Issue 258 — May 6, 2024
Leadership lessons come from all kinds of places. Ever since I saw the 1986 movie “Crossroads” (not the later one with Britney Spears!), the metaphor of the crossroads has been in my head.
“A thin line separates the good from the great,” the old bluesman tells young Lightening Boy who is on a quest to find the original “Crossroads” song by the legendary Robert Johnson.
Read MoreIt’s time to strategize.
Looking to pivot to a successful 2024, here is the latest research on trends in social media, ecommerce, AI, workplace culture, and customer concerns that can help you shape your plans this year.
Put effort into social media content. A new study from StoryChief.io evaluating 44 U.S. firms, all are in the top 10 companies for sales in their industries, shows a mix of high engagement and poor engagement rates on social media platforms. Accenture seems to do it right with more than 913,000 Facebook likes per post.
Read MoreColleagues, teams, clients, customers and mentees are looking to leaders now for direction in difficult global times. The words and phrasing all leaders and managers use in every discussion at work and in public statements are of crucial importance. Reactions can lead to firings, resignations—or support.
Care and fairness is critical. This is where leadership can shine or dissolve.
Read MoreSometimes it is impossible to keep calm and carry on.
With so many affected by catastrophes globally, nationally and locally that are top of mind, as well as additional personal considerations and tolerated toxic behaviors, learning how to effectively handle the impact on yourself, colleagues, clients and customers is a necessary skill.
Read MoreWhat could you do with an extra $267,760 over a lifetime? Buy a home, perhaps, repay student loans, start a business, leave a legacy, found a nonprofit, donate to a worthwhile cause.
The average Asian American, Native Hawaiian Pacific Island woman will likely never know, as that is what this group of women working full time will lose due to the wage gap over a lifetime, according to the National Women’s Law Center.
Read MoreIssue 222 — February 20, 2023
I love this phrase from Susan Wojcicki’s letter, announcing she is stepping down as CEO of YouTube: “It’s an incredibly important time for Google — it reminds me of the early days — incredible product and technology innovation, huge opportunities, and a healthy disregard for the impossible.” (Emphasis mine).
Read MoreIn 2023, women make up 47.7% of the global workforce. They are invaluable assets to any professional team, and yet many feel overlooked and under-supported by their workplace leaders.
Due to the fragmented nature of remote work, the well-being of isolated employees can be difficult to manage, leading to burnout and other forms of employee fatigue.
But women are often more vulnerable to the impacts of burnout than men.
Read More“They have skills.”
That statement has been universally and historically viewed as a compliment to an employee, colleague or leader.
It still is, but now there is an asterisk to the statement. Looking forward with the influx of artificial intelligence and automation in the workplace, it may precede a path to worker replacement. Individuals need to know the value they offer beyond their skills, and that those skills are not automatically generated cheaper and more easily. And they need to surpass the AI gatekeepers and algorithms steeped in gender and racial bias.
Read MoreIssue 214— December 12, 2022
“Say what you want out loud.”
That was the most quoted takeaway from the fireside chat interview between Morning Joe co-anchor and founder/partner with Forbes in the “Know Your Value” initiative, Mika Brzezinski and NBC’s Today Show cohost Hoda Kotb at the gathering of women chosen for Forbes 50 Over 50 2022 on December 8 at Forbes’ New York headquarters.
Read MoreIssue 213— December 5, 2022
You really must watch this video to get your hackles up at the hapless reporter who asked New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern if she was meeting Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin because they are “similar in age.”
Read MoreWho really needs a partridge in a pear tree? What many women in the workplace need is a reliable set of accessible tools, insights and proven leadership lessons to enhance and transform their careers and their work lives.
Take The Lead offers those valuable tips each week in interviews with a broad range of leaders across identities and communities in various industries across the globe, representing different approaches to distinct challenges many face.
Read MoreThe customer may or may not be always right, but Kristin Naragon tries to always do right by the customer. She also tries always to do right to create gender fairness, equity and inclusion for women in tech.
As VP of global marketing and strategy at Akeneo, a product experience platform for more than 600 companies such as Sephora, Forever 21, Carhartt and more, Naragon works on global strategies for better customer experiences. And after recently receiving $135 million in series D funding for Akeneo, Naragon is on a mission to make that happen.
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