The Power of Yes: Turning Opportunity into a Lifetime of Leadership

Photo by Paul Williams III

By Loan C. Lake 

When opportunity knocks, Gracie Pendergrass Coleman says yes. That fearless approach — paired with confidence in her own expertise — opened doors throughout her decades-long career in executive leadership. 

Born in Chester, SC, and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, Coleman describes her success as a mixture of serendipity and a strong belief in herself — one that was reinforced by her upbringing.  “My parents were teenagers [when they had me], and I’m astounded at how wise they were. My father and mother had high expectations for us. No matter what it was, we were going to be the best at it,” Coleman said.   

For 30 years, she blazed a trail as a telecommunications executive, gleaning strategies from her executive coach and other colleagues as she served in myriad capacities at AT&T and its predecessor companies. For a few years, she was the only Black woman leading a business unit — one that produced goods for disabled individuals.  She often didn’t seek  new roles, but embraced opportunities as they were presented.  “I was leading a large team at 19 years old. I never said, ‘by such and such a time I want to do such and such a thing.’  It wasn’t that I aspired to it, but I wasn’t afraid about whether or not I could do it, and people would reward me with opportunities,” Coleman said.  

That mindset propelled her forward with colleagues frequently seeking her out for new projects and initiatives.  “Working for a big company makes a huge difference. They were good about letting people do things they hadn’t done before. I was one of the lucky people, and I was adventurous.” 

Her career took a pivotal turn when she transitioned into human resources. Following an executive strategy session, Coleman realized she was equipped to lead her company’s future human capital strategy.  Years later, her “yes” brought her back to Fort Mill, South Carolina as an executive with Springs Industries, then, the largest textile company worldwide.  

That decision opened even more doors, with Coleman serving on the boards of numerous organizations, including two decades on the board of Atrium Health. Today, she and her husband reside in the Charlotte metro, and she serves on the boards of Advocate Health and the National Institute for American Doll Artists. 

Though retired, Coleman continues to lead with energy and purpose, and expresses her creativity by designing custom dolls — from collections of Black Santas to a new original piece inspired by Queen Charlotte. “People call me the Energizer Bunny, but I have lots of capacity,” she said. “If I’m involved in something, I really want to be involved and feel like I’m making a contribution. Not just show up, leave, and nothing happens.”