Repost of "CIO Times- Top FIVE Influential LEADERS in the BUSINESS WORLD Everyone SHOULD KNOW"- January 2024 edition

Enlighten us about the outset of your entrepreneurial journey.

I stumbled into the world of technology by chance after graduating with a business management degree. My initial role in an insurance company's accounting department led me to explore technology, and as we transitioned to PCs and networks, I embraced the learning opportunities. From managing the entire technology stack, I navigated through diverse roles, including systems engineering, user support, and crisis management in various industries.

My recent challenge involved establishing a Service Management office for a major health system in NY, focusing on service processes and customer experience. Alongside my career, I became a certified leadership coach, co-authored an ITIL book, and contributed over 60 articles to publications like CIO Review and LinkedIn.

I've actively contributed to various boards and organizations, including SIM NY, Sharp Train, HMG Strategy, and as an advisor for the Cal Poly Tech Women in Leadership program. As a fellow at the Institute for Digital Transformation, I continue to embrace opportunities for learning about digital transformation and sharing much of that knowledge globally.

Adopting the "do what scares you" mindset, I pursued a yearlong training with Wharton’s School of Executive Education, earning my Global CXO certification in 2023. Consolidating my knowledge and publications, I launched www.noraosman.com, a platform designed to inspire learning and action, offering resources for those on their career journey.

According to you, what are the three most important qualities a leader must possess?

Fundamentally, I whole-heartedly believe that leadership is a privilege and a responsibility…and that the best leaders lead with heart and have a continuous learning mindset.? Coincidentally I shared my insights on that question in a live Digital Dialogue just this week, explaining my view of the “Leadership ABC’s”, which are A- Authenticity, B- Boldness, and C- Compassion.

Authenticity: Be the only version of you, wherever you go…let people see who you really are and share truths and more of yourself

Allow yourself to be vulnerable…no one is perfect

Boldness (courage); Dare to be brave and do that which scares you

Do what you say you would do

Follow through

Challenge the status quo

Don’t fear failure…mistakes refine you, they don’t define you

Compassion; Lead with heart, care about those around you

Empathy is key to hearts and mind

People won’t care how much you know until they know how much you care

“Do what’s right and not just what’s easy…what’s easy isn’t always right, and what’s right isn’t always easy”

An example of this is Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, who is often considered a good example of a leader with all 3 of these qualities.? Nadella is known for his authentic and approachable leadership style. He openly shares personal experiences and values, providing insights into his leadership philosophy. His book, "Hit Refresh," reflects his authentic voice and transparency. He has led Microsoft through significant transformations, embracing bold initiatives such as expanding into cloud computing with Azure. His leadership has been marked by a willingness to take risks, challenge traditional norms, and position Microsoft for future success.? He emphasizes the importance of empathy and inclusivity. He has driven initiatives at Microsoft focused on accessibility and inclusivity in technology. His commitment to ethical AI development and responsible business practices reflects a compassionate approach to leadership.

In my leadership journey, I have endeavored to mirror the qualities of authenticity, boldness, and compassion that I deeply admire. Authenticity is at the core of my approach—I consistently show up with only one version of myself, transparent and open, regardless of the audience. On the boldness front, I have spearheaded transformative initiatives within IT departments across various organizations. From implementing self-service portals and virtual assistance to automating services and digitizing forms, I've championed operational efficiencies that not only enhanced the employee experience but also elevated customer satisfaction. My commitment to compassion extends beyond operations to the personal growth and well-being of individuals. I am passionate about carving career paths, advocating for work-life balance, and tirelessly championing recognition opportunities at every juncture. These principles collectively define my leadership style, shaping an environment where authenticity, boldness, and compassion drive meaningful and positive change.

As a leader, it is extremely crucial that one is decisive and rational. What do you do when you are stuck or confused?

