“I wish I’d known earlier that effective leadership starts with listening, not speaking. Early in my career, I assumed the loudest voice carried the most influence. Today, listening first helps me understand, empathize with and support clients, colleagues and teams.”
Betsy Landoll began her career in finance and accounting, but an unexpected opportunity to assist with a receivership engagement ultimately set her on a new professional path. The experience sparked a lasting passion for financial analysis, problem-solving and helping organizations navigate significant periods of change.
Today, she serves as director of strategic advisory at J.S. Held, advising clients through restructurings, turnarounds, bankruptcy matters and fiduciary engagements. In helping companies navigate these high-stakes situations and preserve value, Landoll takes particular pride in both the tangible impact of her work and the exceptional team she works alongside.
One of the most complex and rewarding chapters of Landoll’s career involved navigating the receivership of a more than $200 million walnut farming and processing enterprise in Northern California. While directing strategy and stake-holder communications to monetize millions of pounds of inventory, she saw firsthand that success required far more than technical expertise. It demanded the ability to make difficult decisions with incomplete information, build trust among stakeholders with competing interests and provide steady leadership through uncertainty.
Landoll brings that same mindset to every challenge she takes on. She is willing to step into complex situations that others may shy away from, pairing analytical problem-solving with a strong understanding of people. She prides herself on bringing diverse stakeholders together, building trust and helping teams move through obstacles toward a common goal.
For women early in their careers, Landoll’s advice is simple: do not limit yourself or wait for permission to contribute. She encourages women to speak up, take a seat at the table and pursue opportunities that challenge them, firmly believing they have every ability to lead at the highest levels of the industry.
