Being a woman in a man’s world isn’t easy. Just ask Roz Goldmacher.
She’s the woman who routinely makes the A-List — like being named one of the Top 50 Women on Long Island — partly for being the woman oft-appointed to boards dominated by men.
And, partly for being president of the Long Island Development Corp., where Goldmacher oversees millions of dollars in loans to small businesses and creates new ways to provide support and resources to ensure Main Streets around the New York metro area keep on humming.
And, partly for inheriting a particular genetic marker from her mother, which has enabled Goldmacher to keep going and keep giving back in good times and in bad.
Read on to get to know what matters most to this trailblazer.
FMC: When you were 5 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up, and why?
I don’t know if I was mature enough at age 5 to be thinking about the future. But at some point in my childhood I wanted to be President of the United States. I enjoyed the idea of being in the political arena, the idea of helping people and my parents told me I could be anything I wanted to be so, naturally, I aimed for the top.
FMC: What’s your idea of happiness?
Knowing all of my family and friends are healthy. After that, being in Disney World with Mickey Mouse.
If it don’t feel right in the gut, don’t do it.
FMC: What mistake did you make that turned out to be your best learning experience?
Bringing a relative and friend into law practice with me.
FMC: Why do you do what you do?
I love seeing businesses I have helped! Knowing that my help enabled them to grow, contribute to the community, employ people and in other ways benefit our economy is incredibly fulfilling.
FMC: What’s your guilty pleasure?
Ice cream, ice cream and ice cream!
FMC: What gives you hope for the future?
In a word, youth. I have had the opportunity to work with young people on Long Island and see what they are accomplishing with the assistance of technology. It’s amazing!
FMC: If you could solve one of the world’s problems, what would it be?
Hunger.
FMC: Coke or Pepsi?
Caffeine-Free Diet Coke.
FMC: Who’s the most influential person in your life?
My Mom. She persevered through some really tough times.
FMC: Favorite restaurant?
Shogi’s. It’s a little ole neighborhood sushi place in Westbury.
FMC: Last book read?
Dishonorable Intentions by Stuart Woods.
FMC: Where do you get your news?
Television and online newspapers.
FMC: What five people, living or dead, would you want to have at a dinner party?
Teddy Roosevelt. Napolean. Ronald Reagan. Phyllis Hill Slater and the candidate for New Hampshire Governor, Deborah (Arnie) Arnesen.
FMC: Favorite drink?
It’s a tie between a Vodka margarita up with lots of salt, and a vente decaf mocha lite Frappucchino with skim milk and three Sweet ‘n Lows.
FMC: Define leadership. Who is your favorite leader, and why?
Leadership is surrounding yourself with the best of the best, a support team made of people better than I am — more skilled, more educated, more creative — enabling them to perform to their maximum abilities, and recognizing that, as they succeed, I succeed, too. Together, we accomplish more.
My favorite leader is a former engineer with Sperry (Unisys) who founded the LI Economic Development Corp. He was a pioneering small business lender on Long Island. This gentleman was secure in his own talents and expertise, and he readily allowed those around him to blossom.
FMC: What’s the biggest challenge facing your industry right now?
A sluggish economy. Businesses aren’t taking loans to expand.
FMC: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
Prejudice. That’s been due to being female and Jewish. Unfortunately, it still exists big time!
FMC: What’s the best business advice anyone ever gave you?
Just do the right thing. If it don’t feel right in the gut, don’t do it.
FMC: What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?
That I’m tough and unapproachable. In actuality, I’m quite a mush, and always available, 24/7.
FMC: What makes you tick?
Lack of stress.
FMC: Who inspires you?
Those who have overcome obstacles and moved ahead, in spite of the circumstances. Obstacles like prejudice due to race, gender or ethnicity; health-related challenges, or a lack of resources.
FMC: If you weren’t you, who would you want to be?
Someone who works and lives full time in Disney World.
FMC: What’s your choice of super hero superpowers?
Being able to foretell the future.
FMC: What’s your current state of mind?
More peaceful than it was yesterday.
FMC: What’s your idea of success?
Being surrounded by family and friends and able to say, at the end of the day, “I made a positive difference today.”
