One of my new year’s resolutions is to make bolder moves in my life, leadership and live for the possibilities, rather than the limitations of fear. So, if you feel like it’s also your year to stand up, step out and make some bold moves. By sharing my own experience with others I hope to support others in making 2019 a bold year. Three things that have helped me in my career so far have been; female role models, commitment to education, creating a model for success.
I have always been fortunate to have strong female’s role models around me. As the CEO and great niece of Ella Bache, from a young age I observed strong woman, working hard to bring their passion to life. Don’t get me wrong, my leadership journey has been filled with self-doubt at times, but I certainly was fortunate to have a belief system that woman can do anything that they put their mind too. Role models and mentors have always been an important part of my leadership journey. I stepped into the CEO role at Ella Bache when I was 32, so I was young and not your typical CEO. I also had to prove to the business and all stakeholders that my vision and strategy was the right one for this generation. One of the first things I did when I stepped into this role was seek out a mentor, just by asking around my network. I knew they needed to be female and in a CEO role now and in the past. I fortunately found a wonderful lady (who is still a good friend today) who I meet with once a month. It gave me a safe place to talk openly, check my thinking and strategies and provide feedback. Today,I love to collaborate through problems with someone else. I feel fortunate that leadership today means collaboration, working together and openness rather than dictatorship and power.
At the start of each year, I love to learn new things with the goal to open my mind, re-invent my thinking and get inspired. This year I’m of to Harvard to do a week’s intensive leadership course, which exposes you to new ways of leading, marketing, and business models. The business world is changing so fast, that if as a leader don’t change your thinking, you get left behind. So a continued commitment to learning is one of the key attributes to successful leadership today.
And lastly, understand your model for success. What is it you really want to achieve in 2019? Only you can design the life you want to lead. These three questions certainly help me.
- What’s your vision?
- Who needs to be on your team to achieve your vision
- What daily actions will you take?
Wishing you a bold and terrific 2019!
