Building Confidence for Success

IAC Chief Administrative Officer Iwona Niec Villaire is the daughter of a single immigrant mother who died when she was in her early thirties. Having since earned her Juris Doctorate, Master of Arts in educational psychology and Bachelor of Science in psychology, Niec Villaire worked her way up through a male-dominated industry within the automotive supplier field. Now she oversees IAC Group’s legal, human resources and communications functions globally, spanning 65 locations and 19 countries. A single mother of four children herself, Niec Villaire drew much of her strength and resiliency from her own mother:

“My mother was and is without a doubt my role model. Whenever I think things are hard for myself, I always think back to her – a single, working mother with a suitcase and 10 years behind on her career because she had to start medical certifications from the beginning after immigrating to the US. If she could do it then, so can I now.” Niec Villaire said.?

Research shows that women question their abilities more so than their male counterparts. When it comes to new career opportunities, women only apply to jobs when they feel certain they are 100 percent qualified for a role, whereas men apply when they meet just 60 percent of the qualifications.?

“I often try to listen to people around me and usually find that everybody has some self doubt. I’m no different. Even though I don’t always feel so confident, I know what I can do and I know I can find people who can support me in the answers or skills that I don’t have.” she said.

Niec Villaire says that she leans into her weaknesses as opportunities to expand her network for support – crediting mentors for supporting her in defining moments throughout her career.

“I’ve had a lot of mentors that have lifted me up throughout my career, that really understood the difficulties a female leader would face and gave me opportunities that otherwise I wouldn’t have had. Those mentors were pivotal in helping me see there are people willing to take a chance on you even if I don’t fit the perfect or traditional profile.”