UniGroup Holds First Women's Leadership Workshop at 2023 Learning Conference

At our recent annual Learning Conference, we held our first Women’s Leadership Workshop. Led by Dr. Erika Michalski, it was geared toward new, seasoned and potential leaders from agencies in the UniGroup network. Emphasizing ways to improve, refine or grow one’s leadership skill set, the workshop provided impactful tools. Known by clients and colleagues as a person who believes even the most ambitious goals are possible, Dr. Erika encourages leaders to have a nimble, supportive plan rooted in authenticity and shared the following words about the workshop:?

"In order to design a successful program dedicated to women’s leadership development, you need to create a space for them to celebrate successes and discuss challenges without fear of being labeled. Across my career, I have heard many women struggle with speaking up in mixed company. Some women are afraid to say, ‘This is something I am proud of’ because women are generally conditioned to keep pride in our accomplishments to ourselves. And others are afraid to say, ‘This is a challenge I'm facing’ because they worry someone will decide they aren't qualified for a role because they are facing struggles. So, they show up to a development opportunity with reservations about participation.?

If a program is going to provide a meaningful development opportunity, it must focus on empowering individuals to fully engage. They need to feel a sense of psychological safety when it comes to such discussions. This isn't usually an issue for male participants — many have such conversations over the course of a regular workday. So, participating in a leadership development workshop feels natural. For females, it can feel too risky.?

Celebrations and challenges are both part of the leadership process. Sharing those with others can be tremendously validating, opening doors to new solutions. Likewise, hearing others’ celebrations and challenges?can generate new ideas or create opportunities to support someone else. Programs for women can honor their worth by ensuring they experience moments of validation and support. Crafting an experience like this isn't always easy, but it IS always worth the effort. ?

So many participants have shared ways they employed the skills they learned. From assessing habits to rethinking decision making; reviewing project management through a holistic lens; and deepening self-awareness to cultivate emotional intelligence, participants have actively applied what they learned to achieve their authentic successes. And THAT is the greatest feedback of all!”?

We also heard from attendee, Lindsay Quick, supervisor of invoicing and supplier payments at UniGroup, who shared her personal experiences during the Women’s Leadership Workshop.?

"Dr. Erika Michalski’s discussion on how our thought processes are often rooted in negative emotional responses — as well as the ways to recognize and shift those behaviors — really resonated with me. It is easy to get caught up in work. However, humanizing those doing the work is imperative as a leader. When we shift toward positive and empathetic leadership, our teams feel valued. Then, the work becomes meaningful. Our teams consist of people who are producers, not producers who happen to be people. And our people should always come first!"?

We’re proud to have helped women in our network grow their leadership skills, regardless of what stage they are in their careers. We can’t thank Dr. Erika enough for her contributions and look forward to?offering future learning opportunities to women in the UniGroup network. We will also continue to celebrate the important work they do for our industry.?