The Bold Leaders Collective

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Many of you would not be surprised... My top strength is Positivity. I took the Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment for the 2nd time (in the process of getting certified). What is the most interesting is that when I took it over 10 years ago, it was really quite different. Most Behavioral or IO Psychologists would say the results shouldn't change too much, but mine did more than I expected. I thought about it. I think I know why. In 2014, when I first took the assessment, my results were = Consistency, Competition, Harmony, Maximizer, Arranger. I was at GE, surrounded by Engineers (mostly male) and those with a need for structure, and focus on success. I was also masking, and not a fully authentic version of myself. In 2024, my results are = Positivity, Arranger, Empathy, Individualization, Communication. My recent roles now have shifted to connecting with people on a deeper level and tailoring interactions to individuals. My results align with roles that emphasize leadership, culture-building, and emotional intelligence. So strengths do change... They evolve as your priorities, roles, and self-awareness grow. I still actually have ALL these strengths, but I have been lucky enough to find roles where I can truly be myself, and where my strengths are more useful. What about you? Do you know what your strengths are? Anyone's evolve over time like mine?

perfect isn’t real, y’all it simply isn’t and removing *that* word from our vocabulary removes it from our brains, which removes it from our expectations listen, there’s power in numbers the more of us who remove the word, the bigger impact we can have will you please try? if I can do it, I know you can too! PS - it’s not truly Thanksgiving until someone burns or forgets something. That’s a fact. Gobble gobble.

I’m honored to have been nominated for the Brave Women Project’s Pillar Awards in the Encourage category this year. ?? Being an encourager is something I hold close to my heart. I strive to be the best version of myself and love helping others believe in their own power to do the same. Sit with me, and you’ll hear a resounding “YES, you CAN!” ?? Once a cheerleader (for real, in my younger days), always a cheerleader! Although I couldn’t attend the luncheon due to me and my crew being under the weather that week, I’m so happy to be included alongside so many inspiring female leaders in Pittsburgh. ?? The Brave Women Project empowers women from various backgrounds to grow in their careers, build relationships, and improve themselves. I can’t wait to continue lifting each other up… always! Let’s go!! ?? #Leadership #EncourageAndEmpower #WomenSupportingWomen #PittsburghLeaders #BraveWomenProject

Stop waiting. Yes, you, I’m talking to you. Whatever it is, please stop waiting. Please take one step. You can do it! If you need a nudge or some cheering, this is it! Who’s in?

I joined The Bold Leaders Collective?Bold Power Hour at lunchtime today to hear Dr. Cindy Goodwin-Sak and Melissa Cohen talk about imposter syndrome and about building a personal brand. I've listened to many talks on imposter syndrome and I've given keynotes on building a personal brand. Because of this, I almost didn't attend. Here's why I'm so glad I did: INSPIRATION!?? Conversations with peers and others in your network are invaluable and it's not always because you have much to learn (although I do!), but because listening to other people's experiences and ideas can trigger your own creativity. Several years ago (pre-Covid), I had an idea for a series of short videos. ?? Most ideas would come to me during my morning or evening commute, so I decided to record myself in the car as I arrived at or was leaving my office. I recorded four of these but after a couple people laughed it off, my imposter syndrome kicked in and I gave up on the idea. I still think about it, though. Have you ever tried something but gave it up or didn't finish because it wasn't "perfect"? Maybe today is the day you'll dust off that pesky imposter syndrome and go for it. I'll start! Here's the first video I recorded. I'll share one each week as I plan new episodes for 2025. Thank you @leigh-burgess and my?#BOLD?tribe for the inspiration - I'd love your honest feedback and/or tips! #Inspiration #BeBold #Networking

It’s officially my one-year anniversary working with Jamie Melzer at HF Scale Partners! ?? My ultimate pro-tip for career success is to surround yourself with amazing people. Jamie is a great example of what this “amazing person” looks like. She… ??inspires us to dream big ? effortlessly builds real relationships ? is an absolute powerhouse of an investor ?? ? cares about our LP community on a personal level ??empowers (and trusts!) her team to flex their strengths I have learned so much from Jamie both in and out of the office. The last year has shaped who I am as a professional investor, as well as a person... ...and a huge part of that has been her influence. I cannot wait for many more years of success with HF Scale to come! - Who has touched your personal and professional life in a meaningful way? Let’s celebrate them in the comments, together. ...and don't forget to give HF Scale Partners a follow here on LinkedIn ;) - I'm Katie Nowak, an innovation leader, new venture designer and investor sharing examples & lessons weekly. Follow me + hit ?? to stay tuned.

