Women Who Lead Online Feature | Lisa Bellile

Meet Lisa Bellile

“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.” —Melinda Gates, philanthropist

Who or what has influenced you as a leader?

I am who I am as a leader not because of one influencer, but several.? My one most near and dear to my heart is my mother, Jean. She is a breast cancer survivor, mother of three, and is the most selfless, compassionate person I have ever had in my life. My mom has taught me to feel all the emotions, but not to live too long in the negative ones. She has shown me it’s better to give than receive and not to take yourself too seriously. Laughter is good for the soul.

An influencer I most recently have had the privilege to learn from is Jess Ekstrom, founder of Headbands of Hope and author of Chasing the Bright Side. She is empowering and motivating women to be the best version of themselves and tell their stories to the world. Jess has created public speaking workshops and shares her own journey and wisdom. She reminds us how powerful human connection is and that our own story could be someone’s lifeline.

What one book would you recommend to a young woman beginning her leadership journey? Why?

The one book I would recommend to a young woman beginning her leadership journey would be Chasing the Bright Side by Jess Ekstrom. She’s raw and real with her trials and tribulations in creating her company, Headbands of Hope, while in college. Jess uses the power of optimism to inspire others to use their skills to do good in the world and to reach their highest potential. She reminds us that women's voices need to be heard and that we should continue to encourage one another. Jess has inspired me to take my Life Coaching with Lisa B. from a small one-on-one platform to being a motivational and keynote speaker on a larger stage. Chasing the Bright Side is a good read for all.

In your opinion, what are three? barriers or challenges women in leadership are still facing today?

Three barriers or challenges women face today:

1. Respect-A woman leader making difficult decisions and having tough conversations with people is viewed unfavorably while a man in the same position would be praised for getting the job done.

2. Unconscious Bias-Looking at the lens from a K-12 public education perspective and my experience, our educational leaders are predominantly men while the entry level or ground working positions are women. This is also true in the public speaking industry.

3. Self-confidence-As a woman and a mother, I struggled at times to believe I could be a successful professional leader while still being an amazing mom. I put the pressure on myself that I would need to pick one or the other: career or family. As women we need to build each other up. Be in each other's corner. We all know we are our own worst critic.

What is your "why"?

Your ‘why’, in my opinion, is the foundation for the purpose you have in this life. I remind myself that life is not meant to be lived alone, give back when I can, show kindness to all, and have faith that all will work out in the end.

Please share your WORDS OF GRATITUDE for women who have come before you.?

I am forever grateful for the women who used their voices to seek equality, persevered to lead rather than be led, and the reminder that we are stronger together.??

Please share your WORDS OF WISDOM for the young women who will come behind you.

• Your vision and voice matter
• Don’t be afraid to sit at the head of the table
• Believe your shortcomings are your biggest life lessons

--

About Lisa Bellile

Lisa Bellile has a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation along with a Master’s Degree in Special Education. She was a Special Education Teacher for 17 years before making the change to a Social Emotional Learning Coordinator at a K-5 school. Lisa is a lifelong learner as she continues to look for ways to inspire and motivate others. Through her journey as a working mom, she has learned to balance her passion for helping people while still being an active, nurturing mother to her two children. Lisa is the founder of Life Coaching with Lisa B. and motivational speaker with Speak For the W.I.N. She speaks about empowering people to actively engage and take control of the changes in their lives using three simple concepts known as W.I.N.

--

Are you a "Woman Who Leads?" Click HERE to be featured. Also, please share the link with another Woman Who Leads, so they too can be featured!

?To learn more about Women Who Lead, please visit: www.womenwholeadanthology.com