Purposeful Leadership is a MUST for Future of Work

Purposeful Leaders have a strong sense of direction and also come from a place of wanting to make a positive difference in the world. These value driven leaders recognize that intentions are meaningless, actions are what really matter. As we think about the future of work, it’s important that leaders have clear values, commit to acting out those values and walk in their purpose to ensure they are helping make the world a better place.

Part of the 2020 International Women’s Day event included a session where we discussed characteristics of Purposeful Leadership and why it’s crucial for the Future of Work. Panelist during this session included:

• Michael Pegues - Visionary CIO | Social Entrepreneur | US Army Veteran | Native Auroran

• Ashley Goeken - Entrepreneur | Technologist | Passionate about United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

• Crystal Cristecu - Enthusiastic Leader | Engineer | Imprint on Company Culture | Marketplace Force

• Christen Goeken - Entrepreneur with a passion for innovation, energy and sustainability

• Ruby Kaur - Professor of Anatomy, Physiology and Biology | STEM Advocate

• Betty Hart - Innovation Expert | Career Development Coach | Mentor | Veteran

Below are characteristics of purposeful leaders.

Purposeful Leaders:

• Break barriers, they aim to be inclusive.

• Teach the next generation to be good humans first.

• Know that diversity and inclusion issues need more visibility and more action.

• Build communities that drive change in the world.

• Know that simple changes also have impact.

• Are bold. They act and lead boldly. They do what’s right, even if it’s not popular.

• Disrupt.

• Know that diversity and inclusion is a key part of innovation.

• Don’t hold back. They use their stories and experiences to educate others.

• Invite others in. When they have a “seat at the table”, they look around and ask, “who else is not here?”

Anything else you want to add? Drop it in the comments below.

The importance of coaches, mentors and sponsors

Tiana Clark, LeRoy Cooper and Terrie Simmons had a dynamic discussion on the importance of coaches, mentors and sponsors.

“Get a coach for when you don’t know what you need, get a mentor for when you know what you need and need help figuring out the details, get a sponsor when you’re looking for someone with a seat at the table to help make things happen.” - Tiana Clark

Highlights from the session are below:

• A mentor: someone who talks with you.

• A sponsor: someone who talks about you.

• Whether you want to be a mentor or a sponsor, you have to learn to listen. Active listening is a skill. Listen with empathy.

• It’s important to have mentors both personally and professionally. When you’re in spaces where not many people look like you, having that support is important.

• (On paying it forward) Use your power in the space that you’re in. Offering options to those who come behind you.

• (On paying it forward) Let your experience be an example to others.

• Develop organic relationships

• Create a brand narrative, like a one-pager about your goals and vision that you can share when someone asks what you need from them

• If you’re higher up, look for ways to encourage and provide feedback, even when it’s not actively requested. Call out the good (and bad) and empower those behind you.

“Remarkable: Becoming the Change You Wish to See”

The keynote speaker for our 2020 International Women’s Day event was Lizette Williams. Marketing Executive. Culture & Branding Thought Leader. Motivational Speaker and Mentor. Lizette had a dynamic presentation titled “Remarkable: Becoming the Change you wish to see” that was based on a famous quote by Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Below are highlights from her presentation:

Her Story:

• Lizette was born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents. Raised by a single mom, she got a full scholarship to a boarding school at age 14, became the first in her family to go to college, received her MBA from Kellogg at Northwestern, and now uses her career in marketing to change how people of color are portrayed in the media.

• “My childhood was the best training for the work I do now. I was a change agent before I ever stepped into Corporate America.”

  • She was a change agent by going to boarding school

  • She was a change agent by being the first in her family to go to college

  • She was a change agent by bringing her culture and who she was into new spaces unapologetically

• “People who are catalysts for change are deeply rooted in their personal stories.”

  • She encourages us all to explore the core of who you are because your power to make change lies there.

Inspire and Be Inspired:

After sharing her personal and professional story, Lizette continued by sharing inspiring quotes from individuals that have inspired her. She passed on the advice she learned from these individuals as a way to pay it forward and use it as a platform to inspire those in the audience.

Oprah: “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for”  -- Oprah Winfrey

• At one of her first jobs, Lizette was looked over for a promotion; she was really upset and went to speak to her boss about it who said, “I didn’t even know you wanted to be promoted.”

• When it comes to driving positive change, you need to become the superhero version of yourself.

• You have to advocate for yourself and speak up for what you want and need.

Dr. Seuss:  Was rejected over 20 times by different publishers before his first book was published.

• In the life of any change agent, you’re not going to see the change right away.

• Rejection in inevitable and when you face it, you have two options:

  • Give up/curl up in a ball

  • Reinvent yourself. Be patient, yet persistent in pursuing your vision.

• Don’t give up on yourself or the change you are seeking, even in a season of rejection.

Horse: Lizette had a mentor/sponsor who told her, “You bet on the jockey and not the horse.”

• As a change agent you don’t have to be the person in charge, but you do need to set a vision, articulate it clearly, and get others on board.

• Become a strong jockey. “Get on your own horse and become a bada** jockey… you’re in control of your own horse.”

John Legend: He once said, “All men should be feminists. If men care about women’s rights, the world will be a better place. We are better off when women are empowered—it leads to a better society.”

• Lizette shared a story about an ally she had at work named John. He could get into spaces she couldn’t. As she shared her ideas and vision with him, he would advocate for it with senior leadership and people she didn’t have relationships with.

• Ally relationships are important. Find them and nurture these relationships.

• Things allies can do to show support:

  • Come alongside women and minorities to refine their vision

  • Leverage your resources and contacts

  • Eliminate barriers

  • Teach women and minorities to play the game

Thank you Lizette for sharing your truth and being an inspiration to us all! We will be sharing highlights from the remaining sessions over the next couple of weeks, so come back soon.

We Are All Champions for Change

What’s your story? We all have one. It could be one of personal challenges that you had to overcome or it could consist of people and/or experiences that inspire you. Regardless of what it is, our stories and experiences bring about purpose (a reason for being) and through them, we can inspire others and champion change.

How do we champion change? This can be done by using our stories, our experiences, our PURPOSE to drive impact. Stories of both “struggle” and “privilege” can make impact. Through our struggles we have a unique opportunity to gain information, evaluate the lessons learned and pay it forward. The beauty of privilege is that we have access to do something that matters. When we recognize our stories, it gives us the opportunity to walk in our purpose and be champions of change. When we do this, it not only allows us to make impact, but it also allows us to leave our mark in this world. That is our LEGACY.

Part of walking in our purpose is to live for more than just ourselves. Creating lasting value for other individuals – for future generations – is extremely important.

This International Women’s Day as we continue to discuss the opportunities around gender equality, I challenge you, to think through your story and experience and identify where you can be a champion of change.

Looking for ways to get involved? Join our network of Change Champions that aim to use their stories and experience to make a positive impact in this world.

Walking in My Purpose,

Ayo D

#ThisIsAjilla