Yes, Q4 is a push, but you are not in the role you are in to push. ???????? ?????? ???? ???? ?????????????????? ???? ???? ?????????????? ???????? ???????? ???? ???????????? ???????????? ?????????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ???????????????? ?????? ???????? ???? ???????????? ??????????. Because the first 100 days of 2025 will not wait for you. They will define how you execute your vision and the influence you will carry for the rest of the year. Lean in now by asking yourself: ?? ???????? ???? ?? ???????? ???? ???? ?????????? ?????? ???? ?????? ?????? ???? 2025??When you define your purpose, you give yourself and your team a north star that sets the tone, especially in times of distraction and uncertainty. ?? ?????? ???? ?? ???????? ??’?? ???????????? ???? ????????????? Identify 2-3 key success indicators that tell the story of how your contributions make a difference, signaling you’re on the right track. ?? ???? ?? ???????????????? ???? ?????????????? ???? ???????? ???????????? ??????????????Curiosity and adaptability become your edge to help you see beyond the obvious and lead with the foresight to stay relevant in any environment. ?? ?????? ???????? ?? ???????? ?????????????? ???????? ???????????????????????? ????????????Avoid getting caught up in the weeds or falling back into the role of a player instead of a coach. Trust your team to handle the details while you focus on strategic direction. Having been there, I know the relief, clarity, and freedom that comes with moving beyond the push to the work I’m meant to do. You can do the same. The time to lean in is now. Imagine the influence you will carry once you experience the relief that comes from finishing ready. If you’d like a thought partner as you plan your first 100 days of 2025, my DM’s are open.

Success is rarely a solo journey. Who are the mentors and networks supporting your growth? #Mentorship #Networking ______________ Hi, I’m Dr. Denise S Brown. As a woman CEO in leadership, you need more than advice. You need an ally. ? I’m a Stanford-trained physician, advisor to 7- and 8-figure companies, wife, mother, and friend. And now? ? coach? ? to women CEOs who have also found that operating in a silo is also the least enjoyable way to lead. You know, having been blessed to accomplish all of the above — it wasn’t without growing and learning from others. Hit the follow button and I’ll share some of the things I’ve learned all along the journey. And if you need a sounding board (right now) — send me a DM. Because the TRUTH is — you can have it all — the life, the business, the family — but it’s a lot more enjoyable together.

"What is a business model, anyway?!" ?? I had the pleasure of answering that question with the Queens Economic Development Center’s amazing entrepreneurs last week. Here’s are some key points we covered: ? The goal is $$$ in > $$$ out. Your business model is how you plan to deliver value.. …at a profit! Sounds simple enough, right? The “profit” part is key, and occasionally overlooked ;) That's why understanding your strategy in numbers (aka finances) is critical. ? Your everyday decisions affect your business model. Those marketing choices? Prioritized product features? New hires? They all impact key metrics on your business model. For example: Marketing = Conversion, Customer Acquisition Cost, etc. Product Features = Engagement, Retention, Referrals, Incremental Costs to Deliver the Product (COGs) New Hires = Operational Expenditures ...see what I mean?? Forecasting decisions (especially big ones) is necessary. ? You cannot forecast your business model without a vision. Breaking down your business model into three key acts - Near-Term, Mid-Term, and North Star - can help you prioritize decisions through time. The secret?! ...root those phases in customer value! We help our students do this with our copyrighted “Venture Kanvas”. After all, it’s much easier to write a paper with a thesis… ..and the same is true for business modeling! - In our sessions, we dove deeper into these themes. We discussed different kinds of business models, how to identify the one that best fits you, and more. It is my pleasure to share these “Dreams to Dollars: Unlocking your Business Model” workshops with the QEDC. The QEDC's entrepreneurs are highly engaged and sharp. They are ones to watch! What business model tips resonated most with you?! Comment below and let us know??? - I'm Katie Nowak, an innovation leader, new venture designer and investor sharing examples & lessons weekly. Follow me + hit ?? to stay tuned.