Sam Endres, CFO West Academic Publishing
Sam’s broad industry experience and focus on process management and improving financial operations, makes her current role as CFO of West Academic Publishing a natural fit. In an industry that has seen a massive shift to digital, she sees opportunity. Her history of progressive leadership roles while striving to create a culture of appreciation made Scouts Talent curious to learn more…
If you could try a different job for a day, what would you choose?
I would be a barista at Caribou. I know how much I enjoy my morning cup of coffee and would love to help kick start my customers’ day.
What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?
Law School Publishing has both a traditional and non-traditional customer base. It is important to define each and ensure you are addressing them independently but not in isolation.
What is your mantra?
Communication is the key to everything. Information is not power, it is the conduit to success.
How do you get yourself out of a slump?
I attend one of the many activities for one of my kids or I go for a long walk.
What companies or leaders do you admire?
I admire honesty, transparency, compassion, and drive. Companies that create a culture of employee empowerment and appreciation are ones that I hope to contribute to as a leader.
What has been the biggest shift you’ve noticed in your industry in the last decade?
The impact digital has had on textbooks has varied widely by discipline. It has been extremely interesting to watch how digital concepts have and will best serve the law school market.
Who has been most instrumental in your career?
Managers who have pushed me to think differently about how to analyze and utilize information, and those who have called me out when I didn’t meet their expectations. Managers who took the time to recognize my strengths and weaknesses and worked to improve them both.
What is your go-to celebration meal, drink or tradition?
My drink of choice depends on the season but nothing compares to celebrating with friends outside on a patio.
