Achieving Balance and Overcoming Challenges as a Female Leader: A Conversation with Elena Leonova, Spryker's SVP of Product

Did you experience any challenges leading teams as a female throughout your career? How did you overcome those challenges?

Throughout my career as a female leader, I have faced several challenges that are all too common for women in leadership positions. However, I firmly believe that one of the most effective ways to overcome these challenges is by voicing your opinions and being confident in your communication, even if the room is full of individuals who may hold different opinions or come from a different gender.

Personally, I've found that being strong in my beliefs and not shying away from having a personal point of view has helped me to gain the respect of my colleagues and team members. I'm always sticking to my words and making sure to follow through on any promises I make. This has helped to build trust and credibility, which is crucial for any leader, regardless of gender.

Additionally, seeking out mentors and allies who can provide guidance and support has also been essential for my professional growth and development. By having a network of individuals who share my values and vision, I've been able to overcome any biases or misconceptions that may have initially existed and have been able to create a more inclusive and collaborative work environment.

In conclusion, I believe that overcoming challenges as a female leader requires persistence, resilience, and a willingness to voice your opinions and stick to your beliefs. By doing so, you can inspire others and drive meaningful change within your organization and beyond.

As a mother and a leader, how do you manage to find a balance between your personal and professional responsibilities?

At Spryker, we have a culture that values outcomes over the amount of time spent working. This means that we are focused on delivering results, rather than just putting in long hours. As a mother and a leader, this approach has been incredibly helpful for me, as it allows me to manage my time more effectively and be there for my family when they need me, while still being productive at work.

Our focus on outcomes means that we prioritize tasks based on their importance and impact, rather than just doing busywork. This allows us to work smarter, not harder, and achieve more in less time. For example, I can schedule my work around my daughter's needs and still meet my deadlines, without worrying about falling behind.

Overall, our focus on outcomes allows us to be more efficient and effective, which benefits everyone, including working mothers like myself. It's a mindset that has enabled me to succeed in both my personal and professional life, and I am proud to be part of a company that values this approach.

Do you have any advice for other working parents?

As a working parent, it can be challenging to balance the demands of work and family life. However, there are strategies you can use to make it easier. Firstly, prioritize communication with your employer or colleagues about your personal needs and work schedule. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and can work together to find solutions that accommodate your needs.

Secondly, take advantage of flexible working arrangements that may be available to you, such as remote work or flexible hours. These arrangements can provide greater flexibility in managing your time and allow you to be there for your family when they need you, while still being productive at work.

How were you envisioning yourself when you were a kid? What advice would you give to younger girls that want to follow a career like yours?

When I was a kid, I always wanted to make a big impact in the world, but wasn't sure if I would be able to do so, as most of the people in leadership positions were men. As I grew older and began pursuing my career, I realized that I could be a leader and make a positive impact, regardless of my gender.

However, as a working mother, I also faced the challenge of balancing my career aspirations with my desire to be present for my family. It was a difficult balancing act, but with the support of my colleagues and leadership team at Spryker, I was able to find a flexible working arrangement that allowed me to excel in my career while also being there for my family.

My advice to younger girls who want to follow a career like mine is to never let the fear of societal expectations hold you back from pursuing your goals. With hard work, determination, and the support of mentors and colleagues, you can achieve great things in your career while also having a fulfilling personal life. Remember, it's possible to be a leader and a loving mother, and don't be afraid to take on new challenges and step outside of your comfort zone.

What kind of world are you building today for your kids to succeed? How can we support you on that?

As a mother of a 2.5-year-old girl, I am committed to creating a world where my daughter and all girls have equal opportunities to achieve their dreams, without any limitations or barriers. I want to see workplaces across all industries providing equal opportunities to both men and women, and tailoring to the needs of each person when the needs arise.

I believe that it's crucial for us to create a world where gender doesn't limit anyone's potential, and where everyone is judged based on their skills, merits, and abilities. As a leader, I strive to set an example for my daughter and other young girls, showing them that they can be anything they want to be, and that their gender shouldn't hold them back from achieving their goals.

To build this world, I think it's important for all of us to work together, both men and women, to break down the gender barriers and promote inclusivity and diversity. We need to create workplaces that are not only equal but also supportive of all employees, regardless of their gender or personal circumstances.

We can also support young girls by providing them with mentorship, role models, and education opportunities, showing them the wide range of possibilities and opportunities that are available to them. By investing in the future of girls and young women, we can create a better world for everyone.