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?
Honestly, no. I didn’t start out imagining myself in a leadership role like the one I have now. At the beginning of my career, I was focused on doing solid work, earning respect, and figuring things out as I went. Leadership felt like something that belonged to other people, the ones who seemed to have it all together. But over time, I realized that real leadership is not about perfection. It is about showing up with purpose, staying curious, and creating space for others to succeed. Once I gave myself permission to lead in my own way, everything started to shift.
If I could give my younger self some advice, I would say this. You can be anything you want to be. Where you have been does not have to define where you are going. Do not let your past limit your future. Speak up, even if your voice shakes. You do not have to know everything to lead. What matters is that you stay true to your values and keep learning. Build meaningful relationships, protect your energy, and trust that your path will unfold even if it does not look like anyone else’s. Keep showing up. You are more capable than you think.
Who inspires you and why? What is your most valued attribute in the leaders you respect or mentors you have had?
I’m inspired by people who lead with conviction, even when it is uncomfortable. The ones who don’t chase attention but consistently show up, do the work, and lift others as they go. I’m especially moved by people who have every reason to quit or play it safe but choose to lean in and take risks anyway. That kind of quiet strength, the ability to hold steady and stay true to your values under pressure, really resonates with me. I’ve seen that in a few mentors over the years, and it sticks.
What I value most in the leaders I respect is authenticity. I have no interest in perfection or polished performances. I pay attention to how leaders treat people when there is nothing to gain. Do they listen? Do they give credit? Do they own their mistakes? That kind of integrity is what builds trust. I also admire leaders who create space for others to grow. Not just the ones who can command a room, but the ones who know how to coach, develop, and challenge people in meaningful ways.
At the end of the day, the people who inspire me most are the ones who live their values consistently, even when no one is watching. That’s what I aim to reflect in how I lead. Not chasing titles or applause, but doing the work with care, clarity, and purpose.
What did it take in order to trust yourself to step into leadership?
It took time, and it took getting uncomfortable. Trusting myself to step into leadership didn’t happen overnight. I had to stop waiting for some external validation that I was “ready” and start recognizing that leadership is more about mindset than position. I had to unlearn the idea that I needed to have all the answers. What really shifted things for me was realizing that I could lead by being grounded in my values, staying consistent in how I show up, and staying open to learning as I go.
I had to get clear on what mattered to me and why I wanted to lead in the first place. Once I connected with that purpose, the fear started to lose its grip. I also had to quiet the voice in my head that told me I wasn’t enough or that I had to be perfect to earn a seat at the table. The truth is, leadership requires courage more than certainty.
Support from the right people mattered too. I had mentors and peers who saw something in me before I saw it in myself. Their belief helped me build my own. But ultimately, I had to decide to bet on myself. To take the risk, speak up, make the decision, and learn from the outcome. That’s what trust looks like. Not waiting until you feel 100 percent confident, but showing up fully anyway.
What advice would you give other local women leaders?
The biggest piece of advice I would give other local women leaders is to stop waiting until you feel perfectly ready. Leadership is not about having it all figured out. It is about being willing to show up, take risks, and make decisions even when you are uncomfortable. Growth lives in that discomfort. You do not have to have every answer. You just have to keep showing up, learning, and adjusting as you go.
I would also say, find mentors and find them early. Surround yourself with people who will be honest with you, challenge you, and help you see the bigger picture. That kind of support is essential. Mentorship does not have to be formal, and it does not have to come from someone who looks just like you or shares your exact background. What matters is that they are invested in your growth and willing to walk alongside you as you navigate tough moments.
And make space for the next generation. As you move forward, reach back. Help other women step into their voice and their vision. We rise stronger when we are not climbing alone.
Confidence does not always show up first. Sometimes it follows action. So trust yourself enough to take the next step, even if it feels uncertain. You belong in every room you walk into. Let your work, your values, and your voice reflect that.
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Jennifer Bardot (left) (ownyourgrit@gmail.com, or 314-630-1451) is CEO and Founder of G.R.I.T. Community For Women.
Marianne Biangardi (right)(mbiangardi@uhy-us.com or 314-322-4871) is Sr. Associate, Marketing and Business Development, at UHY LLP.