For Tizz Weber, It's All About Loving What She Does and Sharing Her Passion with Others

From industry-defining new product launches to reinvigorating the Otis brand to implementing award-winning corporate social responsibility campaigns, Tizz Weber's career is one that many want to emulate. For Weber, however, her greatest accomplishment is helping those around her achieve their full potential.

Weber's accomplishments in business and life were recognized by the Hartford Business Journal, which has named her one of its Women in Business for 2016.

Weber attributes her success to "being open, respecting new ideas and approaches and taking risks," she said. "It's about asking for help when you need it and providing it when others reach out to you for support. Loving what you do, and sharing that passion with others who have the same drive, results in success for everyone involved."

Weber's approach to business emphasizes the human element. "Business, like life, is about building relationships and surrounding yourself with people who offer diverse views, skills and personalities," she said. "Working for United Technologies and its global businesses, I have an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with talented, dedicated and caring people worldwide – every day."

She joined United Technologies as a college intern in the newly created Community Relations department, one of the first of its kind in the country.

Now, 30 years later, Weber views the business from a different perspective, as senior director, Communications, at Pratt & Whitney. But she remembers the impact of her first mentor, Lois Sabatino, now retired, who was so influential in getting her career off to a good start. And she remains committed to having the same kind of impact on those who are following in her footsteps.

In mentoring others throughout her career, Weber has shared the lessons she has learned in her various leadership positions. "My advice," she said, "is to surround yourself with people smarter than you and then listen, watch and learn from them. Also, be open to new approaches, especially those outside of your industry, and determine if there is an application that can move your business objectives forward in a new and dynamic way."

Reflecting on the importance of mentors, Weber said, "I have had several wonderful mentors during my career. But Sabatino, one of UTC's first female executives, rises above all. My first supervisor, she took me under her wing and pushed me to dream big, take chances, have the courage of my convictions, and always, always be true to myself. She was a trailblazer. Her compassion and inner strength to manage through difficult situations, both personal and professional, are traits that I try to emulate every day."

Now, as a successful executive in her own right, Weber is committed to lending a hand – and sharing her experience – with the next generation of leaders at Pratt & Whitney. And her commitment has brought her a significant recognition among her peers in the business community.

Click here to read the Hartford Business Journal's profile on Weber.