The Unwritten Rules: Navigating Ambition and Overcoming Obstacles - Leadership Lessons from Monica Hammond

Hello and welcome back to How She Did It! I'm thrilled you're joining us. If this is your first time, I'm Melissa Dawn Simkins, Founder of The She-Suite and you've stepped into the new league of leaders dedicated to reshaping how we live and lead in the Corporate world.?

Today, we're exploring a topic that touches directly on your experiences—navigating ambition and overcoming obstacles. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, or carving out your own intraprenuer or entreprenuer path, these challenges are likely familiar to you.

You've encountered those unwritten rules in your career, the ones no one talks about but everyone seems to know. How do you navigate them? How do you keep your ambition burning bright without burning out? When is the right time to downshift, go steady or full throttle? That's what we're unpacking today.

Watch the episode recording here or at newleagueofleaders.com .

Guest Spotlight: Monica Hammond

You have an incredible guide for this journey. She has not only ascended the executive ranks but also lifts others as she goes.

Meet Monica Hammond , Senior VP of Customer Success at Verizon Consumer Group, ensuring top-tier service for 100M+ consumers. With a rich background in sales, operations, and customer service at Verizon, Monica drives strategic growth and elevates customer experiences.

Outside her corporate role, Monica champions women in business and tech, leading initiatives like Women of Influence and Women in Tech at Verizon. She's also dedicated to philanthropy through The Miles Family Foundation and serves on Envision Lead Grow and Greater Washington Urban League boards. Recognized with the NAFE Women of Excellence Community Champion Award, Monica holds a BA from Virginia State University and an MA in Organizational Development from Bowie State University.

Discussion Highlight:

• Exploring Unwritten Rules and Ambitious Pathways

Monica Hammond’s rise to Senior Vice President of Customer Success at Verizon reflects her strategic vision and dedication to excellence. From her various leadership roles within Verizon to her current high-impact position, Monica’s career exemplifies how embracing challenges can lead to substantial growth. "You're not always in control of your career trajectory in the way you think you are," Monica shares. "It's what people say about you when you're not in the room that often dictates your path forward." Her journey inspires you to exceed your limits and highlights the significance of drawing strength from your unique experiences.

• Embracing Leadership with Empathy

Monica Hammond’s leadership is profoundly rooted in empathy, focusing on creating a supportive environment that encourages her team's growth and success. She passionately explains her leadership philosophy: "I love to solve hard problems... and I'm fascinated by the dynamics of people. When I figured out that I could get large groups of people to do very difficult things, and I like to solve difficult problems, I said, okay, that's who I am as a leader." This approach has allowed her to unlock remarkable team performance and deepen loyalty among her colleagues. By genuinely understanding and addressing the needs and aspirations of her team, Monica’s style has transformed her workplace into a nurturing space where everyone is encouraged to grow and thrive, demonstrating that true leadership is about connecting with and uplifting others. This empathetic approach not only enhances team dynamics but also aligns with Monica's deep-seated belief in the power of nurturing and leading with compassion and understanding.

• Mentorship and Empowerment

As a passionate advocate for mentorship, Monica has spearheaded initiatives like Women of Influence and Women in Tech at Verizon. These programs aim to empower women and nurture the next generation of female leaders by providing the tools to unlock their leadership potential. Monica emphasizes, "It’s about building confidence in women to step up to the next level, to take on new challenges without fear." Her commitment to mentorship underlines its significant impact, encouraging us to engage in the cycle of learning and teaching, and promoting a community where knowledge is shared, and everyone is empowered.

• Navigating Ambition with Authenticity

In our conversation, Monica opened up about the nuances of navigating ambition in the corporate landscape. "Earlier in my career, my ambition was probably more centered around rewards... It has since shifted to how many more people can I bring to the table? How do I ensure I'm not just climbing but also lifting others as I ascend?" Monica’s story encourages us to embrace our ambition wisely and authentically, making sure it aligns with our character, purpose and values.

Why Not You? Embrace Fearlessness and Relentlessness ?

I want you to reflect on a powerful thought: Why not you? This question isn't just about challenging the status quo but about challenging yourself. Monica Hammond exemplifies this spirit with her approach to leadership and career advancement. She advises, "Be fearless and relentless in pursuit of your goals." Monica's guidance compels you to actively pursue your dreams and ambitions with unwavering commitment and to overcome any fears that might hold you back. Embracing this mindset is essential for anyone looking to make a significant impact and achieve extraordinary achievements in both professional and personal arenas.

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Join me for the next episode of "How She Did It" where we continue to explore the paths that shape influential careers and impactful legacies.

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Why Watch?

Lisa Gable stepped away from her executive spotlight and found incredible fulfillment in shaping a legacy on her own terms. In this episode, you’ll hear how she did it. You'll see that it's not only possible but perhaps the most vibrant part of your journey yet.

Here’s What You’ll Gain:

• Direct Insight: Learn from Lisa’s transition into a role where she uses her influence to foster change and keep thriving.
• Real Talk: Hear about the shifts and challenges Lisa faced and how she navigated them with grace and strategy.
• Actionable Steps: Get practical advice tailored for you, the woman leader on the brink of this exciting transition.

?? Exclusive Gift: Visit newleagueofleaders.com to unlock your leadership potential with special access to exclusive content and practical tools.

Thanks for joining me. Hold tight to your dreams and stay strong in the face of challenges. Embrace every opportunity that comes your way and let your courage guide you. Keep pushing boundaries and inspiring those around you!

You’ve Got This!

Melissa

P.S. I'm all ears for your thoughts! What topics are you eager to explore in our show? Drop your suggestions in the comments or shoot me a direct message. I can't wait to hear from you!