Preetha Balakrishnan- PCC- ICF’s Post

𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡? Recently, I collaborated with a group of women who navigate the corporate world and encounter unique obstacles. Despite societal expectations and workplace biases, these professionals strive for success. Coming from diverse backgrounds, they often find themselves overlooked for leadership roles. However, their aspirations go beyond traditional norms, seeking positions that align with their skills and ambitions. When I spoke with these women, it became evident they faced resistance from colleagues and superiors. Doubts about their capabilities and concerns about work-life balance lingered, adding to the existing pressure. Acknowledging these challenges, I recommended leadership training programs tailored for women in the workforce. These programs aimed to empower them with effective communication, negotiation, and strategic decision-making skills. How did these Leadership Lessons empower working women professionals? ✔ Breaking through the glass ceiling. ✔ Balancing career and personal life effectively. ✔ Building confidence in their leadership abilities. ✔ Navigating workplace challenges with resilience. ✔ Nurturing a supportive network of like-minded professionals. After participating in these programs, these women found newfound strength and resilience. They shattered stereotypes, proving that effective leadership knows no gender. The lessons learned not only transformed their professional lives but also inspired a new generation of women to pursue leadership roles fearlessly. To all working women professionals out there, remember that embracing leadership lessons can pave the way for unprecedented success in your career journey. Ready to level up your professional game? Click the link below, book your call, and let's kickstart your journey to professional invincibility. DM "VISIBILITY" #visibility

"To prepare women for leadership positions, organizations should be intentional about developing and showcasing their talents. One powerful way to do that is through “stretch assignments,” short-term, internal learning opportunities that offer employees new skills while helping a company solve a real business problem. These roles push individuals beyond their current skills and comfort zones, providing opportunities for growth and development." Read the new CSA article by Dr. Anasia Obioha, Founder of Empress coaching & consulting, here: https://lnkd.in/eCbTfjsQ Publisher: David Wurth #csuite #talentmanagement #leadership #womeninleadership

🤔 Think back to when you first started work. How do you remember the people you reported to and who led your organization? Answers will be very different depending on your age, your gender, your role and where in the world you are based. Leaders have changed, reflecting broader societal shifts in attitudes, how we live and work, and the changing demographics of the workplace. That’s a good thing. We now see more women in leadership positions and increasing diversity at all levels. There’s a long way to go on both fronts though; a topic for another time. Today’s leaders are expected to be many things: empathetic, collaborative, relatable and much more. Above all, they must be adaptable and open to change. Advances in technology mean that progress is rapid, and change is one of the defining characteristics of the modern world. With that in mind, I enjoyed this Forbes article that considers how a leader’s capacity to embrace a change mindset and prioritize psychological safety is an essential attribute for modern #leadership. These qualities underscore, “a broader understanding that successful leadership is inherently tied to the well-being and engagement of teams.” As well as increasing levels of overall satisfaction, this also opens the door to greater creativity and more #innovation. I firmly believe in that and it’s an approach I look to cultivate in my own leadership style. For me, psychological safety comes when people are comfortable to be vulnerable. I focus on being authentic and vulnerable myself. That’s not always been straightforward. As a woman in a senior position adapting to parenthood and living in a different country away from family support, it took me a while to figure out how to be myself in the workplace. I am now more comfortable to celebrate who I am, my differences and the perspective that brings. More importantly, I can extend that understanding to my team and colleagues. I’d love to hear more thoughts on this. If you’re in a leadership position, how do you see your role adapting? If you’re not, what do you need from your leaders? #EmployeeEngagement #DEI #WomenLeaders #FemaleLeadership #Culture https://ow.ly/MwMo50RnZbk

6 reasons why women don't feel their career is progressing at an appropriate pace… From our Future of Women survey, 53% of women noted that their careers are not progressing at an appropriate pace. Further to that point, respondents were asked why they felt this was true. Rather than focus on the negative, let's examine these 6 reasons and what the organization can do. 1️⃣Lack of leadership engagement? ➡️Create open, transparent, honest conversations about their career goals. 2️⃣Reduced access to Learning & Development opportunities? ➡️Create opportunities for women to acquire the skills necessary to advance in their careers. 3️⃣Unrealistic expectations? ➡️Allow women the opportunity to balance professional and personal commitments if they feel it is a priority. 4️⃣Unconscious bias? ➡️Address unconscious bias through training and continuous efforts to cultivate an inclusive environment. 5️⃣Lack of positive female role models? ➡️Increase the visibility and representation of women in leadership roles through targeted leadership development paths. 6️⃣Unequal access to sponsorship? ➡️Develop leadership training and development programs tailored to address the unique challenges faced by women. The survey clearly shows a profound desire among women for tangible change and actionable support. How could you be part of that change and support?

