I have learned that a successful career is not defined by a straight path. It is okay to try new roles, explore different careers and take unconventional paths. At the height of my career, with two little ones at home, I decided to start my own business. It was an unconventional choice and people warned me that I would never get that coveted GC spot if I went off the traditional path. But, spending time with my family was important at the time and I needed more flexibility in my workday. This was a time before remote time, part-time or Zoom meetings so I had few options. Starting my own business provided me with a flexible work schedule, expanded my professional network and gave me insights into different industries than I never would have experienced if I had stayed in one job. By trying new things, you learn more about yourself and where your passion lies. It gets you a little bit closer to your sweet spot – that spot that lies at the intersection of your skillset and passion.
The importance of building authentic relationships. We often hear about the importance of networking, but that may feel uncomfortable for some people. For me, the idea of showing up at a cocktail hour, putting on a name tag and “working the room” was terrifying. So instead I got to know people on a more personal level – one on one - and then nurtured those relationships over time. Growing up, my immigrant parents told me to simply keep my head down and work hard. But I learned that is not enough. Of course you must do good work but you also need to develop strong allies and sponsors along the way. You need to have an advocate either inside or outside your workplace to be your champion. That is where you will find the next opportunity.
My first step was raising my visibility. As a corporate lawyer, I just sat behind my desk and didn’t worry much about my external brand. But when I started my board search, I realized how important it is. There is tremendous value in being seen as an expert or thought leader in your space. You can start a blog, post on LinkedIn or apply for awards. All of that helps in increasing your brand. The next step is getting board-ready. Take a course or program where you can learn how to create your board bio and board pitch. Securing a board seat is very different than getting that next operational role and you need to tailor your board bio to show the value you bring to a board. Remember that you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Board seats can last for ten years or longer so it is important that it is a company that you want to work with for a long time. Lastly, the most likely way you will get a board seat is through your network. Once you are ready with that great board bio, let everyone you know that you are looking for a board seat. Be specific in the type of board seat you are interested in – type of industry, public or private, size of company, geography, etc. And don’t forget to get yourself on the short list with C-Suite executives, board members, board recruiters, VC’s and professional advisors so that when that opportunity comes by that fits your profile, you are at the top of their mind.
My book is about belonging. It is for anyone who has ever felt like an “other” in the workplace and who may be hiding a piece of their identity in order to fit in and may not realize that only be revealing their authentic self will they achieve what they most want. The core message of my book is that belonging begins with self-acceptance. You can only bring your best ideas and innovation to work when you feel comfortable at work. When you bring your whole self to work. Through my story and the story of others, my book walks the reader through the journey of self-acceptance so that you can embrace your true self, own your identity and achieve success and fulfillment in your life and career. It is also for managers or leaders who are trying to create more inclusive workplaces. There are moments of self-reflection as well as Managers Strategies throughout the book that help readers get started on this journey right away.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As a lawyer, there were very few strong female role models when I was coming up the ranks, and she was one of them. I could relate to so much of her life and what she had faced in the workplace. I admired her life and career as an advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. She was the first women to be on two law reviews – both Harvard Law Review and Columbia Law Review – and graduated Columbia top of her class. During her life, she was paid less than her male colleagues. She was demoted for being pregnant. And she was asked by the Dean of Harvard, “Why are you at Harvard Law School, taking the place of a man?” She has faced it all, and despite all of these obstacles, she ascended to the highest court in the land and fought for gender equality her whole life. And of course, who can’t love her famous answer to the question when will there be enough women on the Supreme Court? “When there are nine.”
I think we will see a continued trend towards the need for authentic leadership. I think that days of arrogance, self-interest and “profits at all costs” are gone. The combination of the pandemic and the next generation entering the workforce are forcing organizations to re-think leadership. Employees now have choice. They can now work from anywhere and they are unwilling to stay in organizations that don’t respect them or their values. Employees are looking for leaders with purpose-driven missions, leaders who are transparent and authentic, and leaders who care about creating spaces of belonging. Authentic leadership is no longer a soft skill, I predict it will be a strategic requirement.
My husband and two daughters. My husband has been my personal champion my whole life and career. He was an equal partner at home, staying at home with my first daughter when she was born and giving me the space and support to pursue a big career. He has also been the one to lift me up when I faced microaggressions and other biases at work and reminded me of the value I bring to organizations when imposter syndrome would creep in. And my daughters teach me something every day. They have kept me balanced, grounded and have reminded me what this whole crazy life is all about. They are strong, independent and confident young women who make me smile every day. When all of us are sitting around the table for family dinner talking about our “highs and lows” of the day, that it is my happy place.
