Mary Kay recently recognized Barbara Podbelsek, Senior Executive Assistant to CEO Ryan Rogers, with the prestigious Mary Kay Employee Go Give Award. While awards are often associated with performance metrics or high-visibility achievements, this recognition stands apart.
The Go Give Award celebrates something deeper: character, generosity, and service, mainly when those qualities are expressed quietly and consistently, without expectation of recognition.
From a brand and culture perspective, this moment reinforces what Mary Kay has long stood for: success is not measured only by results, but by how people uplift others along the way.
The Go Give Award carries a significant legacy inside the company. Initially established in 1978, the award honors individuals who embody Mary Kay Ash’s “Go-Give” philosophy, the belief that true success is defined by what you give, not just what you achieve.
According to Mary Kay’s own framing, today’s Go Give recognition highlights individuals who:
This award is not about spotlight moments. It is about sustained values-based leadership.
From a company-promotion and culture lens, this recognition sends several strong and positive signals:
Mary Kay is clear about the kind of leadership she wants to multiply. By honoring generosity, integrity, and encouragement, the company reinforces that how work is done matters just as much as outcomes.
Barbara Podbelsek’s role is mainly behind the scenes, yet her impact is profound. Recognizing this kind of contribution shows that Mary Kay values substance over spotlight.
Mary Kay doesn’t treat its founder’s values as historical artifacts. They are actively protected, practiced, and passed on through people who steward the culture every day.
Coverage surrounding the award highlights three key areas where Barbara Podbelsek’s impact has been especially meaningful.
A Guardian of Culture and Legacy
Barbara is frequently described as a “guardian” of Mary Kay Ash’s legacy and a steward of company culture. In her role supporting the CEO, she helps ensure that leadership decisions, traditions, and daily practices remain aligned with the founder’s original vision.
This kind of stewardship is critical in long-standing organizations. It preserves what makes a brand distinctive while allowing it to evolve with integrity.
Barbara also plays a meaningful role in preserving Mary Kay’s heritage through her work connected to the Mary Kay Museum in Addison, Texas.
Her contributions include:
This work ensures that Mary Kay’s story remains accessible, accurate, and inspiring for future generations of employees and Independent Beauty Consultants.
Another critical dimension of Barbara Podbelsek’s impact is her service commitment to the Mary Kay Ash Foundation. Her involvement reflects the company’s broader emphasis on community impact and social responsibility.
By highlighting this service, Mary Kay reinforces that giving back is embedded in the brand, not treated as an optional add-on.
What makes this recognition especially compelling is the personal story behind it.
Barbara shared that she began working with Mary Kay around 1990, after submitting her resume through an employment agency. Once she realized the opportunity was with Mary Kay, she felt an immediate sense of excitement.
She also credits her upbringing on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin with shaping her strong work ethic and sense of responsibility, values that clearly carried forward into her professional life.
Inside the organization, her advice centers on purpose. She reminds others that every role, no matter how visible, helps keep “Mary Kay Ash’s dream alive.”
From a broader perspective, this recognition reflects how Mary Kay chooses to define success:
For employees, partners, and the wider direct selling community, this story reinforces that values are not just talked about at Mary Kay; they are rewarded.
If you’re sharing or referencing this recognition in brand-safe content, these angles are especially effective:
These messages highlight culture and credibility without sounding promotional or political.
By honoring Barbara Podbelsek with the Go Give Award, Mary Kay reaffirmed what has always set the company apart: success grounded in service, leadership rooted in character, and a legacy that continues through people who quietly keep the founder’s dream alive.
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
