Here's how you can leverage your past experiences and skills for future leadership in Business Services.

They say a smart man learns from his mistakes but a wise man learns from the mistakes of others. How powerful can it be to look back on your misses and explain the course corrections that you made and how you moved past them. This sober reflection can help cement the improvement that you have made, more important it can add value to others as they perhaps face similar challenges. I am sure that as a business coach I have shared as many or more of my shortfalls as I have of my wins. You either win or you learn. When you learn pass it on.

Reflecting on my past roles, adaptability and strategic thinking were key in overcoming challenges. Managing diverse client needs while ensuring operational efficiency required strong communication and problem-solving. One major hurdle was navigating complex timelines while maintaining stakeholder alignment, which I addressed through collaboration and data-driven decision-making. These experiences have helped me refine my leadership style, particularly in leading cross-functional teams and driving successful outcomes through scalable solutions.

My journey has equipped me with a range of skills, but client relations and process optimization are two areas where I feel most confident. I’ve consistently enjoyed building strong client relationships, understanding their needs, and delivering tailored solutions. At the same time, optimizing processes to improve efficiency and scalability has been a key strength of mine, especially when managing large teams and projects. By aligning these skills with future leadership opportunities, I’m confident in my ability to drive impactful outcomes in any role.

I agree that recognizing and addressing skill gaps is crucial for growth. While I’ve developed strong competencies in client relations and process optimization, I see opportunities to expand my experience in areas like advanced data analytics and emerging technologies in Business Services. I’m actively seeking professional development courses and new projects to deepen my knowledge in these areas. By doing so, I aim to further enhance my adaptability and position myself as a more well-rounded leader committed to continuous learning.

An example I've seen of this: While working within the manufacturing segment of the automotive industry, I actively worked to make myself known and become acquainted with individuals in other departments across the breadth of the organization. I firmly believe knowing one person in any department is a key to that entire department. While the person with whom I'm acquainted may not be the SME (Subject Matter Expert) or be able to support me directly, the established rapport between us lends to them leveraging their relationship(s) within their department to support me. As a result, I am a direct benefactor and gain the support I sought. And this exchange is reciprocal.

I truly believe that building meaningful relationships is key to long-term success. Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how connecting with peers, mentors, and industry leaders not only broadens perspectives but also opens doors to new opportunities. I’m committed to fostering these relationships by engaging in industry events, staying connected with my network, and seeking diverse viewpoints. I understand that my network is a powerful resource in shaping my leadership path and career growth.

My vision for the future of Business Services revolves around harnessing technology to drive efficiency, while maintaining a strong emphasis on client relations and personalized service. I believe that integrating AI will streamline operations, allowing teams to focus on higher-value tasks and fostering deeper client connections. Effective communication is key to leading this transformation, and I’m committed to sharing this vision clearly to inspire and align teams. By doing so, I aim to demonstrate thought leadership and position myself as a catalyst for innovative growth in the industry.

Perhaps the worst phrase that you might hear from a "leader" is to do what I say not what I do. If you lead you need to be crystal clear about you vision mission and team culture. You must model the behavior that you expect from the team. Not once in a while but consistently. Accept nothing less from yourself and by extension the team. A strong leader that inspires others to achieve more is the most critical aspect of a great team