Leadership is an Inside Job, or so Independent National Sales Director Kathy Oliveira believes. In other words, she believes character is what makes a truly great leader. Kathy has always made it her primary focus to love people to success unconditionally, to embrace the unique qualities in people, to choose faith over fear, and to never give up. Because she grew up with parents who modeled a great work ethic, integrity, and an appreciation for differences in others, this upbringing helped her to develop her strong core beliefs.

As a child, Kathy also learned a lot about life from the game of tennis. As a competitively ranked tennis player, “I learned the value of discipline and consistency; I got up and practiced whether I felt like it or not. Doing it anyway yielded results. And I liked winning!”

Kathy also strongly values education, and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. She enjoys supporting others in their educational pursuits, and loved her position of Assistant Dean of Students at a university for many years. She says that she has learned more about running a successful business through her years as a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant than she did studying for her MBA. To Kathy, what makes a Mary Kay business so great is the learning that takes place along the journey.

Kathy loves experiencing other cultures by traveling to, and even living in, other countries such as Mexico and England. This love is shared with her husband, Tony, and son and daughter, John and Christina. One of their favorite travel destinations is a little village in Portugal called Oliveira de Azemeis, the town where Tony grew up.

When asked what helped her become a Mary Kay Independent National Sales Director, Kathy said it was the loyal support of her family, as well as the powerfully connected, cohesive team of Independent Sales Directors who make up her National Area. Her ability to see the gifts and potential in women BEFORE they can see those gifts and potential in themselves is another key component to building her strong unit. Additionally, Kathy delights in stretching people to be and do more than they ever thought they could. “It’s such a thrill!”

Kathy attributes much of her growth in learning how to love people to her former Independent National Sales Director Emeritus, Cathy Phillips. “She taught me how to mentor others without criticism and judgment. She was a patient and attentive listener. She always seemed to think about the needs of others above her own.”

Mary Kay Ash changed her life forever. “I believe Mary Kay was the most feminine, yet the most influential woman I’ve ever known. Her love came through with every whisper. Freedom is a word that evokes a lot of emotion in me. The word can even bring me to tears. I equate my Mary Kay business and all it has done for me and my family to what that word ‘freedom’ means to me, and I am so grateful.”

Kathy says that the most important thing as an Independent National Sales Director is to continue to carry the legacy of Mary Kay Ash: To have integrity and do the right thing, no matter what; To love people unconditionally; To never give up on yourself or others . . . Basically, being a leader from the inside, out.