Meeting Topic
Introduction
I asked our fearless CEO, Carolyn Banks, to write a quick article about HER take on the word ‘leadership’ for this week’s meeting topic. What follows are her thoughts – and there are quite a few little gems in there. Give this a read and come to your meeting prepared to discuss WHO has impacted YOU in the past – what leader do YOU look up to and why?
What does leadership mean to me? by Carolyn Banks
Its early January and I’m writing this while bobbing on a boat off Waiheke Island! In boating terms it’s simple: the leader is the captain, working out where you’re going, charting a course, making sure those on your crew understand where you are going and why, how, and more importantly getting them there safely and ensuring they enjoy the journey. A very famous quote by Simon Sinek says Leadership is not about being in charge, leadership is about taking care of those in our charge – and I totally agree!
Leadership means setting an example, establishing standards, being empathetic and loyal to those in your charge. It’s about having their backs and understanding they’ll make mistakes, while understanding your role is to help them with the learning – after all you can’t be successful without making mistakes or failing from time to time. It’s about helping people grow and develop, supporting them to realise their full potential, helping them discover qualities and strengths in themselves they weren’t aware of, and helping them get out of their own way by providing support and encouragement.
Leadership means making a commitment, taking responsibility, communicating effectively and having a positive attitude. It’s about hope and direction, it means leading the team and working with people in their areas of brilliance. It’s all about working out how to achieve, while also on the flip side being prepared to take the fall and re-motivate should it all turn to ‘you know what’! It’s about looking at any problem from all angles and coming up with a solution that will work for everyone.
Leadership isn’t about the leader, it’s about those they lead. As the Venus CEO, leadership is about me using my experience – both business and personal. It’s about recognising my flaws and faults and calling others in to work alongside me in their areas of brilliance. It’s about being the one who takes the responsibility to move the business / community forward for the good of all and taking the hits when people disagree, when things go wrong and keeping going cause you have the big picture in mind. It’s about stepping up and looking after things, leaving whatever you’re doing better than when you found it. After all what’s life about if not making a positive difference in your part of the world?
As women we lead quite naturally in our families. ‘Mum’ is usually the centre of the universe for the family, yet we don’t see it as leadership. In a business sense we tend to shy away from it, perhaps because we’ll be accused of being bossy? I say – own your awesome, speak up, go forth and lead in your part of the world – we’ll all be better for you doing that!
If you haven’t booked in a Power RAVE with Carolyn yet – don’t waste another minute! Get in touch with Bronwyn (Bronwyn.gregory@venusbusinesswomen.co.nz) to schedule a time in Caroloyn’s diary.
Next Meeting Topic
Introduction
What does it take to become a leader that inspires loyalty, develops others and commands premium prices? Read on, and Vered Ohanna will share with you what an empowered mindset looks like in practice. The value of the right support – whether through mentoring, coaching or your own ‘advisory board’ is immeasurable. Don’t be afraid to explore the benefits.
Inspiring Leadership Through an Empowered Mindset By Vered Ohanna
Being a leader in your own business can sometimes push you a bit outside of your comfort zone. It’s not just about running a business; it’s about breaking through limits of what you have known to date. So, how can we – women in business – shape a mindset that boosts our leadership journey?
The answer is in having an empowered mindset. Instead of trying to figure out what everyone else is doing and working accordingly, we need to ask ourselves, “What would I love?” It’s about leading with purpose and being true to ourselves, making choices that match our own vision, and being bold to make that vision our reality.
Start by thinking deeply. What do you truly want for your business? What added value do you want to bring to your clients and team? Is it creating a friendly workplace? Then, go for it! Make every decision about creating a supportive and friendly vibe. Let that drive your decisions, make it a place where everyone’s ideas matter. Keep learning and trying new things to keep things fresh.
The change is huge. Businesses led by authentic and innovative women aren’t just successful—they become as unique as your thumbprint. Clients notice and love your authentic leadership and the added value you bring. Teams do amazing things in a space where everyone feels heard, and clients are happy to pay premium prices to get such a service. This powerful mindset takes your business not just through the hard times, but toward breaking barriers and finding real happiness within (and beyond) your business.
Now, imagine having a guide on this journey—someone who understands your unique challenges, which helps you connect with what you truly love, and makes your vision even bigger than you thought possible. A knowledgeable guide encourages you to dig deep, discover your true aspirations, your true leadership style, and align your business choices with your values and passion. Having the right person as your guide will help you develop the empowered mindset that will become a practical tool that enhances your leadership and performance.
Take Lisa for example. She owns a small graphic design business. Instead of copying the usual cold and competitive vibe, she asked herself, “What would I love?” Her answer was to create a workplace where everyone feels valued. She made decisions like having regular team lunches and encouraging everyone to share ideas. The result? Her business isn’t just known for great designs; it’s also famous for her warm leadership and the brilliant creativity that is embraced there. Her clients love the unique creativity that comes as a result of the team’s artistic collaboration, and her business thrives with premium prices that her clients are happy to pay.
In the end, it’s not just about being the leader of your business, it’s about being an inspiring leader with a powerful mindset, that is nurtured by the right support. It’s all about creating a bright future where businesswomen stand out, thrive, and inspire others to do the same.
If you’d like to find out more about how Vered supports her clients to cultivate a empowered mindset, book a complimentary strategy session, or check out Vered’s website: www.SuccessEngineering.co.nz
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