A Gathering of Unicorns: Lessons Learned from Women at the Top of their Careers

Over the past year, I’ve spent countless hours sitting in rooms and virtual meetings collaborating with top women executives from all over the world from organizations like 美国银行 , NASA Langley Research Center , BAE Systems, Inc. , 埃森哲 , Zoro.com and the 美国国务院 . Aside from the many challenges we have tackled together, the depth of their individual stories is humbling to the soul of a shared spirit – each filled with success and pride, but also with hard lessons about how to overcome countless challenges to reach the C-suite.?

All these women were part of a cohort of 30 Fellows of the International Women's Forum (IWF), which is an invitation-only network of the most accomplished women in the world. We spent a year learning from academic partnerships with 欧洲工商管理学院 (INSEAD) and 美国哈佛商学院 on how to become more engaging and effective leaders to unlock our full potential.?To find myself in an opportunity to learn and grow amongst such an impressive group of women truly is – as the name for a group of unicorns implies – a blessing.?

The surprise of imposter syndrome

As we talked, it was clear each leader had strong underlying philosophies that lead to her success, but it also became evident that each woman was far more successful than the verbal summary of her biography. Women are humble, but also hard on themselves. With many of our experiences, a common thread that quickly emerged from our conversations was a shared feeling of imposter syndrome.

Imposter Syndrome is a term that was coined by clinical psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978 that references this common insecurity among professionals. Not akin to a natural humility, two of the distinguishing signs are the inability to accurately assess your skills and a yet an unfortunate disposition to downplay your success. While research shows men and women both suffer from imposter syndrome, it was still a meaningful surprise to our cohort when the data showed we each consistently rated ourselves lower than our peers, managers and direct reports on 360 degree surveys.

Uncovering this invisible tendency left a profound impact on our cohort.

As we looked around the room, we recognized that even high-achieving women who are at the top of their fields are wondering if they are doing enough.

We quickly came to the conclusion that a key element to increased business success will be to help our teams (and ourselves) gain more confidence. Moreover, if this is the case with our diverse group of global leaders, the potential impact of a change in this attitude across the wider group of women in the workforce could change the world.

“High-achieving women hold ourselves to a high standard in various domains, and can burnout if we are putting ourselves last after work and family.” shared Sandy Mattinson , Chief Merchandizing Officer at Zoro.com. “It’s important to recognize the need to take care of yourself to create sustained fulfillment. Don’t forget to prioritize your own needs and treat commitments to yourself as you would for a work or family obligation that is really important.”

Perceived challenges of collaborative decision making

As an experienced cohort of leaders, there was a deep understanding that part of success is galvanizing a workforce and building a shared culture. Integral to this organizational leadership journey is ensuring that your team not only understands your story and value but reflects it in their own work. During a review of a Harvard case study about Bozoma Saint John - a highly decorated marketing executive - our team expanded on this previous understanding and unlocked new learnings about influence and perceptions of leadership, especially in the area of team dynamics.

The case study taught that women who are more successful at collaborative decision making may be perceived as less successful as executive leaders. You heard that right, unfortunately.

In fact, Bozeman Saint John is a textbook example of how owning your own story, and being uncompromising about showcasing your unique contributions, can prepare you for the C-suite.

To some, this may appear to defy logic, as those willing to work well with others and seek win-win opportunities sound like natural leaders. Regrettably, due to implications of unconscious and conscious biases in the workplace, a softer approach may seem fragile and weak, rather than being recognized for its inherent wisdom.

It’s quite the tightrope to balance. To be seen as an effective leader, you must be unapologetic, well-researched, with natural confidence and independence. At the same time, you must seek opportunities to unlock the collaborative power of your team, with the steadfast confidence not to undermine your own contribution in the eyes of yourself or others.?

Break through with confidence

As we concluded the program, we reflected that while each had come from diverse backgrounds, we shared a deep and common set of values about how women can breakthrough to advance forward with more authenticity and confidence. The following are a few lessons to help map out your own journey:

1. Step forward to take ownership of your voice. “We need to own, project and stand up for our individual value. It is so common for women in all sectors and cultures to devalue our own contribution, whether it be as a critical voice in a process, or our compensation,” shares Julie Stufft , Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visas at the U.S. Department of State. While the power of the collective is the synergy of the team, the building block of every team is the individual, and we all have an authentic, irreplaceable value to contribute.
2. Gain a broad perspective beyond your technical background. From someone in the business of not only changing the world, but truly changing the horizon for all of humanity, this is an aspect of success that has been a north star for Lisa Ziehmann , Associate Director at NASA Langley Research Center. “I’ve found that in order to advance in your career, you must take chances, be willing to try something you’re uncomfortable with and do your best. I’ve learned to fail, without being a failure – learning many lessons along the way.”
3. Integrate equity into your approach. Leigh-Ann Buchanan, Esq. , President of Aires Ventures, shares that we need to focus on creating a more equitable environment to develop a more cohesive team. “If we’re honest, discussions about equity are sometimes complicated. But they truly need not be so complex, nor should we feel ill equipped to explore what equity means on our own terms. Why not pretend that everyone you meet (or seek to reach) has an invisible sign on their forehead that says: Consider me. Acknowledge me. Value me. Listen to me. Protect my right to exist. Do your absolute best to help me thrive." This organic approach to equity reminds us that positive connections begin with approaching each day, and each other, with a natural sense of goodness and love in our hearts.
4. Networking is just as important as the quality of your work. “Make an effort to attend networking events. Each new opportunity is a gift and a chance to learn and meet great people. Building a strong network becomes increasingly more valuable as you move forward in your career.” The notion that quality and performance must be accompanied by strong networking acumen has been a guide for Monica Martinez Ulloa Torres , a top marketing and banking executive from Mexico. “It’s easy to hide under a pile of work and make an excuse that you don’t have time to attend, but this will not help you explore new ideas and potential sponsors. Don′t expect to be recognized and rewarded just for the good work you do. You have to speak out and make meaningful connections.”
5. Find your own Board of Directors. Just as important as it is to a corporation, an expert group of individuals who provide guidance and diversity of perspective is key to the development of your own career development and growth. “Women supporting one another is a powerful force. Don’t go at it alone. Find mentors and develop your own personal board of directors to support and accelerate your growth,” shares Sandy Mattinson , Chief Merchandising Officer, Zoro.com. “Proactively build and nurture your network of advocates and advisors.”

So, what did I learn sitting in a room full of unicorns? As leaders in business and government, there is much for women to celebrate and still so much good work yet to be done.

The diversity of our voices is powerful when we speak together with purpose, and we must continually create opportunities to share this message with the world.?Without any doubt, we are strong today, and progress will only continue to ensure there is a bold, new generation of women prepared to take our seats and many more in the boardroom and key leadership posts throughout the workforce.