Age: 37

Hometown: Chicago.

Residence: Hyde Park.

Years in Cincinnati: Six months.

In current position since: Jan. 5

Cincinnati's leadership is, in a word: Corporate.

Leadership style: Cool competence. Open to ideas. I try to divorce ego from everything I do.

What can African-American leaders learn from white leaders? You cannot look for any one voice to be the exhaustive authority on all of the issues.

What can white leaders learn from African-American leaders? Not all black leaders view everything through a racial prism.

What did you learn from your mother, a housewife, about being a leader? My mom is the nicest little old lady you'll ever come across, wishes the best for everybody. But she doesn't let that interfere with her observations and comments that reveal her characteristic honesty.

What did you learn from your father, a meat packer, about being a leader? If you can remember everyone's first name, it helps you connect and you'll have a much more meaningful exchange.