Women Who Lead: Insights from Carmen Best

By Linda Lowry

As we celebrate Women's History Month and honor the contributions of women leaders in our community, we are excited to present a Q&A with Carmen Best, the former City of Seattle Chief of Police and now the Director of Global Security Risk Operations at Microsoft. Carmen's journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and a commitment to service.

International Women’s Month is a reflection, celebration, and action time. It’s an opportunity to recognize the strides women have made in every field while acknowledging the work to ensure equity and justice for all women. For Carmen Best, it’s a personal reminder of the resilience, courage, and brilliance of the women who have come before her, and the women of today who inspire her to continue lifting others.

Driven by a strong sense of purpose and service to the community, Carmen Best's career has been marked by impactful leadership. As Police Chief, she witnessed firsthand the profound effect that leadership and accountability can have on safety and trust. Transitioning to a role focused on global security risk operations felt like a natural evolution—using her experiences to safeguard people and organizations on a broader scale while upholding principles of integrity and inclusivity.

In this conversation, Carmen shares her thoughts on International Women’s Month, her career inspirations, and the pivotal moments that have shaped her path. Join us as we explore her experiences and wisdom, celebrating the strength and brilliance of women who lead and inspire.

SMB: What does International Women’s Month mean to you personally?

CB: International Women’s Month is a reflection, celebration, and action time. It's an opportunity to honor the incredible strides women have made in every field while recognizing the work that remains to ensure equity and justice for all women. Personally, it reminds me of the resilience, courage, and brilliance of the women who have come before me, and the women of today who inspire me to continue lifting others as I climb.

SMB: What inspired you to pursue the career path you’re on today?

CB: I’ve always been driven by a strong sense of purpose and service to the community. During my time as Police Chief, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that leadership and accountability can have on safety and trust. Transitioning to a role focused on global security risk operations felt like a natural evolution—using my experiences to safeguard people and organizations on a broader scale while upholding principles of integrity and inclusivity.

SMB: Were there any pivotal moments or people who played a significant role in shaping your journey?

CB: Absolutely. My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and a sense of fairness from a young age. My faith kept me grounded. Professionally, I was fortunate to work alongside mentors, allies and sponsors who believed in my potential even when I did not see it right away. While there were many pivotal moments, being at the helm of police leadership during a time of intense scrutiny and challenge —it taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of standing firm in one’s values.

SMB: What does leadership mean to you, and how has your style evolved?

CB: Leadership is about service, vision, and empowerment. It’s about bringing people together around shared goals while creating an environment where everyone can thrive. My leadership style has become much more transformative over time with a strong focus on servant leadership - leading through collaboration. Over time, I’ve learned the importance of listening deeply, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering trust within teams.

SMB: What advice would you give to women who aspire to take on leadership roles?

CB: Believe in your abilities, even when others may not. Leadership isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about being willing to learn, adapt, and advocate for what’s right and bring others along with you. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you and never underestimate the power of building relationships (mentorship, allyship, partnership, and so on). Focus on mentoring, both giving and receiving it. Most importantly, don’t let fear of failure hold you back.

SMB: How do you approach continuous learning and self-improvement as a leader?

CB: I approach it with humility and curiosity. I seek out opportunities to learn from colleagues, read extensively, and stay informed about global trends. Feedback, even when uncomfortable, has been one of my greatest teachers. Leadership is a journey, and staying open to growth ensures I’m always evolving to meet new challenges.

SMB: How can women support and uplift each other in professional spaces?

CB: It starts with intentionality—amplifying each other’s voices, celebrating successes, and creating spaces where women can thrive. Mentorship and sponsorship are key. We can break down barriers by fostering genuine connections, advocating for one another, and pushing back against systems that perpetuate inequities.

SMB: Who are the women that inspire you, and why?

CB: So many women inspire me! Historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Ida B. Wells remind me of the strength required to create lasting change. Contemporary leaders like Michelle Obama,  inspire me with their grace, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to justice. And, of course, I’m constantly inspired by women I meet and/or work with every day—those who show up with resilience, creativity, and a drive to make a difference.

SMB: Are there any particular causes or initiatives related to women’s rights that you’re passionate about?

CB: I’m deeply passionate about advancing equity in leadership and access to education. Ensuring that women and girls have the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed is critical. I also support I also support initiatives aimed at addressing gender-based violence and fostering safe, inclusive spaces in every facet of society.

SMB: What practices or habits help you stay focused and energized?

CB: Staying focused requires balance. I prioritize physical fitness, mindfulness and faith practices as ways to center myself. I also carve out time for family and close friends—they keep me grounded and remind me of what truly matters. Professionally, having clear goals and regularly reflecting on my progress ensures I stay aligned with my purpose and allows me to correct courses when needed. 

Carmen Best's inspiring journey and insights highlight her dedication to leadership and service, which continues to uplift and empower women everywhere. For those interested in learning more about her experiences and wisdom, her book, Black in Blue: Lessons on Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Racial Reconciliation, is available for order at the University Book Store.