With my team, I work hard to lead in a way that is consistent with who I say I am and what I ask of others.  If I make a commitment, I follow through and my team knows that they can count on me.  They also know that I wouldn't ask them to do anything that I wouldn't do myself. 

2) Your company has been formally recognized as a great place to work? What do you attribute that to? 

First and foremost, I have a great team who is dedicated to our mission of "helping organizations deliver on their public promise" and who is dedicated to our company being a great place to work.  As the CEO, I work hard to practice what we preach.  We take the time to do what is important for our company not just what is important for our clients.

3) Leadership is a lifelong practice.  What do you do to invest in your own continued personal growth as the CEO of a company?

I have to say that I have learned so much from the leaders I work with everyday. I have seen how they have dealt with major challenges, how they have worked to gain and sustain the confidence of their teams and organizations, how they have created unity of effort, and how committed they are to their organization's success.  Additionally, over the years I have had a couple of great mentors who are leaders in the field of consulting.  I also have benefited greatly from working with coaches, who have each challenged my thinking and helped me see new possibilities.  Lastly, I work hard to seek feedback from my team and take action.

4) What advice do you have for women who are starting or want to start a business?

Some of the best advice I was given many years ago was when a colleague / mentor of mine advised me to really understand my strengths and use them as much as possible. To this day, when I get into a tight situation, I think about how to leverage what I am good at and rely on my team for the rest.

5) What is the number 1 thing that has contributed to your success as a leader?

 I learned about 10 years ago that I can't be part of everything that happens in my company and the way to be successful is to hire great people, create a strong culture, provide tools and resources, offer ideas when asked, and let people play their roles. 

Allison Gurnitz is CEO of Coray Gurnitz Consulting.  Allison is also an Advisory Board Member of The George Washington University, Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration and a Board Member of the National Capital Area Chapter of Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. She received her MPA from The George Washington University and her BA from Michigan State University. In 2010, Allison received the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration Distinguished Alumni Award.