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 it comes to leadership, yes as it relates to responsibility, professional growth and growing/mentoring others as my career progressed. Leading a non-profit organization, I would not have imagined. As I developed career goals, I knew little about the non-profit world and the opportunities of personal and professional growth available.
I would advise my younger self to explore business and the connection to mission driven organizations at an earlier age.
Who inspires you and why? What is your most valued attribute in the leaders you respect or mentors you have had?
The immigrant story that many in our nation share. Leaving loved ones, oftentimes with little money, language barriers and new cultures takes a level of bravery and courage that is inspirational to me.
The most valued attribute in leaders/mentors I respect is trust. The actions needed to build true trust between two people demonstrates caring, authenticity and respect of one another.
What did it take in order to trust yourself to step into leadership?
Understanding that there is strength in the phrase, “I don’t know” as long as it is followed by “and I will find out.” Leading with curiosity and learning vs. having all the answers is when you gain a higher level of effective leadership.
Have you experienced any hardships and how did you overcome the obstacles. When did you know, the business was going to make it?
Hardships only as defined against my own standards. I realize in my hardships, I am still living a life that many throughout the world would see as blessed and I do not take it for granted. The hardship of job loss and its ripple effect fuels me to lead the nonprofit, Job Seekers’ Garden Club (JSGC). We are growing and I would say the reason it has existed for 6 years is the caring passion of our founder, our volunteers and donors.
What do you attribute your success too? Secret to your success…
1. Never give up!
2. Live by my personal mission statement- My work/life inspires others to live their BEST life!
3. Cultivating strong relationships with family and friends
4. My Greek Orthodox Christian faith
What advice would you give other local women leaders?
1. Trust yourself
2. Build a network of personal and professional individuals that you can count on- always!
3. Champion others- success is only great when shared.
Other items you would like to highlight
Support JSGC by purchasing our book - Discovering Your Purpose in Today’s World. n
Join the GRIT Community:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8987243/
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.