Ripple Effect Leader Spotlight: Adrien Julious-Butler

It was the sweet Nike high-tops that admittedly first drew me to Adrien at a local networking event with the Tampa LGBT Chamber of Commerce. But it was her smile, kindness, charm and warmth that had me think “I need to be friends with this person!”

I come to find out that Adrien, among other things, leads the HR function for Ice Cold Air, the business that she and her wife run together in Tampa.

Adrien has a deep commitment to leading people-first, and being the kind of leader who is intentional about the ripples she creates in this community and world.

I am thrilled to spotlight Adrien Julious-Butler, VP CHRO & Director of Marketing, and give you a glimpse into her story and thoughts about leadership.

What would you like our readers to know about you?

I am committed to good. I hope that by sharing my life people understand that you can be a good person, take care of people, do great work and make amazing money. The focus in business that we typically see is focused on making money first. I think if you do good and take care of people then the money will come. Ice Cold Air repairs cars AND we take care of people. 

What’s important and meaningful to you about your work?

I provide opportunities to members of my community. My work directly impacts and supports thousands of families throughout the area. 

What does it mean to “bring your authentic self” to work? How do you practice this? 

I spent many years segmenting myself and being a chameleon to fit in. Bringing my authentic self to work means bringing all of me to my work. I am a Black Lesbian, Woman in a male dominated field. That doesn’t define who I am, but it is who I am and the lens that I lead from. 

I practice this by showing up authentically as me and encouraging my team to show up as their full authentic selves.

What is your definition of leadership? 

To me, leadership is motivating others to reach their highest levels of success by modeling the behavior as consistently as possible.

How has your coming out journey and/or identity strengthened who you are as a leader? 

My identity shaped me. I wasn’t accepted by members of my family when I came out. That forced me to learn how to depend on myself. It taught me to take care of people. To be tenacious and humble. I learned to be self disciplined and hyper focused on my career. I’m full of empathy and I never quit. 

What is something you still struggle with as a leader who identifies as LGBTQ+? 

I worry about my Queerness negatively impacting my team. I have a lot of people who depend on me and in the climate where some don’t want to say gay I worry that just by my existing, customers could decide not to patronize us. 

What resources do you tap into for support? 

I write with Kitchen Table Literary Arts. I read and listen to a lot of Podcasts. I have a diverse support system. My wife is my life partner. A lot of people couldn’t work with their spouse. Building a business with my wife means that we’re both in tune with the requirements of entrepreneurship. We understand each others needs and we are able to support each other.

Tell us about something you’re especially proud of - work or non-work related. 

I have a nursing degree. I was working in nursing management when my wife asked me to leave my job and come in to the company. I didn’t think that I had anything to contribute. 10 years later we’re leading the franchise and I’m shaping our people systems and processes. I’m directing our marketing and everything that I’m contributing I learned on the job and on my own. I’m proud of my continued growth and contributions to our success. 

What excites you about the future of work/leadership? 

I’m excited about the new brand of leaders who lead  with compassion and heart. The more leaders who have success while caring about the humans they work with the better the future of work will be. 

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For more information about the QueeHR community we’re building, you can visit my community page and request to join our LinkedIn group. Each spotlight recipient is someone who embodies the core Ripple Effect Leadership values of vulnerability, kindness, empathy, curiosity and humility.