Whether it’s your mother, sister, daughter, cousin, mentor, or friend, we all know a woman who has taken the reins and greatly impacted our lives. For this Women’s History Month, we highlight an array of talented and successful women who tell us their advice for women when it comes to leadership.
Shawntay R.L. Mallory, Human Resources Management – The David J. Joseph Company
What advice would you give to Miami Women who are and aspire to be dynamic leaders as they navigate their career journey?
Mallory: To be a dynamic leader you have to surround yourself with dynamic people. Be selective about the mentors in your life and tap into their knowledge but trust your instinct for what works best for you. Never stop learning because complacency is not good and it’s best to avoid being in your comfort zone for too long. In order to grow and develop you will have to push yourself to do things you may not be comfortable doing. Celebrate your wins but review your failures. Write them both down and use them both as motivators to do better moving forward because a good leader MUST learn from mistakes and be resilient. Last but not least, create a mission statement, vision statement, and mantra for your life. How will you envision your career if you don’t verbalize it in some way? Display them as a reminder on your phone, in a picture frame, or on your desktop in order to stay focused.
Elizabeth Weed, General Manager – MOON co-op
Elizabeth Weed is a 2008 alumni of University of South Florida and is now the General Manager at MOON co-op.
What advice would you give to Miami Women who are and aspire to be dynamic leaders as they navigate their career journey?
Weed: It won’t be easy. Know what you stand for. At the end of the day, you hold yourself accountable. You can do it and you WILL do it. You. Are. Amazing.
Kim Daggy, Executive Director – Enjoy Oxford
Kim Daggy is the Executive Director of an all-female team at Enjoy Oxford. Daggy is a Ball State Alumna and states that she loved visiting her sister at Miami, to which she credits her reason for falling in love with Oxford.
What advice would you give to Miami Women who are and aspire to be dynamic leaders as they navigate their career journey?
Daggy: In reflecting on my journey, I have found that it’s a big step to really dig deep and mull things over before making a decision (whatever that is). I recommend really examining and taking the time to analyze each situation from all angles: the good, bad, and ugly. Then you are prepared for doors that open or close or slam shut. If you become discouraged, look for any windows that appear, since they may turn into your biggest open door. Your path will change, and each experience will change you. Listen and be kind.
Laurie Chamberlin, President, Professional Recruitment & Solutions – Adecco Group, North America
Laurie Chamberlin is the President of Professional Recruitment & Solutions at the Adecco Group, North America. Chamberlin is a 1990 Miami Alumna who majored in Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs with a minor in French.
What advice would you give to Miami Women who are and aspire to be dynamic leaders as they navigate their career journey?
Chamberlin: Now more than ever, women aspiring to be dynamic leaders should practice mindful leadership. Modern organizations want leaders who have a management style that is both empathetic and purpose-driven. Draw from your authenticity – your human side – to connect with people, build a culture of trust and drive your vision forward.
Julie Twyman, Owner – Leeli and Lou Oxford
What advice would you give to Miami Women who are and aspire to be dynamic leaders as they navigate their career journey?
Twyman: If I were to give advice to Miami women who are dynamic leaders I would start with, differentiate yourself as a leader. When entering the workplace creativity is most important. Find a way to use your skills to showcase your talents. Do not be afraid to fail or make mistakes as long as you learn from your failures and turn them to successes. Lastly, enjoy what you do, happiness goes hand in hand with success.
Karla Boldery, General Manager – La Mega Media Inc.
What advice would you give to Miami Women who are and aspire to be dynamic leaders as they navigate their career journey?
Boldery: Proceed as if success is inevitable…Just do it! There will be many times that you doubt yourself, that you are even scared…don’t let this stop you, do it with fear, overcome obstacles and go for it, it is always worth it to try even if you fail, then wonder what you could’ve done and never did.
Nichole Sims, Talent Acquisition Manager – Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
What advice would you give to Miami Women who are and aspire to be dynamic leaders as they navigate their career journey?
Sims: I believe you have unique abilities and a unique purpose, something that you alone are meant to accomplish on Earth. Consider what upsets, inspires, or excites you. This is your ‘something’ to pursue. There will be challenges along the way, but none of them will be strong enough to keep you from succeeding. Each upset will only draw your hidden treasures to the surface.
Lauren Porter, Senior Analyst, Quality & Transformation – James M. Anderson Excellence for Health Systems Excellence at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
What advice would you give to Miami Women who are and aspire to be dynamic leaders as they navigate their career journey?
Porter: Leadership requires far more listening and reflection than I thought in my early career; it is more intentional action than immediate reaction. Effective leaders in my career have internalized the mantra “Nothing for us, without us” and sought to include affected groups and stakeholders in decision making processes.
Invest in yourself always by prioritizing and advocating for the professional development that moves you toward your next goal. Finally, Find the people who challenge you, push you, and root for you in your personal and professional lives (Miami ’06 Ladies!)
Briana Whitlow, Diversity & Inclusion Partner – TriHealth, Inc.
What advice would you give to Miami Women who are and aspire to be dynamic leaders as they navigate their career journey?
Whitlow: Take risks and remain resilient, offer support not criticism, and take care of yourself. Too often, women are held back because of the lack of confidence to act and take risks. Be a little risky, take a leap, speak up, and be kind, but also be convicted in your effort to take a seat at the table. In my opinion, one of the greatest barriers to success for women who are emerging leaders is competition, criticism, and negativity from other women. When you see another woman succeeding, cheer her on. Lastly, don’t forget about you! It’s important to take breaks, spend time with family and friends, build community, and eat well in an effort to create a sustainable, healthy lifestyle – mentally and physically!
Cynthia Geer, Ed.D. Dean, College of Professional Sciences – Xavier University
What advice would you give to Miami Women who are and aspire to be dynamic leaders as they navigate their career journey?
Geer: Your ideas matter. Share them.
Realize that you will not know all the answers or be able to solve every problem.
Create a team that builds upon their unique strengths.
Acknowledge the good work of everyone from the custodians to the president of your organization.
Una Hrnjak-Hadziahmetovic, Senior Manager – Global Sustainability at Starbucks
What advice would you give to Miami Women who are and aspire to be dynamic leaders as they navigate their career journey?
Hrnjak-Hadziahmetovic: My advice for Miami Women is to do what you love and do it with humility. Lead with curiosity, courage and positivity. Admit mistakes (we all make them!), share how you’ll learn from them and course-correct in the future. Bring others along the journey and give them praise as they grow. Always look for ways that you can lift up the next group of female leaders. We’re all on one team.