The VP Of HR For The Cleveland Cavaliers On Supporting Her Staff And That Big Win In 2016

Alberta G. Lee
Location: Cleveland, OH
Job: Vice President of Human Resources, Cleveland Cavaliers
Education: BBA, Saginaw Valley State University; MSA, Central Michigan University; SPHR certification, Society for Human Resources
Twitter: @cavs

What was your first “real” job? How did you get it?

During my senior year at Saginaw Valley State University, one of my professors helped me land a paid internship at JC Penney’s at a large mall in Saginaw, Michigan. While there, I learned the basic steps to buying and, at the conclusion of the internship, I was one of two interns who received a full-time job offer. I accepted happily and, upon graduating, worked there as a children’s clothing merchandise buyer. It was a great first job. I was responsible for tracking and analyzing sales data and then using that information to buy our merchandise. It was my first exposure to the business world and set me on a path towards my current role as the Vice President of Human Resources for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

What do you spend the majority of your work day doing?

The world of sports and entertainment is fast-paced and very demanding. The Cleveland Cavaliers organization not only owns and operates the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, but also, the American Hockey League’s Cleveland Monsters, the Cleveland Gladiators, the nearby NBA G-League’s Canton Charge, and the NBA 2K League’s CAVS Legion. It also operates the Quicken Loans Arena (home to the Cavs and the Monsters). We have 2,300 employees with a common purpose to “Create Extraordinary Experiences. All the Time. For Everyone.” And it’s my job to support our team members and make sure they have what they need to perform at their best. On a typical day, I have many meetings with team members, team leaders, and executive teams. I listen to their needs and help support their goals. Recently, we launched a deeper dive into our training in the space of leadership development, respect, inclusion, and harassment awareness for team leaders. This year, we are working to expand our training efforts for all team members.

What is one of the most significant obstacles you’ve faced in your career?

After working at JC Penney’s, I went on to work in higher education. When I started out, I was the youngest person in the department, the only person of color, and the only female on the management team. In fact, I was literally the first Black woman most of my colleagues had worked with. Many people made assumptions about me – they presumed I was too young to understand the nuances of leading and managing a team in a predominantly White and male-dominated environment. I proved them wrong by studying the business and connecting with other leaders who were interested in making the organization better. I also made an effort to find sincere mentors who were willing to invest in me and my growth. Over time, I learned that being myself was my biggest asset.

What advice do you wish you could have given yourself on day one of your career?

I would have told myself that I would experience far more successes than failures. I would encourage a younger me to be thankful for the lessons in both. Remember, each setback offers you a lesson that can guide you to your next successful moment.

Do you have any specific strategies you use to stay productive?

If I have a major project to work on, I block off large chunks of time in my electronic calendar dedicated to that specific task. Since my days are driven by appointments, it’s crucial to schedule time for myself. Sometimes, I accomplish my goals more quickly than anticipated and I discover an extra hour on my calendar – on those rare occasions, it feels like I gained a 25th hour in my day!

What’s something about you that people might be surprised to learn?

I went from working in retail to the world of higher education and, ultimately, into the world of sports and entertainment. It was a surprising path, but, after building my skill set, deepening my leadership capabilities by working directly with the president of a college, and being part of an executive team, I was confident my HR skills and competencies would set me up for success. I started with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014, the same season Lebron James announced he was coming back to Cleveland. It was the perfect time for me to accept the offer to join the “Team Behind The Team” – all eyes were on Cleveland.

What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?

I can still feel the overwhelming excitement I experienced when we won the NBA Championship in 2016. Sharing that moment with my Cleveland Cavalier colleagues was unbelievable. A large group of us and our family members were on the fourth floor of the Quicken Loans Arena in the VIP Lounge watching game seven on the Humongotron, while the Cavs played the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, CA. I was standing next to my husband, holding my breath, watching the final minutes of the game, when we finally saw the look on LeBron’s face and knew we had just won. The players all started running and hugging each other, and we did the same! We celebrated for the next several hours with food and beverages. Later on, we welcomed the team home at the airport, and then we had a fantastic parade in their honor. Go Cavs! #ALLIN216

How have certain candidates stood out to you (in a good way) during the hiring process?

I always gravitate towards candidates with impeccable manners. I appreciate it when applicants smile, speak in full sentences, make eye contact, and say “thank you,” “please,” and “excuse me.” Being polite is always attractive, no matter what.

What have you read or listened to recently that you’d recommend?

My son Cameron gave me the book Chasing Light: Michelle Obama Through the Lens of a White House Photographer by Amanda Lucidon. I love this collection of photographs of Michelle Obama coupled with reflections from Lucidon and others. The book features a message from Congressman John Lewis that really resonated with me: “Michelle Obama, with dignity, grace and respect, has taught and inspired all of us to chase what is good, right, and just.” I couldn’t agree more.

Do you have a favorite motto or saying that keeps you motivated?

I always say, “Find the good.” It’s so easy to be negative, but I try to look for the good in everybody and every situation. This outlook emboldens me and lifts my spirits.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are a Jopwell partner company.

Images courtesy of the Cleveland Cavaliers