Climbing the ladder is one thing; remaining in positions of leadership, power, and influence for a long period is quite another. We spoke with three women who have withstood the test of time in leading organizations and ventures, and they shared their tips for leadership over the long haul, maintaining personal wellness while meeting the needs of demanding careers, and overcoming challenges.
These three long-term leaders have directed teams for a combined half a century. Samara Karasyk is the the President and CEO of Hudson Square Business Improvement District and previously led the 5-Borough Chamber of Commerce for NYC Small Business Resource Network. Melissa Owen has led marketing at large firms for the past decade and is currently Director of Growth Marketing at 1-800 Flowers. Anat Baron is a self-described serial-entrepreneur and Founder and CEO of tech-startup StashWall. Now, they’re sharing their insights on what qualities drive long term success.
The Qualities That Count
Understanding Change and Being Collaborative
Melissa Owen lauded the importance of understanding change and prioritizing collaboration. “Overall, I think there are a couple of qualities that are important for ‘staying in power’ for the long haul. First, I think having an understanding that change is inevitable, and often a good thing. People, trends, and cultural movements are always evolving. Keep an open mind for testing out new ideas. Not every test is going to ‘win’ and that’s ok; what’s important is how you learn from each and every test, no matter the outcome. Also, being collaborative is really important if you want to have staying power. At the end of the day, you want to be someone who others look forward to working with. Have fun with each other and find common ground to build a relationship with coworkers and clients to sustain you through the highs and the lows.”
Support, Trust, Respect, and the Foundation for Effective Communication
Samara Karasyk emphasized the importance of a quality foundation for effective communication above all. “Support, trust and respect from the people you report to is key– whether they are funders, a board, or a team of executives. You need open and successful communication, which includes listening to their needs and expectations and being responsive. It takes a strong foundation of trust to have a real dialogue, so that when there are conflicting opinions you can move forward with mutual respect. To stay in a senior role, the people you report to need to appreciate and understand the work of your team. It is important to share the organization’s accomplishments and also share challenges with leadership so that you can problem solve together. I think it’s critical that you present well publicly, answer questions with confidence, and take the time to learn your subject matter well. Without that support and respect, you are fighting a losing battle to hold onto your role – regardless of whether that lack of faith in your ability is merited or not.” Samara continues, “Along the same lines, it is equally important to have the same (kind of) relationship with your team – one of trust, respect, honesty, and support. It’s really important to establish clear goals and objectives for your staff. Communication skills are huge in being a successful leader – really listening, observing, and getting out of your own head to pay attention to what is going on around you in the workplace.”
Stamina, Patience, and Flexibility
Anat Baron outlined the three qualities she most frequently relies on. “Staying in a senior position takes equal parts stamina, patience and flexibility. Stamina because you're constantly juggling needs from above and below. You're staying on top of not only what's happening in your company, but keeping an eye on the competitive environment and the state of the world in general. You're basically always on. Patience because you're managing people who are often unpredictable and adapting to external changes. Flexibility is key because you're in charge; you're often having to clean up other people's messes, react to crises, and be prepared for anything because that's what leaders do. All of this is on top of setting strategy and goals for your team.”
The Importance of a Great Team
All three leaders highlighted the importance of a good team and engaging across levels – a priority that can present challenges, especially in the current hybrid and remote environment. Owens explained, “It’s a challenge that there is potential to lose touch with other levels of the organization. I think that is a risk particularly in organizations operating on a fully remote schedule, as company leaders may not otherwise come into contact with colleagues outside of their inner circle. Regularly engaging with colleagues outside of your core team – including across departments and levels – I think is essential.”
Baron also underscored the importance of the people around you, saying, “The best way to ensure longevity is to surround yourself with the best possible team. Companies are a collection of people and therefore they matter most. You can have the best product or service but if your team can't execute and the company can't deliver then you will not last in your role. Your success is dependent on others.” Anat continues, “If you want longevity in a senior role, you need a team you can trust, so that you can truly lead and not micro-manage. Your job should be looking forward, having a plan, changing it when necessary, and providing guidance to others as they progress in their roles. Ultimately, you should be developing people who could eventually take over your role so you could either move up, or move on without hurting the organization.”
Karasyk agreed, “Hire a great team and delegate to them. Listen to them. You don’t have to be an expert in everything, but you do need to hire great people with the expertise that you need, train them, help them – then get out of their way and let them shine. When your team looks good, you look good.”
Systems and Support for Sustainable Success
Continue Learning & Growing
“What’s important to me is that I keep on learning new skills, meeting new people, and exploring new ideas. I find inspiration in the evolution of trends.” Melissa expanded on the importance of knowing what matters to you personally, and prioritizing that.
“I realized a few years ago that I don’t have enough mentors; particularly female mentors that can help me with my professional journey as an ambitious woman.” Samara shared. “So I’ve been working to expand my network of female professionals.”
The Practical and Pivotal
“I've been in roles where I was putting in 80 hours a week.” Anat recalled. “I had no life. I did not last more than 3 years. If your job is so all encompassing that it becomes your life, you're doing something wrong. The old adage of putting the oxygen mask on yourself first is so true.”
Melissa highlighted the benefit of a hybrid schedule in creating space for personal time, “By cutting down the commuting time in my work week, I am able to fit in time for me to workout including a regular tennis routine.”
Samara emphasizes the importance of dependable, practical support “I am fortunate to have an incredible support system – my family, friends, and especially my spouse and child care provider. I can’t emphasize enough how childcare is such an integral part of being able to grow professionally.”
When to Move On
“The other thing that we don't talk about enough is that sometimes if the job itself isn't challenging, or if it feels rote, then you may be bored and it's time to move on. I feel like the best jobs are ones where we are challenged, inspired and motivated.” Anat expressed. “Once any of these are missing, it's time to do something else. All the power in the world isn't worth it if you aren't happy.”
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