140: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

Written By Joey Brannon

Empowering Women in Leadership

 
 

In this episode, Joey sits down with Jaime Marco to dive into the hurdles women encounter on their path to leadership and how they overcome them. And don’t miss the lightning round of questions at the end!

As a mom, Jaime had to dial down her business trips and commitments for a while. It's a challenge many women in leadership face—finding the right balance between career and family. Jaime shares her own journey of juggling the demands of work and home life. "I think we just juggle different things as men, as women, depending on what our personal lives are doing, and our professional lives are doing... I would love to be able to work with more people. I would love to be able to do more in my role. There will be a time and a place for me to do that again."

The COVID-19 pandemic magnified this struggle, with many women having to manage both work and their children's remote schooling from home.

Beyond logistical challenges, Jaime highlights how men and women simply think differently, which can create misunderstandings in the workplace. She advocates for focusing less on gender when hiring and promoting, and instead identifying and seeking "who's the best person for the role."

Becoming Your Own Advocate:

In the realm of career advancement, a stark contrast exists in how men and women approach job opportunities. It boils down to a revealing statement: "Women will not apply for a job if they see they don’t meet the qualifications, but men will always apply for jobs if they don’t meet the qualifications." - Harvard Business Review Why Women Don’t Apply for Jobs Unless They’re 100% Qualified.

This discrepancy reflects deeper insecurities and doubts that often hold women back from seizing opportunities. Jaime, a seasoned professional, emphasizes a crucial piece of advice: advocate for yourself.

"Advocating for yourself." - This principle is more than self-promotion; it’s about proactively pursuing your ambitions. Whether it’s a leadership role or a desired partnership, take ownership of your goals. It's not about taking no for an answer, but rather explaining 'why' you’re the best fit, 'doing' the work to be the best for something, or 'proving' you’re the best for something. Actively engage in networking, positioning yourself in relevant spaces, and having meaningful conversations.

"If you want something, go get it." - Shift from passivity to agency. Interrogate your motivations, articulate your value, and challenge rejections with compelling arguments. Embrace your "why" and so others can see it. Opportunities abound for those who actively pursue them.

In a world where silence often leads to missed opportunities, let your voice be heard. Advocate for yourself, and witness doors of opportunity swing open in response to your determination.

Leading with Empathy:

Ultimately, Jaime believes the most effective leaders - regardless of gender - are those who take the time to truly see and understand the people around them. 

In the midst of professional busyness, it's crucial to prioritize genuine connections and support. Highlighting the challenge of building trust in workplaces, the importance of meeting people where they are, and tailoring support to their needs is emphasized. Recognizing the fluidity of support dynamics and the relativity of needs versus wants fosters deeper empathy and understanding. Ultimately, the focus is on cultivating authentic relationships grounded in trust and empathy in the workplace.

The episode highlights how teams with diverse perspectives, including strong female leadership, tend to be higher performing. By advocating for themselves, while also leading with emotional intelligence, women can overcome challenges and thrive as leaders.

Navigating Your Career Career Journey: Insights for Every Decade:

Jaime shares that embarking on a career journey can feel like stepping into the unknown, with each decade presenting its unique challenges and opportunities. As someone who's traversed these paths and witnessed the power of relationships and passion firsthand, she is often asked for advice on navigating these different stages. 

Your 20s: The Age of Exploration.  In your 20s, there's a societal pressure to have it all figured out. But let's be real – most of us don't. Embrace the uncertainty and use this time to explore. Try different jobs, meet new people, and immerse yourself in diverse experiences. Travel, if you can. These adventures will shape your passions and interests, laying the foundation for the journey ahead.

Your 30s: Hone Your Craft. As you enter your 30s, it's time to start narrowing your focus. Identify what truly excites you, and begin honing your skills in that area. Invest in your professional development, seek mentors, and strive to become one of the best in your field. This is your time to build expertise and establish yourself as a leader in your chosen path.

Your 40s: Enjoy the Ride. By your 40s, you've likely achieved some level of success. Now, it's crucial to find joy in the journey. While the hustle is still real, don't forget to take a step back and savor the moments of triumph. Pursue your passions wholeheartedly, and don't be afraid to indulge in a few metaphorical French fries along the way. Life's too short not to enjoy it.

Your 50s and Beyond: Nurture Relationships. As you progress into your 50s and beyond, the value of relationships becomes even more apparent. Every interaction is an opportunity to build connections that can shape your future. Cultivate meaningful relationships, both professionally and personally, as they can lead to unexpected opportunities and collaborations. Remember, it's the bonds we forge along the way that often define our journey.

Regardless of which decade you find yourself in, remember that your career journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace the twists and turns, celebrate your victories, and above all, cherish the relationships you cultivate along the way. Think about the people in your world. After all, it's these connections that truly make the ride worthwhile. “Remember what real conversation feels like”.

References and Resources:

 
 
Joey Brannon
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