I know I don’t have all the answers and have learned over time that so many others do, so I go to people smarter than me or deemed experts in different areas, people I respect, admire, and trust.? These are individuals who have coached, mentored, and taught me many things.? When I ask them, I know they will share freely and do this in the spirit of true support.? That’s how the best learning happens, when you’re open enough to admit you don’t know and you respect others enough to go to them because they do and want to share with you.

Mention some of the honorable awards received by your person and the company?

Despite my focus on spotlighting others, I gained recognition in 2021 as a finalist for the Reworked Employee Experience Leader of the Year. In 2022, Tycoon Success featured me among The 10 Most Influential Business Leaders, and in 2023, Insights Success recognized me as one of The Most Inspirational Women in Leadership.

Describe your working style in a few words?

My work style is an infusion of boundless passion, inspiration, and collaboration. I am dedicated to cultivating teams grounded in trust and empowerment, fostering a psychologically safe environment that celebrates the richness of diverse skills, thoughts, and styles. I see myself as the mastermind behind the creation of extraordinary outcomes—ultimately, a dynamic and passionate architect of success.

At the core of my approach is a people-centric mindset, coupled with a keen awareness of processes, and an innate ability to leverage tools effectively. I believe in uplifting others, guiding them towards their full potential, and embodying a servant leadership style that not only empowers individuals but also contributes to the collective brilliance of the team.

How do you, if at all, support diversity and inclusion at your workspace?

I am committed to fostering an environment where teams thrive on trust and empowerment, recognizing the combined strengths that arise from diverse skills, thoughts, and styles. In essence, I see myself as the visionary orchestrator, passionately designing outcomes that reflect the mosaic of our collective strengths.

Central to my approach is a dedication to supporting diversity and inclusion. I believe in the power of inclusivity, recognizing that it is not only the right thing to do but also a driving force behind innovation and success. A people-centric mindset guides my leadership, ensuring that every individual's unique contributions are not only acknowledged but celebrated. As a servant leader, I am not just focused on empowering others but on creating a culture where diversity isn't just a checkbox but a dynamic force that propels our team to new heights.

As a business leader, do you believe in micromanaging every aspect of the business or do you believe in efficient management?

As a business leader, I firmly believe in fostering a culture of trust and empowerment within my team. Micromanaging every aspect of the business is counterproductive to unlocking the full potential of individuals and the collective team. I champion efficient management that allows for a wide berth, granting autonomy to team members.

In my leadership philosophy, it's crucial to provide the space for creativity, initiative, and the freedom to make decisions. This approach encourages trial and error, which is an essential component of innovation and growth. By allowing room for experimentation, individuals on the team can learn and grow from both successes and failures.

I am a proponent of learning through experience, and this requires a level of trust that empowers team members to take ownership of their responsibilities. Rather than imposing rigid control, I believe in setting a clear vision, providing guidance, and then letting the team navigate the path to success. This approach not only enhances individual development but also contributes to a dynamic and agile organization that can adapt to challenges and seize opportunities.

What is your advice to young entrepreneurs?

Embrace the entrepreneurial journey with a mindset of perpetual learning and growth. Dive into understanding people and human behavior, asking tough yet vital questions that lead to genuine problem-solving. Take bold but calculated risks, pushing yourself beyond comfort zones and challenging the status quo. Instead of hesitating with "why," adopt a "why not" attitude, recognizing that many objections are weaker than they seem.

Throughout your entrepreneurial path, expect to be frequently outside your comfort zone, and that's a positive sign of growth. Don't overanalyze; channel the spirit of Nike—just do it. The discomfort you feel is a normal part of the journey, and the reminiscing will come later, accompanied by smiles, as you rock softly on a chair or swing in old age.

Above all, prioritize building and nurturing relationships. They are the bedrock of success and the source of the most rewarding smiles. In the world of entrepreneurship, genuine connections and problem-solving courage will be your greatest assets.

https://theciotimes.com/magazine/Top%20Five%20Influential%20Leaders%20In%20Business%20World%20Everyone%20should%20Know/