Linda Abraham-Silver
About this Executive:
Name:
Linda Abraham-Silver
Company:
Great Lakes Science Center
Interview Topics:
Work:Life Balance
Region:
Region 8 - Northeast Ohio
The Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) in Cleveland, Ohio is one of America's largest interactive science museums. The President and executive director of the GLSC is Linda Abraham-Silver, a West coast transplant who has come to love the balance she has found in Ohio. One very interesting topic we discussed was the growing importance of fresh water as a natural resource. I have been reading about more and more locations like Georgia running out of drinking water because of drought conditions and I wanted to learn more about Ohio's fresh water supply. As it happens, the GLSC (and nine other partners) recently collaborated to create a traveling exhibition that addresses the topic. I think you'll be surprised by what I learned.
Q: How does living in Ohio compare with living on the West coast?
A: I was born in San Francisco and lived in L.A. for 17 years before moving to Ohio. You can think of me as a California girl turned Clevelander. The most significant difference is that life is easier here in Ohio. You don't have the complications of congestion or unaffordable real estate. I was most surprised by the natural beauty of Ohio. I traded the shores of the Pacific Ocean for the shores of Lake Erie and I love it!
Q: What has been the biggest difference you've observed about living in Ohio?
A: In L.A., there is an expectation that you will do whatever it takes to be successful professionally. You arrange your life around your work. You are defined by your professional success. In Ohio, the expectation is that you will lead a balanced life. Employers expect you to and support you in taking care of your family and community. You are encouraged to lead a well-rounded life and be engaged in your community through volunteerism or serving on Boards. In Ohio, you are defined by how balanced your life is. I find it a much more rewarding way of living. Ohio has been an exceptionally welcoming state. I think the Cleveland area is a community that really empowers women, promotes education and has amazing natural resources as well as cultural opportunities. Ohio is a state where you can make a personal impact. I believe, in Ohio, my children can truly make a meaningful and authentic difference and be recognized for it.
Q: The GLSC is located on the shore of Lake Erie. In light of the recent reports of severe drought conditions across the nation, I have been thinking more about the role water plays in our economy. Tell me about the new water exhibition the GLSC has helped create, and your thoughts about Ohio's fresh water supply.
A: Water is a natural resource more precious than oil and more valuable than gold. It is required for life. The traveling exhibition is titled "Water H2O = Life" and is opening at the American Museum of Natural History on November 2. The exhibition will raise the public awareness on the importance of intelligent management of our world's water supply. If water is the "new oil," then Ohio is the new equivalent of Saudi Arabia. Ohio has access to the world's second largest supply of fresh water, roughly 20 percent of all the fresh water on the planet. This is going to be an amazingly important competitive advantage for Ohio's economy as demand for fresh water increases globally.
I never really thought about the impact of a fresh water supply on a company's decision to select a location for capital investment. But, it makes a lot of sense. If the company requires a reliable supply of fresh water to operate, Ohio will be an extremely attractive choice. As demand on a location's fresh water supply grows, the frequency of mandated restrictions on that water would increase. I assume the cost of that water would increase as well. It is not hard to imagine the costs associated with accessing fresh water will become an important expense line item that would depress profits. If it was my company, I would be thinking long-term and certainly view Ohio's fresh water supply as a positive consideration in my site location decision.