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?
When I began my career, I didn’t want or expect a leadership role. I expected to focus on technical expertise, problem solving, and optimizing my own contribution. In my early roles, I found that the more I knew about the job or the technology, the more others depended on that knowledge, which naturally led to my taking on leadership positions. Later, when I joined our family business, I was in a leadership position simply by being part of the family. I had to accept and embrace the position to help the business thrive. The advice I would give to my younger self would be to dive into the leadership positions presented. Learn to trust yourself, focus on what’s most important, and ask for help when it’s needed. Perhaps most importantly, I would encourage my younger self to seek out mentors and peers and build strong, supportive relationships with them.
Who inspires you and why? What is your most valued attribute in the leaders you respect or mentors you have had?
I am inspired by so many people! My dad had a huge love for others. He was truly interested in their lives, and he made everyone feel appreciated. My mom is such a hard worker and never gives up. They and my grandparents all focused on being honorable and doing the right thing. I know several young people who inspire me with their confidence and sense of adventure. I have been inspired by various coworkers who each have different strengths including being able to work quickly and accurately, being able to laugh at themselves and correct their course, being able to react calmly in a heated situation, and being able to focus on what’s most important without being thrown off course by distractions. The attributes I value most in leadership are integrity, empathy, vision, and resilience. Leaders who can connect with others to understand their needs and motivations, who can paint a clear picture of their vision and goals, and who can bounce back from hardship are likely to be successful. A leader who demonstrates integrity is likely to gain the respect and support of others, making the job of leadership a little easier.
What did it take in order to trust yourself to step into leadership?
I learned to trust myself when I experienced others putting their trust in me. I don’t rely exclusively on my own thoughts and experiences; I ask for input from those who are close to the situation. Having input from others helps me feel comfortable with our direction. Of course, there have been times when I didn’t make the right decision. In those cases, I would get feedback and try to learn from my mistakes.
Have you experienced any hardships and how did you overcome the obstacles? When did you know, the business was going to make it?
We have faced the same challenges that other businesses have faced including recessions, COVID, and tight labor markets. In each case we worked through the issues by being mindful of how we handled expenses, working closely with customers to meet their needs, and relying on our team to be innovative. One extraordinary challenge we faced was being hit by a tornado that damaged or destroyed a significant portion of our buildings and equipment and left us without power for two weeks. We survived by reacting quickly, getting help wherever we could, and working closely with customers and suppliers who helped us by moving orders up or out. We would not have survived had we not had strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and team members.
What do you attribute your success too? Secret to your success…
I attribute success to working hard, digging into details, problem solving, and working with a fantastic, committed, knowledgeable group of coworkers. One other factor is that I believe it is the responsibility of a leader to find tools or solutions that will make team goals easier to achieve. Whether it is a new piece of equipment, a software solution, or a streamlined process, we always strive to improve our operations.
What advice would you give other local women leaders?
I would advise others to be knowledgeable about all aspects of their business but continue to take input from those who do the work daily. Earn respect, don’t rely on position alone. Give others respect. Listen to others but make your own decisions.
Join the GRIT Community:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8987243/
Jennifer Bardot (ownyourgrit@gmail.com, or
314-630-1451) is CEO and Founder of G.R.I.T. Community For Women.
Marianne Biangardi (mbiangardi@uhy-us.com or 314-322-4871) is Sr. Associate, Marketing and Business Development, at UHY LLP.