India L. Birdsong Terry

General Manager & CEO, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority

Education: Master’s degree in urban planning and policy, University of Illinois at Chicago; bachelor’s degree in English, Temple University

What I Look for in a Leader: Leadership is defined by one’s ability to translate, empathize and innovate. Over time, it has become more and more apparent to me that lasting success is an amalgamation of bumps and bruises, peppered with peaks of accomplishment, experienced by a team. Leaders don’t show up by themselves, so they shouldn’t show up to gather the award solo either. Both success and leadership are team sports.

Favorite Quote: “You’re only as good as your last rush hour.” 

An Important Lesson I Learned: Listen, and listen again … I strive every day to maintain the professional integrity of trying to do right by those who depend on our buses and trains the most.

Outside of Work You’ll Find Me: Outside of work you’ll see me in casual clothing, likely running to or from a ballet class or little league baseball game. Once the CEO hat comes off, the family uniform is put on with pride. 

If I Could Star in a TV Show or Movie: The Gilded Age