I’m thankful for the many women who have supported me in my career journey, both within and beyond the workplace. This #WomensHistoryMonth and #InternationalWomensDay, I’m particularly reflecting on lessons learned from Barb Archbold and Maria Ferris early in my career. As managers who guided me and influenced my path, they portrayed what it means to lead by example. Both attuned and ambitious leaders, they modeled how to advocate for others and how to balance work-life priorities. They were some of the first mentors in my career, helping me navigate corporate complexity and learn to build customer, HR, and financial acumen. As managers and team leaders, they exemplified care. Their candor, coaching, and feedback were incredibly impactful and demonstrated, at that early stage of my career, some of the traits I knew I wanted to nurture in myself as a leader. As I think back to the many influential women who have inspired me as an individual, a professional, and a business leader, I am reminded of the importance of mentors and managers who model, coach, and care for employees. This approach can create career-long impact and influence that goes beyond a singular moment or role. I encourage women to seek out mentors and, when ready, serve as mentors for others. When we help one another succeed, we all succeed.    (Not quite how my office looked when I was early in career, but I love the focus and productivity a space like this one Image Creator designed would enable!)

Great leaders don't want flexibility so they can do less. It's because they know exactly where their greatest effectiveness lies. They understand that leadership isn't about being physically present in an office from dawn till dusk. It's about: Making impactful decisions, Inspiring their teams, And driving results. No matter where they are in the world. Besides... Managing family and personal commitments with ease doesn't pull you away from your career goals. It supercharges them! Because each fulfilled aspect of your life fuels your success in other areas. That means outcomes such as: ✅ Good work-life balance ✅ Fewer burned-out employees Aren't just personal benefits, but organizational assets! It's high time now we recognize that ambition comes in many forms. Our life's complexities are not hindrances. But sources of strength. 💛 🔁 Repost if you think ambition shouldn't be boxed into traditional standards. #leadershipdevelopment #professionalwomen P.S Tomorrow I'm spilling all the beans on 4 shifts women leaders can make to get promoted and design a fulfilling career. I don’t know when I’ll do it again so register for this one-time free workshop from the comments!

In today's workplace, visibility isn't just nice to have—it's essential for career growth. Research shows that people who are visible at work are more likely to get promoted, recognized for their contributions, and considered for leadership opportunities. Yet for many women, visibility can feel like self-promotion, and stepping into the spotlight may not come naturally. But here's the truth: your work deserves to be seen. Here are practical ways to raise your visibility at work: Speak Up in Meetings: Share your ideas, ask questions, and contribute to the conversation. Let your voice be heard—you bring value to the table. Volunteer for High-Impact Projects: Step into roles that showcase your skills and align with organizational priorities. Visibility often follows impact. Build Relationships Across Teams: Network intentionally within your organization. A broad network of connections amplifies your presence and influence. Celebrate Your Wins: Keep track of your accomplishments and share them when appropriate. Don't wait for others to notice—be your own advocate. Offer to Lead Presentations: Whether it's a team update or a department-wide initiative, presenting is a powerful way to increase your visibility and establish yourself as a leader. Visibility is not about being boastful—it's about ensuring your contributions are recognized and your potential is realized. Remember, you don't need to be perfect to be visible. You just need to be authentic and courageous. What's one way you've increased your visibility at work? Let's share strategies and lift each other up in the comments below! #LeadershipDevelopment #WomenInLeadership #ConfidenceMatters #ProfessionalGrowth #EmpowerWomen

Are you a woman leader struggling with self-doubt or feeling stuck in your career? You're not alone. This session, "Shattering Your Inner Glass Ceiling: An Orientation to Women's Leadership Series," dove deep into the concept of the inner glass ceiling, the self-limiting beliefs that prevent women from achieving their full potential. Facilitators Eliza von Baeyer and Nicole van Kuppeveld offered practical strategies to combat imposter syndrome, including reframing negative thoughts, celebrating successes, and seeking peer support. The session introduced the Women's Leadership Series (WLS), a comprehensive program designed to empower women leaders. WLS equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to leverage their feminine strengths, navigate workplace challenges, and overcome self-doubt which according to leading-edge research is common to all women that have not addressed evolutionary and societal cultural barriers. The program delves into various topics, including: - Cultivating Feminine Leadership: Harnessing the power of collaboration, empathy, and intuition to foster thriving teams. - Shattering the Inner Glass Ceiling: Identifying and dismantling self-limiting beliefs to build unwavering confidence. - Mastering the Power Paradox: Navigating the complexities of femininity and power, and asserting yourself authentically. - Building an Executive Presence: Developing the skills and confidence to project a powerful aura that inspires others. - Communication from a Feminine Lens: Mastering communication techniques that foster trust, collaboration, and impactful leadership. - Building Resilience: Learning to bounce back from setbacks, manage stress effectively, and stay motivated. - Building a Supportive Network: Discovering the power of mentorship, sponsorship, and peer groups to cultivate a network that empowers your leadership journey. The WLS program promises to be a transformative experience, guiding participants on a journey of self-discovery, leadership development, and achieving their full potential. Join a supportive network of like-minded women leaders and embark on this epic leadership learning adventure starting September 17, 2024. To get more details follow this link: https://buff.ly/3yJeGOg #executivewomen #womenleaders #womenCEOS #womenfounders #womenentrepreneurs #managers #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #womenatwork

