Leslie Delperdang.

• Author: Heffes, Ellen M.
• Position: BalanceSHEET - NP Dodge Company/Real Estate

A long-time resident of Omaha, Neb., Leslie Delperdang says people often ask her if she is acquainted with the "Oracle of Omaha," Warren Buffett. She says while she hasn't met him, she'd like to--for several reasons: despite his stature and wealth, she respects his down-to-earth quality and sense of humor and would love to emulate his business acumen and instinct. Also, she admires his recent donation of most of his net worth to charitable causes.

Title: CFO

Company: NP Dodge Company/Real Estate

Born: Creston, Iowa; May 17, 1970

Spouse: Kirk Delperdang, for 13-1/2 years

Children: Rachael, 11; Jack, 8; Sam, 5

Education Summary: University of Northern Iowa, BA in Accounting with a minor in Business Communications, 1988-92

Career Summary: Deloitte & Touche, Senior Auditor, Omaha, Neb., 1992-1994; First Data Corp., SEC Reporting Analyst, Omaha, 1994-1996; NP Dodge Company, CFO, Omaha, 1996-present

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Boards of Directors: NP Dodge Company; Girls Inc. of Omaha Board of Trustees (2006-present), a nonprofit organization that teaches girls and young women to be strong, smart and bold.

FEI Chapter: Nebraska Chapter, since 2000; Chapter President 2002-04; Midwest Area Director 2006-present. The Nebraska Chapter was first runner-up for FEI's Outstanding Chapter Achievement Award (Small Chapter Category) in April 2004, while I was President.

Leisure Pursuits: Watching my kids' various activities--school, sports, music, etc.; reading; spending time with my husband and/or children attending college football games, traveling and playing games (Sequence, Battleship, Candy Land).

Time Management: As with many other professionals, finding a work/life balance can be difficult, and this seems to be a work in progress for me. However, I have a great team where everyone is willing to do "whatever it takes" to ensure our goals are completed on a timely basis.

Stress Management: Spending time with my family, away from work, and losing myself in a good book. Keeping everything in perspective and realizing that no one will "perish" from a decision I make or project I don't complete when I want it to be done.

Who is your hero? My parents instilled in me a great work ethic and told me that I could be anything I wanted to be if I worked hard enough. They also provided me the tools to be able to achieve what I wanted to achieve and taught me that actions speak louder than words.

What's the best advice you've received? Once you lose your integrity, you...