The 10 Cheerleaders that Every Female Leader Needs

Wendy. Leslie. The other Leslie. Michael. Ellen. Signy. Priya. Ben. Mark. Juliann.

Every female leader needs a support system to thrive – and those names represent (a subset of) my support system. I'm talking about our own personal cheerleading squad - the unsung heroes who have our backs, lift us up, and help us soar to new heights in our careers. Our personal cheerleaders are the folks who boost us emotionally and practically – without a risk of pulling a hammy.

So, who are these magical beings, you ask? Let me break it down for you with 10 types of cheerleaders every woman needs in her corner:

1. The Mentor Maven: This wise and wonderful guide is like Yoda for your career, dropping knowledge bombs and helping you navigate the twists and turns of leadership.

?? Look for someone who:

- Has a wealth of experience and a track record of success in your field

- Provides constructive feedback and guidance tailored to your unique challenges

- Challenges you to step outside your comfort zone and grow as a leader

2. The Sponsor Superstar: This influential advocate is the secret weapon you never knew you needed, singing your praises behind closed doors and opening doors to game-changing opportunities.

?? Look for someone who:

?? - Has clout and influence within your organization or industry

?? - Understands your strengths and actively advocates for your advancement

?? - Connects you with high-profile projects and leadership opportunities

3. The Confidante Companion: This trusted friend is the keeper of your secrets, the dryer of your tears, and the celebrator of your wins. They're the peanut butter to your jelly, the Thelma to your Louise.

?? Look for someone who:

?? - Listens without judgment and maintains confidentiality

?? - Offers emotional support and encouragement during tough times

?? - Celebrates your successes and helps you maintain perspective

4. The Connector Champion: This networking ninja knows everyone and their mother, and they're not afraid to use their powers for good - namely, connecting you with the people and resources you need to crush your goals.

?? Look for someone who:

?? - Has a diverse and expansive professional network

?? - Understands your goals and proactively makes relevant introductions

?? - Shares valuable resources and opportunities that align with your interests

5. The Skill-Builder Buddy: This brilliant peer is like your personal professor, always ready with a helpful tip, a new skill, or a crash course in the latest industry trends.

?? Look for someone who:

?? - Possesses expertise in areas that complement your own

?? - Actively shares knowledge and resources to help you upskill

?? - Collaborates with you on projects that stretch your abilities

6. The Feedback Friend: This straight-shooting pal tells it like it is, helping you see your blind spots and grow as a leader. They're the Simon Cowell to your American Idol audition (but, you know, nicer).

?? Look for someone who:

?? - Provides honest, constructive feedback in a supportive manner

?? - Offers specific, actionable suggestions for improvement

?? - Follows up to help you implement feedback and track progress

7. The Work-Life Wizard: This boundary-setting bestie is the master of work-life integration, helping you find balance, prioritize self-care, and avoid burnout. Imagine Oprah sitting on a comfy couch right next to you.

?? Look for someone who:

?? - Models healthy work-life boundaries and self-care practices

?? - Offers practical strategies for managing competing priorities

?? - Holds you accountable to your self-care commitments

8. The Diversity and Inclusion Defender: This progressive partner is the champion of equity, making sure your voice is heard and your unique perspective is celebrated. They're the RBG of your leadership squad.

?? Look for someone who:

?? - Actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

?? - Amplifies underrepresented voices and challenges biases

?? - Collaborates with you to create inclusive team cultures

9. The Resilience Role Model: This inspiring leader is the poster child for bouncing back, sharing their own stories of overcoming adversity and reminding you that you, too, can handle anything that comes your way.

?? Look for someone who:

?? - Shares vulnerable stories of resilience and growth

?? - Offers strategies for rebounding from setbacks and failures

?? - Cheers you on as you navigate challenges and come out stronger

10. The Visionary Validator: This forward-thinking mentor is the wind beneath your wings, helping you articulate your big dreams and pushing you to fly higher than you ever thought possible.

??? Look for someone who:

??? - Believes in your potential and encourages your boldest aspirations

??? - Helps you craft a compelling vision for your career and leadership

??? - Challenges you to take calculated risks and seize opportunities for growth

So, there you have it, my fierce female leaders - your very own dream team of cheerleaders! By surrounding yourself with these incredible allies, you'll have the support, guidance, and motivation you need to take on the world (or at least the boardroom).

Now, go forth and build that squad! And remember, as your personal head cheerleader, I'm always here rooting for you, pom-poms and all. (But no jumping. My body just can’t do that anymore. Or ever.)