Tech Veteran Shellye Archambeau Is Unapologetically Ambitious

Featuring a broad cross-section of women who have distinguished themselves across a rich variety of careers, our Portraits of Power series is a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Black Enterprise, and of black women. It’s a place for today’s businesswomen to share their own favorite images and their own stories, in their own words. Today’s portrait is tech veteran Shellye Archambeau, who sits on the board of directors of Verizon and Nordstrom.

Shellye Archambeau

Board Director & Former CEO, Metricstream

My first job was cleaning horse stalls at a barn to pay for horseback riding lessons (not counting babysitting).

My big break came when I was hired to be president of Blockbuster.com.

I’ve had to work hardest at stepping back so others can develop into strong leaders.

I never imagined I would live and work as an executive in Japan.

I wish I’d learned sooner the value of setting expectations at home as well as at work.

The risk I regret not taking is moving to Silicon Valley sooner.

If I could design my fantasy self-care day, it would be spent at a spa starting with exercise, stretching, massage, a healthy lunch, then a facial, mani/pedi, and ending with reading a good book on a lounge chair overlooking a great view with a glass of champagne.

My grief over losing my husband of 34 years keeps me up at night.

When I’m struggling, I say to myself, “you can do this, you can do this.” I say it over and over in a loop. If I still can’t, I find someone to help me.

I am unapologetically ambitious!

Portraits of Power is a yearlong series of candid insights from exceptional women leaders. It is brought to you by ADP.