Authentic Leaders

I've always had a weak spot for commencement speeches and graduations.

I think it's something about the paradox of it all. They represent both the ending of something and the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. The closing of a phase and the start of something new (believe it or not, this is a song from High School Musical, and this has never made more sense to me than today in this very moment).

It's also about those inspiring and profound words these speeches hold. How people share their powerful stories and experiences, that move us on so many levels. I’ve shed one or two tears; I’m not going to lie.

And I think that throughout our lives we are constantly opening and closing. Closing and opening. Again and again. We commence new professions, new roles with new responsibilities. We change sectors and industries. We move to new cities and countries. We form families and nurture new friendships. We have so many important milestones in our lives, both in our professional careers as well as in our personal lives, which need to be celebrated and recognized.

Most universities and business schools invite former alumni, entrepreneurs, CEOs, or public figures (there are some exceptions that include mere mortals such as me), to give motivational, amazing, and inspiring speeches, based on their experiences, their life circumstances, and stories, which include many of their successes and wins but also their failures and hardships.

A couple of weeks ago I had the honor of virtually assisting my brother and sister in law’s graduation (a shoutout to Francisco Smart and Lulu Arias, a true inspiration to me and my whole family) and was able to hear powerful stories from graduates, the Dean, and their invited speaker.

Columbia Business School invited Kristen Peck, current CEO of a Fortune 500 company called Zoetis Inc, former alumni of CBS, a recognized leader in the animal health care industry, but above all, a mother and a daughter. She provided some words of wisdom and heartfelt advice to the graduating class of 2022 which stuck with me. Here are three key points that I would like to share with you:

• Talent: “The war for talent is over. Talent has won. But the war for strategy is here”. The paradigm about the war for talent and retaining talent in organizations is quite outdated and if you ask me, a bit heartless. It’s not about retaining people, but caring for them, and attending to their needs, both professionally and personally. Mental health, our well-being, and having work-life balance cultures must be a top priority for organizations and leaders must be allies and the first to foster these initiatives. Empower your leaders to help build a more open culture that supports employee mental health. Take action.
• Leadership: “Empathy is in. Infallibility is out.” We have transformed and revolutionized the concept of what a true leader means. More human and authentic as Kristen states. Leaders that have the courage to be vulnerable, to share their experiences and feelings. This will help us to build trusting and more connected environments, where we celebrate both successes and failures. We will be able to foster spaces where others can open up and share their stories. Kristen recalls her mother’s advice on her graduation day. “To find true success, in business and in life, you need to spend more time listening to your heart and not always your head”. Our leaders must lead by example. So, it’s time to step up and bring your A-game.

And finally,

• Purpose: Kristen emphasizes the importance of purpose. Not only ours but your company’s as well. Work is still a crucial part for most of us in our lives, so it’s important that we take our time to understand what we want to do in life, where we want to work, and dedicate our valuable time. The meaning of our purpose and the company’s mission has never been more transcendental than today. Don’t worry if you haven’t found it yet. We can try, change, and experiment throughout the course of our lives. We have the opportunity in our hands to change the world. Have the courage to explore it.??

So, there it is. Talent. Leadership. Purpose. Empathy. Vulnerability. Collaboration. All aspects at our fingertips.

How we foster our teams, how we boost unique talents and potential in each person, and how we lead others with empathy, vulnerability, and courage, are all qualities that leaders must portray. We have the opportunity to revolutionize how we connect with others and inspire them.

Share your story. Inspire people. Not only with your words and speeches. But most importantly, with your actions.

So, what leader will you be?