nothing I don't like! I golf, ski, run, play ten- nis, rollerblade. I enjoy art, theater, restaurants and travel. I love boating and the beach, music, dancing, cooking, hosting dinner parties with friends. Laviero took a helicopter ride during a recent trip in California.