Andrea Anderson

What was your first job, and what did it teach you?

Working for my mom, who ran the coolest sandwich shop called Galley Subs. I learned how to run a business built on community and relationships. That is where my work ethic started to develop. I was then and am still in awe of my mom, who did not sign up to be a working wife but worked a job she hated to put food on the table. I learned you gotta do what you gotta do. 

What have you learned to do differently as you’ve moved into more senior roles?

I’ve shifted from being afraid to make mistakes and admitting I don’t know something to changing the narrative and asking for help. I’m also better at holding space for others to shine. I know that often, the best thing I can do is listen. I ask who’s not at the table. I try to be the boss I wish I had. 

Who is someone who’s had a big influence on your career? Why?

So many amazing badass women. Cecile Richards was a colleague and friend. She came into Planned Parenthood as President with a labor background, not reproductive rights. Her humility was so notable—she spoke to learn and understand. 

When did you start thinking about using your skills to effect social change?

Early. The joke in my family is my first word was “why?” I’m a first-generation American. My family came over from Denmark, so I have a Socialist European heritage. Since I was very young, I’ve questioned why the Emperor has no clothes. I’ve always known the scales were tilted. I’ve always had a strong sense of justice.

What’s a good outcome for Girl Scouts this year?

A balanced budget and the community’s recognition that Girl Scouts is needed now more than ever.

What strategies do you employ to manage through difficulty?

I ask a ton of questions. I have stopped apologizing for needing more information. In my house and in all our offices, I have pads of white paper so we can write it all out, draw it all out—I’m a kinesthetic processor. I also have a rule for myself and my team—don’t say “because we’ve always done it that way.” Instead, ask, “Why do we do it this way?”

How do you organize your time?

I have a massive calendar that I have help scheduling. I have an ongoing journal that my staff lovingly refer to as The Bible. I always have paper on me so I can write notes. And my team has come up with a OneNote organizational platform that works for my brain— it’s incredible, and so are they.

What’s the best career decision you ever made? 

Taking a job I was terrified to take, which was CEO of Planned Parenthood Hawaii. I moved 5,000 miles away from everyone and everything, and it transformed my life and career.

Finish this sentence: People would be surprised that I...

…have redone every house I’ve ever owned. I’m not sure what that says about me!