Are you a woman leader struggling with self-doubt or feeling stuck in your career? You're not alone. This session, "Shattering Your Inner Glass Ceiling: An Orientation to Women's Leadership Series," dove deep into the concept of the inner glass ceiling, the self-limiting beliefs that prevent women from achieving their full potential. Facilitators Eliza von Baeyer and Nicole van Kuppeveld offered practical strategies to combat imposter syndrome, including reframing negative thoughts, celebrating successes, and seeking peer support. The session introduced the Women's Leadership Series (WLS), a comprehensive program designed to empower women leaders. WLS equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to leverage their feminine strengths, navigate workplace challenges, and overcome self-doubt which according to leading-edge research is common to all women that have not addressed evolutionary and societal cultural barriers. The program delves into various topics, including: - Cultivating Feminine Leadership: Harnessing the power of collaboration, empathy, and intuition to foster thriving teams. - Shattering the Inner Glass Ceiling: Identifying and dismantling self-limiting beliefs to build unwavering confidence. - Mastering the Power Paradox: Navigating the complexities of femininity and power, and asserting yourself authentically. - Building an Executive Presence: Developing the skills and confidence to project a powerful aura that inspires others. - Communication from a Feminine Lens: Mastering communication techniques that foster trust, collaboration, and impactful leadership. - Building Resilience: Learning to bounce back from setbacks, manage stress effectively, and stay motivated. - Building a Supportive Network: Discovering the power of mentorship, sponsorship, and peer groups to cultivate a network that empowers your leadership journey. The WLS program promises to be a transformative experience, guiding participants on a journey of self-discovery, leadership development, and achieving their full potential. Join a supportive network of like-minded women leaders and embark on this epic leadership learning adventure starting September 17, 2024. To get more details follow this link: https://buff.ly/3yJeGOg #executivewomen #womenleaders #womenCEOS #womenfounders #womenentrepreneurs #managers #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #womenatwork

"𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚. 𝙄𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣." - 𝘽𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙂𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙜, 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙧 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 Momentum Mondays: Are You Ready to Lead? Climbing the ladder to senior leadership can be more challenging for some. Women, in particular, often face unique challenges in the C-Suite. But what are the essential skills they can develop to bridge the gap? Studies show that unconscious bias and the pressure to conform to traditional leadership styles can hold women back. A lack of diverse perspectives at the top. Companies with women in leadership roles outperform those without by a significant margin [𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘦.𝘨., 𝘈𝘗𝘈 - 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵, 𝘈𝘗𝘈, 2022]. https://lnkd.in/gcNXDtNU 𝙋𝙍𝙊 𝙏𝙄𝙋: 𝘿𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚! Here are three ways women can leverage their strengths for leadership success: 𝟭. 𝗔𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲: Women tend to be collaborative and relationship-oriented. Use these skills to build strong teams and foster open communication. ️ 𝟮. 𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲: Don't downplay your achievements. Be confident in your abilities and clearly articulate your vision. 𝟯. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: Find mentors and sponsors who can advocate for you and champion your growth. Women can become influential leaders who drive positive change by developing these skills. What are your thoughts? Share your experiences in the comments! ➖➖➖ For over three decades, I've worked with esteemed companies such as 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝘆𝗽𝘀𝘂𝗺 (𝗨𝗦𝗚), 𝗛𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮, driving their transformational journeys. Through my guidance, struggling teams have evolved into highly efficient and heart-centered units, fueling remarkable employee retention and profitability improvements. ***** With the strategic implementation of my 3D Formula, incorporating visual imagery, behavioral interviewing techniques, and leadership development, we have successfully reduced turnover rates from 30% to 8%, and even less this year! Learn how my leadership training programs can help. Download my case study showing how we cut FICU's turnover from 37% to 7%. Our case study shows the impact of effective leadership training, a new approach to feedback, and smarter hiring. https://lnkd.in/g8Zt2M7R #womeninleadership #leadershipdevelopment #momentummondays