Leadership: the female perspective in business and projects

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Leadership tips from real women

Transcript

Welcome aboard the Knowledge Train. In this podcast we explore insights and tips to help you manage your way to success in your career and business. I’m Sevcan Yasa, your conductor on this journey to knowledge and I’m thrilled to have you with us today.

In this episode, we’re uncovering leadership tips straight from the voices of real women who’ve forged their paths in the world of business and project management.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to steer a project to success? Or perhaps you’re taking the helm for the first time and searching for guidance. Today, we’re sharing wisdom from female leaders who have been in the trenches and come out triumphantly. These aren’t just any leaders; they’re women who have led teams, shattered expectations, and navigated the high seas of the corporate world. They are the unsung heroes in our communities, and they’ve got some crucial advice for new or aspiring project leaders.

So let’s dive in and explore what it takes to be a leader.

Is leadership something woven into your DNA, or is it a craft you can refine and master over time? Our guests have different perspectives on this, but one common thread is that leadership is an art sculpted by experience, training, and continuous learning. Sophia Benzina of Huawei shared her transformative moment when she discovered her knack for leadership upon entering the professional arena at Microsoft. Her story reminds us that the right circumstances can unveil a leader within. Meanwhile, Suzanne Linton from Freestyle and Sophie Lorford of myAko echo the sentiment that while some traits might be innate, the full spectrum of leadership qualities is earned through dedication and the pursuit to better oneself — a cocktail of charisma, focus, and the learned ability to motivate and inspire.

Now, let’s talk about a less savoury aspect of leadership: conflict. It’s the storm every leader must weather, and our seasoned professionals agree — communication is the lighthouse guiding ships safely to shore. Kim Le Pham from Morning Lavender uses open dialogue and policy development to address and prevent future disputes. Sophia Benzina underlines the importance of clear communication channels within the team, ensuring that personal objectives do not eclipse business goals. For Sophie Lorford, listening to both sides before taking action and maintaining respect for all parties involved is key to defusing tense situations.

Moving on, how do you keep your team’s engines running during challenging times? Suzanne Linton advocates for involving the team in business decisions and setting meaningful goals, while Sophia Benzina believes a leader’s enthusiasm is infectious, and this zest, coupled with clear vision and empowerment, can elevate a team’s spirit. Kim Le Pham’s strategy includes acknowledging individual contributions and rewarding excellence, all to keep her team closely knit and driven towards the company’s success.

What about continuing your education as a leader? Our leaders are voracious learners. Kim Le Pham values articles that offer insights into different leadership approaches, while Sophie Lorford recommends Forbes, LinkedIn, and books like “The Girl’s Guide to Being a Boss Without Being a Bitch” by Caitlin Friedman. Suzanne Linton never stops adding to her knowledge arsenal, and Sophia Benzina makes the most of corporate training programs while also advocating for self-led learning for those without such resources at their disposal.

Before departing, our guests bestowed one last pearl of wisdom. Suzanne Linton urges us to be authentic and surround ourselves with people who push us to be better. Kim Le Pham believes in leading by example, demonstrating the value of every task, no matter its size. Sophia Benzina distinguishes between leading and managing, emphasising collaboration over command. Sophie Lorford advises on clear, honest communication, recognising that as a woman in leadership, one must navigate perceptions with extra care.

In conclusion, the leaders we’ve spoken with offer a plethora of insights: from prioritising communication in conflict resolution to the importance of setting an example and fostering motivation within your team. They are a testament to the multifaceted nature of leadership and the impact of continuous growth.

Thank you for joining us on the Knowledge Train as we explored leadership insights from real women. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insight-packed episodes, and swing by the Knowledge Train website for resources galore. Until the next episode, keep learning, keep managing, and I’ll see you further down the track. Goodbye!