Nick welcomes everyone back to Together at the Top, and this time he sits down with Jill Torres - one of the best executives he's ever known. As you will hear, Jill carved out a remarkable path, becoming perhaps the highest-ranking civilian female leader within major law enforcement agencies such as those in San Diego and Los Angeles counties. Their conversation here today digs into the real stuff: the twists and turns of her unconventional career, why relationships are everything, the risks and rewards of working for elected officials, and what it takes to lead effectively, especially as a woman in a demanding public safety field.

Jill shares how her career didn't follow a straight line, starting with a criminal justice degree and ambitions elsewhere before finding her niche in public safety administration and finance. She talks frankly about the gamble of working for elected leaders, the importance of having a Plan B, and that time she decided to leave a position where she felt undervalued, betting on her own skills. Listen for Jill’s perspective on raising a son as a single mom while climbing the ranks, why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, what makes a good vendor partnership, and her direct take on how to handle yourself professionally at conferences – because yes, people notice, and reputations stick.

Tune in today and discover the strategic brilliance and unwavering resilience that made Jill Torres a legendary force in law enforcement leadership.

Episode Highlights:

• The unexpected career path of a top civilian leader in law enforcement administration

• Why building and maintaining authentic relationships is non-negotiable for success

• Navigating the unique challenges and inherent risks of working for elected officials

• Insights into thriving as a female executive and single mother in high-pressure roles

• The foundational strength found in asking for help and seeking diverse perspectives

• Straight talk on effective (and ineffective) ways for vendors to partner with government agencies

• Why your behavior at conferences absolutely matters and follows you back to the workplace

• The crucial need to understand organizational history and context before attempting change

Key Takeaways:

"Relationships matter and nobody does these jobs alone."

"Sometimes people are wanting someone to show them the way rather than charting their own course."

"If you can learn something, make a move, I think it's important because you never know what you're gonna learn."

"...if you decide to go to work for an elected official, have a plan B or certainly understand when the election cycle is..."

"I don't think anyone should ever be afraid to ask for help... Nobody knows everything."

"Don't think your behavior is not going to follow you back to the workplace."

"I have no regrets of putting the raising of my son first."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting: https://www.nickwarnerconsulting.com/