In celebration of International Women’s Day, CEO Insights asked a group of female global business leaders to share one piece of advice that they wished they would have known earlier in their own careers. Here’s what they said.
Diana Daniels, Founder of Tinkerlink and Chairwoman of Cronos Group
Don’t burn bridges. “As you grow up, experience tells you that it is better to work toward reconciliation among parties rather than allowing resentments with colleagues, especially in big corporations,” cautions Diana Daniels, Founder of Tinkerlink and Chairwoman of Cronos Group. “You never know where the other person on the other side of the table will end up. It is best to focus on building rather than tearing down bridges. But do not settle for less than what you want. Do not give up that dream, just work it out in a way where you can get a win-win!”
Jessica Hawthorne-Castro, CEO of Hawthorne Advertising
Know that your drive usually comes from your gut. “Trust that your intuition is leading you down the path your life was destined to take. No matter how long it takes you to achieve your goals, or the bumps in the road, do not give up,” says Jessica Hawthorne-Castro, CEO of Hawthorne Advertising. “You will achieve your goals and once you do, the view from the top will be sweet and more gratifying because of the hard work you put in.”
Rana el Kaliouby, Ph.D., Co-founder and CEO of Affectiva
Network, network, network. “If you’re a female founder, one of my top pieces of advice would be to tap into your network and take time to constantly expand it,” says Rana el Kaliouby, Ph.D., Co-founder and CEO of Affectiva. “The good news is that today, there’s a growing ecosystem to support women in tech. Plug into these communities — attend their events, take advantage of mentorship programs and support their initiatives. The connections you make could help you find a new adviser, a potential partner for your company, or even an investor. And when the time comes, you’ll be able to help someone else advance her own career too.”
Andrea Rademeyer, CEO and Founder Ask Afrika
Live a life of abundance versus one of constraint. “It has been very helpful in my life to surgically interrogate my beliefs and get feedback on my self-perceptions. One of my surprising moments was, when contrary to my superficial belief in abundance, I realized that I lived my life and my career within the duality of choices,” says Andrea Rademeyer, CEO and Founder Ask Afrika, “It seemed natural to think that having it all as a woman was impossible. Many choices were made in that belief. Since I embraced abundance, my life has become so much more fulfilling. My life now seems to fit my needs, as opposed to me squeezing myself into a life of constrained thinking.”
Lotte Davis, CEO and Founder of One Girl Can
Believe you can. ”I’ve never known a man to have as many doubts as women seem to have,” says Lotte Davis, CEO and Founder of One Girl Can. “Men seem to just innately go for it without weighing up all the consequences and implications of potential failure. I fortunately learned this lesson early on and walked headfirst into all kinds of opportunities and challenges, one foot in front of the other. I’ve never experienced regret for anything I’ve tried and have always ended up in a better place than when I started.”
Kim Faclier, Managing Director, Property: Liquidity Services SA (Pty) Ltd.
Be caring, kind and compassionate. “We have no idea what other people are going through. No one’s life is perfect, no matter what it looks like from the outside,” says Kim Faclier, Managing Director, Property: Liquidity Services SA (Pty) Ltd., the African representative of Liquidity Services Inc., listed on NASDAQ (LQDT). “Live each day in a state of positive, abundant engagement of others amid any challenges. Know that you are braver, stronger, and smarter than you give yourself credit for. Be comfortable in your own skin because you are unique.”
Christine Assouad, Founder and CEO, Catalyst of Growth
Don’t listen to naysayers. “You can be whoever you want to be. You can do whatever you want to do,” says Christine Assouad, Founder and CEO of Catalyst of Growth. “Don’t listen to those who say otherwise. Take care of yourself along the way, remembering that mindset and balance are important. It won’t be easy, but it will be amazing. Enjoy the ride. If you are passionate about something, do it and don’t listen to anyone.”
Patricia Nzolantima, Managing Partner at EXP-COMUNICART SARL
A word of warning; your start will be bumpy. “Never forget that you have broad shoulders to endure the next challenges that are presented to you. Don’t concern yourself with public opinion,” says Patricia Nzolantima, Managing Partner at EXP-COMUNICART SARL, “Be fair, loyal, and honest. The right people will find you. Great destinies are revealed in great crises. Great leaders emerge in the greatest seasons of complications.”
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