Why being vulnerable is absolutely a strength

#Takeaways

• The power of being an authentic role model that inspires

• Companies can do more to create a safe space for women from all levels to share stories and experiences

• Leaders hold back from always sharing because they feel like they need to protect others

• Peer groups and women’s networks are key to shifting the company culture.

• Women can have it all - when they figure out what their all is

• Surround yourself with different people so you can open your mind

 

Even though this episode was recorded almost two years ago to the day we couldn't resist including it with all of the other inspiring re-releases we have shared again with you! 

This episode we have the super inspiring Zandra Moore on the show.  Zandra is CEO and Co-Founder of Panintelligence Data Analytics Software Business in Leeds and Founder of LeanIn Leeds 800+ women's leadership network, mum to 2 and football coach to twenty, 15 year old girls.  

When you meet Zandra you cannot help but be inspired by her.  And that's exactly how I felt a number of years ago.  I am really excited to have her on the show as she doesn't hold back.  

She is open and willing to talk about things that sometimes female leaders don't often talk about.  Women often have to work so hard in their careers that being vulnerable when you are in a senior positions can be difficult.  Although vulnerability is absolutely a strength it’s not always viewed that way by others.  So many women are inspired by those around them but have often told me that they can’t ever reach those heights.  Seeing successful career women as ‘superwomen’ or having to make huge sacrifices in their lives to get to where they want to be.  

Isn't it time we start breaking down these barriers to show what the reality is and that if women want it all they have to figure out what their ‘all’ looks like and that anything is possible for them.

 

“ It’s had it’s hurdles, of course it has it’s never been plain sailing, but when I look back at why I have been able to persist and overcome those hurdles, I had the benefit of somebody from a very young age that made me believe that anything was possible”         - Zandra

“ It’s addictive...the more you do for others the more these things walk towards you..givers gain “ - Zandra

“You don't have to be an expert in something to be able to add value or change things or inspire others“ - Zandra

“I want women to hear that message that you don’t have to know everything to get ahead” - Gemma

“People just present the good, they never present the bad.  It’s never easy in any role whatever level you are at and it doesn't change whether you are a graduate or a CEO” - Zandra

“There’s such power in the ‘me too’ element of safe spaces and that association with each other” - Gemma

#Resources

Get my NEWSLETTER that shares the latest around the gender pay gap, book recommendations and good practices that are happening all over the place that support more women to step up and be recognised for the value they bring.   

Get yours by clicking >> https://www.gemmastow.com/newsletter

• “5 Steps to being more visible at work” 

 

https://www.gemmastow.com/5-ways-to-be-more-visible-at-work

• Get the White Paper ‘Visibility at Work: The Importance of Self Promotion for Women’s Career Progression:

 

https://bit.ly/WP2020podcast

 

• Book a call with Gemma:

 

 http://bit.ly/CallGemmaPodcast

 

Connect with your host Gemma Stow:

Website: https://www.gemmastow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmastow/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemmastow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomorehidingco

 

Connect with Zandra:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zandramoore/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/zandramoore

Website: www.panintelligence.com