I recently had the privilege of attending the 7th session of the Weekly JC Leadership and HR Series, titled “Women at the Helm – Navigating Leadership Challenges.” This session offered valuable insights into the unique leadership challenges and triumphs experienced by three remarkable women leaders, providing a wealth of knowledge for aspiring leaders.
Malyn Molina’s Leadership Wisdom
Malyn Molina, President & COO of EON Group, shared her extensive experience from over 20 years in the communications field, including 15 years in senior leadership roles. Molina emphasized the importance of understanding the environment in leadership, particularly recognizing the aspirations of individuals striving to become CEOs. She noted that effective leadership involves clear communication of the organization’s vision and highlighted that women often excel in leadership roles during crises. This success, she explained, is not due to stereotypes but rather to essential leadership traits such as collaboration, humility, self-awareness, and openness to feedback—qualities often associated with women.
Donna Grande on the Power of Influence
Donna Grande, SVP for People at QBE, a seasoned HR leader with over 20 years of experience, discussed the power of influence in leadership. Grande pointed out that leaders, regardless of gender or identity, are constantly influencing others and persuading them to align with their vision. She highlighted that leadership comes with its own set of challenges, both internal and external. Leaders often juggle these challenges simultaneously, drawing energy from the people they serve and lead. For Grande, maintaining a strong connection with her team is crucial for sustaining motivation and enthusiasm, which in turn helps her lead effectively.
Atty. Kristine Padilla’s Insights on Leadership and Advocacy
Atty. Kristine Padilla, Senior Vice President and Head of Compliance at ANZ Philippines, shared her expertise from 13 years in banking and anti-money laundering. Padilla, also a co-chair of Women’s Networks, drives compliance across the organization while championing women’s rights. She discussed overcoming impostor syndrome by identifying challenges and serving a higher purpose. Padilla emphasized the importance of mentorship and being heard, noting that these factors played a significant role in overcoming her own feelings of inadequacy.
Key Takeaways and Leadership Lessons
This session provided a comprehensive overview of how women in leadership roles navigate and overcome challenges in today’s dynamic business environment. The discussion underscored the importance of recognizing one’s strengths, the value of influence, and the role of mentorship in overcoming obstacles. The key takeaway is that effective leadership transcends gender; success lies in understanding and leveraging traits that drive collaboration, humility, self-awareness, and influence.
By applying these insights, aspiring leaders can better navigate their own leadership journeys, fostering an environment where effective leadership is defined by the ability to address challenges with a blend of interpersonal skills and strategic thinking.
John Clements Consultants regularly holds training sessions for current and future leaders. Check out our upcoming events and see how we help women leaders grow and succeed.
