by Marianne Biangardi and Jennifer Bardot
When you began your career did you ever imagine you would have a leadership role like you have now? What advice would you give your younger self?
Yes! I imagined myself as a leader because I was encouraged to be a leader by my parents and family members. They were leaders themselves. They saw special things in me and helped me realize my potential as a young person. They suggested devoting myself to personal leadership growth by reading thoughtful books, listening to cassette tapes (this dates me), and associating with growth-minded people. The most impactful leadership book for me is “The Magic of Thinking Big,” by David A Schwarz. When we started in business ownership, I was a wife and a mother. This complex lifestyle created the need to organize my words, thoughts, and actions. We all committed to build community at Martha’s Hands Home Care Services. I would tell my younger self to think bigger and set bigger goals. Remind myself that while my plans are in sand, your dreams are in concrete. Commit them to paper!!!!
Who inspires you and why? What is your most valued attribute in the leaders you respect or mentors you have had?
The people who inspire me are those with a sparkle in their eyes. You can tell they are moving towards a worthwhile goal that benefits others. They also are looking to build others up along the way to make everyone achieve. They look for Win-Win situations.
People in my life include my family: my parents, grandparents, husband, and my children. On my faith journey, I include my Bible Study Group and my “Rose Sisters”. I am constantly meeting female leaders that make me grow into a better leader.
What did it take in order to trust yourself to step into leadership?
In order for me to step into leadership, I had to go backwards to go forwards!! This means to learn from every experience. From my successes, how can I duplicate and improve on them. From my failures, what did I learn to do differently for future success. Most recently, when Jennifer Bardot hit the speaking scene, I was in the audience at the Kirkwood/Des Peres Chamber luncheon. It was the first event in a normal setting post covid. During her talk, she lit me up with a new found purpose to dig deeper into my past pain in order to the gain in more personal growth. This moment was providential and its been two years since this awesome inflection moment. I have found more power to lead from this event and I surrendered my ego and discovered new spirit. I continue to seek guiding light from the light I see in others.
Have you experienced any hardships and how did you overcome the obstacles? When did you know, the business was going to make it?
We grew the business organically, and our foundation was firm with the hard work and support of my parents, who are also our business partners. We have endured personal hardships and business hardships. Over the past 25+ years, we have navigated impacts on our business from September 11th, several economic downturns, having our payroll company go out of business on a pay day and of course, the COVID Crisis. Our saving grace, is that we all lead from our faith. We have learned to P.A.U.S.E in hardships!! Postponing Action Until Serenity Enters This created space for us to take small steps forward to course correct.
What do you attribute your success too? Secret to your success…
Our Secret Sauce is our faith in God. My parents raised me in faith and this is my rock and saving grace. The COVID Pandemic emphasized this for me. I had to trust, surrender, and believe that there was a path forward. Staying faithful and remaining curious as to find the light at the end of the tunnel. This commitment led me to find good words and good thoughts in order to grow myself and find other good people. One of my other greatest secrets....my personal board members. Myself and three other friends found each other in our vulnerable state during the pandemic. We have conversed and prayed together every day since July of 2020. This has been powerful and a magnificent boost to my success.
What advice would you give other local women leaders?
My advice to other local women leaders is know who you are and whose you are. Lead with C.A.R.E: Compassion, Action, Respect, Elevate. As women, we can bring a unique perspective to business challenges. Be confident in sharing your perspectives. New challenges in our community will require new solutions, and I believe women will play a significant role.
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Marianne Biangardi (mbiangardi@uhy-us.com or 314-322-4871) is Sr. Associate, Marketing and Business Development, at UHY LLP.
Jennifer Bardot (ownyourgrit@gmail.com, or 314-630-1451) is CEO and Founder of G.R.I.T. Community For Women.