A Shared Vision of Leadership
Leadership at The Gettys Group isn’t about titles—it’s rooted in creativity, trust, and teamwork. Our female leaders bring distinctive styles that significantly shape our team’s dynamics and growth. In this piece, we dive into the leadership philosophies of key team members: Angelica Acebedo-Frint, Brand Experience & Marketing Principal; Kara Orth, Senior Director of the Interior Design: Prototypical Studio (GettysOne); and Anne Hiter, Senior Director of Procurement. Each shares insights on pivotal moments in their careers and the core values that drive their success.
How would you describe your leadership philosophy?
Angelica: I believe keeping things real and maintaining a sense of humor helps create an environment where people feel comfortable bringing their best ideas forward. I encourage my team to embrace a “Yes &” mindset—suspending reality to explore new possibilities and challenge assumptions. Innovation thrives in an environment where people aren’t afraid to take risks, and that starts with trust.
Kara: I lean toward a mix of transformational and democratic leadership. My team operates with efficient, process-driven methods, but I also prioritize collaboration, independence, and accountability.
Anne: I lead by example and truly value my team’s input. I come from a background of competitive soccer, which instilled in me the importance of teamwork. I might not be the loudest voice in the room, but I aim to make meaningful contributions and advocate for my team every day.
"Innovation thrives in an environment where people aren’t afraid to take risks, and that starts with trust."
Angelica Acebedo-Frint Principal, Brand Experience & MarketingCan you share a pivotal moment that shaped your leadership approach?
Angelica: While redesigning the identity for the Grand Hyatt brand, my CMO encouraged me to travel to Hong Kong for extensive field research. This experience reinforced the importance of immersing oneself in the brand’s roots before executing a vision. Today, I ensure my team approaches every project with the same level of thoroughness and first-hand research.
Kara: I always ask myself, “How did I want to be treated by the person I reported to?” This question drives my interactions with my team. I’ve worked in both supportive and toxic environments, and the negative experiences have shaped me just as much as the positive ones. I strive to be the kind of leader I would have wanted early in my career.
Anne: The leaders I’ve encountered—both good and bad—have influenced me. The bad ones showed me what not to do, while the great ones taught me the value of mentorship and encouragement. Finding my voice as a leader has been an empowering journey. Speaking up, even when my perspective differs, is crucial to driving thoughtful discussions and solutions.
"I always ask myself, "How did I want to be treated by the person I reported to?" This question drives my interactions with my team."
Kara Orth Senior Director, Interiors: PrototypicalWhat’s the most significant lesson you’ve learned as a leader?
Angelica: The best work doesn’t come from just one perspective—it comes from a mix of voices willing to challenge each other. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating an environment where the best answers can emerge.
Kara: Throughout my career, I’ve learned that team chemistry is everything. When building my team, I always think of the quote, “Talent starts the game, chemistry wins it.” Talent gets you in the door, but it’s the relationships within a team that bring joy, passion, and long-term success.
Anne: Learning to be comfortable being uncomfortable is a lesson I learned when taking on leadership of the Procurement team just before COVID-19. Leading a large team remotely was a challenge, but I learned that there’s no perfect guidebook for leadership—you have to trust your instincts, learn from mistakes, and keep growing.
What core values guide your decision-making?
Angelica: My team once joked that I should change my last name to “Option-bedo” because of how much I value iteration. I encourage my team to challenge and build-on each other’s ideas to make our work the best it can be.
Kara: As a leader, I hold myself accountable, prioritize fairness, and remain committed and persistent, even in the face of challenges, to achieve the best outcomes for our team.
Anne: I believe in being honest and transparent. Efficiency drives my approach, but I always consider the needs of others with empathy. I try and lead by example so my team can always count on me to follow through.
What does success look like to you now versus earlier in your career?
Angelica: Early on, success was about the work—the output, the results. Now, it’s about the people. If my team is growing, laughing, and feeling challenged in the right ways, then I’m doing my job.
Kara: Success now relates to the happiness of my team. If they wake up looking forward to work, then I consider myself successful. A leader who promotes a positive environment and genuinely cares about their team will see great results.
Anne: As a working mother, I bring a different perspective to leadership. Supporting other working parents on my team is something I deeply value. I know firsthand the challenges they face, and I strive to show empathy and flexibility. Working parents can be some of the most efficient team members because they understand the importance of time management.
"I learned that there’s no perfect guidebook for leadership—you have to trust your instincts, learn from mistakes, and keep growing."
Anne Hiter Senior Director, ProcurementA Shared Vision of Leadership
There’s no single way to lead, but at The Gettys Group, our leaders share a unified vision. Angelica, Kara, and Anne’s leaderships styles all embody the core values of The Gettys Way: Credibility, Reliability, and Personal Relationships. Together, they inspire a future where creativity thrives, teams are empowered, and personal and professional development go hand in hand—leading us toward lasting success built on mutual respect and strong, supportive relationships.
